# Best Product Data Management (PDM) Software for Small Business *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)* Products classified in the overall Product Data Management (PDM) category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Product Data Management (PDM) to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Product Data Management (PDM) category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Product Data Management (PDM) Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Product Data Management (PDM) Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business. ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 80 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 5,000+ Authentic Reviews - 80+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score) ### 1. [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) Onshape by PTC is the leading cloud-native CAD & PDM platform that runs on any device, anywhere-requiring zero IT. Onshape is for product design companies who are fed up with the errors, time waste, and hidden costs of outdated file-based CAD & PDM. Only Onshape: - Eliminates CAD crashes and never loses data - Enables secure, real-time collaboration - Tracks all activity and provides infinite restore - Has built-in PDM with branching and merging **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 682 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Boston, Massachusetts - **Twitter:** @PTC (37,603 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1935/ (8,226 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: PTC **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Mechanical Engineer, Owner - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Design - **Company Size:** 79% Small-Business, 17% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (28 reviews) - Collaboration (22 reviews) - Online Accessibility (21 reviews) - Features (15 reviews) - Sharing (15 reviews) **Cons:** - Missing Features (18 reviews) - Lack of Features (10 reviews) - Drawing Issues (7 reviews) - Internet Dependency (7 reviews) - Limited CAD Features (7 reviews) ### 2. [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) Teamcenter® software is a modern, adaptable product lifecycle management (PLM) system designed to help organizations manage the entire lifecycle of a product from inception, through engineering design and manufacturing, to service and disposal. By connecting people and processes across functional silos, Teamcenter utilizes a digital thread to facilitate innovation and streamline product development. This comprehensive approach enables teams to collaborate effectively, ensuring that every stakeholder is engaged in the product development process. The target audience for Teamcenter encompasses a diverse range of professionals, including manufacturers, engineers, and product managers across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods. These professionals often face complex challenges in product development, including managing intricate supply chains, ensuring compliance with regulations, and meeting customer demands for faster innovation. Teamcenter addresses these challenges by providing a centralized platform where teams can access critical information, share insights, and make informed decisions throughout the product lifecycle. Key features of Teamcenter include robust data management capabilities that allow users to organize and control product data efficiently. The software supports advanced visualization tools that enable teams to review and analyze designs collaboratively, which reduces errors and enhances decision-making. Additionally, Teamcenter's intuitive user interface simplifies navigation, making it easier for users to engage with the system and access the information they need. The platform also offers flexible deployment options, allowing organizations to choose between on-premises, cloud-based, or SaaS solutions via Teamcenter X, ensuring that they can adapt the software to their specific needs and infrastructure. The benefits of using Teamcenter are significant. Organizations can innovate faster by leveraging the software's comprehensive portfolio of solutions tailored to various aspects of product development. The integration of processes and data helps to eliminate silos, fostering collaboration and improving communication among teams. Furthermore, Teamcenter's scalability ensures that it can grow alongside an organization, accommodating increasing complexity and volume in product development efforts. By providing a unified platform for managing the entire product lifecycle, Teamcenter empowers organizations to deliver high-quality products more efficiently and effectively. In essence, Teamcenter serves as a vital tool for organizations looking to enhance their product development processes, ensuring that they can navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing and meet the evolving demands of the market. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 912 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Siemens Digital Industries Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/siemens-digital-industries-software) - **Company Website:** https://www.sw.siemens.com/ - **Year Founded:** 1980 - **HQ Location:** Plano, Texas - **Twitter:** @siemenssoftware (36,953 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/28423178/ (20,658 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Design Engineer, Application Engineer - **Top Industries:** Automotive, Aviation & Aerospace - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 34% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (122 reviews) - Data Management (93 reviews) - Integrations (91 reviews) - Features (88 reviews) - Product Lifecycle Management (79 reviews) **Cons:** - Difficult Usability (58 reviews) - Learning Difficulty (58 reviews) - Learning Curve (55 reviews) - Complexity (50 reviews) - Not Intuitive (35 reviews) ### 3. [OpenBOM](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/reviews) OpenBOM is a cloud-native Collaborative Workspace for engineering and manufacturing teams that connects design, BOMs, procurement, and production in one real-time platform. It delivers a unified combination of PDM, Digital BOM, PLM, and lightweight ERP capabilities built around a Product Knowledge Graph, enabling teams to manage product data, changes, costs, suppliers, and orders without spreadsheets or disconnected systems. OpenBOM helps engineering and manufacturing organizations: -Streamline CAD data management with built-in multi-CAD add-ins. -Automate EBOM/MBOM/SBOM creation and ensure accurate change control. -Improve procurement and production planning with RFQ, PO, and inventory tools. -Share data instantly with internal teams and external partners. -Transfer accurate data to ERP and maintain full lifecycle traceability. The result: fewer errors, earlier supply-chain visibility, lower operational cost, and a seamless digital thread from design to manufacturing. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 786 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [OpenBOM(Newman Cloud Inc)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/openbom-newman-cloud-inc) - **Company Website:** https://openbom.com - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Boston, MA - **Twitter:** @openbom (2,626 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/11809230/ (12 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Mechanical Engineer, Engineer - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing - **Company Size:** 74% Small-Business, 21% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (106 reviews) - BOM Management (96 reviews) - CAD Integration (56 reviews) - Features (41 reviews) - Collaboration (37 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (41 reviews) - Learning Difficulty (31 reviews) - Missing Features (30 reviews) - Poor Interface Design (27 reviews) - Integration Issues (24 reviews) ### 4. [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) Altium Develop is a shared environment that brings every stage of electronic product development together - from requirements and design to supply chain and manufacturing. Built on the trusted foundation of Altium Designer and Altium 365, it enables real-time collaboration across disciplines, eliminating delays from file transfers and disconnected tools. With built-in access to live component data, contextual requirements, and integrated reviews, teams can work as one and avoid late-stage surprises. Altium Develop turns collaboration into true co-creation, helping engineers and partners build better products faster. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 969 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 7.6/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Altium](https://www.g2.com/sellers/altium-caf10713-ff96-44ab-90af-cc9c6c9ef346) - **Company Website:** https://www.altium.com/ - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** La Jolla, CA - **Twitter:** @altium (9,837 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/11855/ (1,248 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Electrical Engineer, Student - **Top Industries:** Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, Automotive - **Company Size:** 58% Small-Business, 30% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (272 reviews) - Features (218 reviews) - PCB Design (145 reviews) - Collaboration (136 reviews) - Efficiency (101 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (93 reviews) - Expensive (91 reviews) - Missing Features (65 reviews) - Complex Interface (57 reviews) - Slow Performance (51 reviews) ### 5. [Autodesk Vault](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-vault/reviews) Autodesk Vault is product data management software that integrates with Autodesk design tools and other CAD systems to keep everyone working from a central source of organized data. Vault automates design and engineering processes, tracks revisions and design history as you work, and controls what people can access and edit. Use Vault to increase collaboration and streamline workflows across engineering, manufacturing, and extended teams. **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 52 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 5.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 6.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk) - **Year Founded:** 1982 - **HQ Location:** San Francisco - **Twitter:** @autodesk (275,061 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ADSK **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Oil & Energy - **Company Size:** 52% Mid-Market, 28% Small-Business ### 6. [Bild](https://www.g2.com/products/bild/reviews) Bild is a cloud-based Product Data and Lifecycle Management (PDM/PLM) platform built for modern hardware teams that need better control over CAD files, versions, and product data. Designed to work alongside existing CAD workflows, Bild gives engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams a single source of truth for managing hardware development without slowing teams down or adding unnecessary complexity. Bild simplifies CAD data management and version control. Engineers can securely store, access, and manage design files from anywhere, ensuring teams always work from the latest version. Built-in check-in/check-out, version history, and change tracking eliminate the risk of overwriting work, reduce errors, and improve accountability across teams. Whether managing individual parts or complex assemblies, Bild makes it easy to understand what changed, who changed it, and why. Beyond version control, Bild supports BOM management and cross-functional collaboration by connecting product data across the entire lifecycle. Engineering changes automatically surface to manufacturing and operations teams through role-specific workflows, helping teams stay aligned as products move from design to production. Suppliers and external partners can securely collaborate on designs, share documentation, and provide feedback without exposing sensitive internal data. Unlike legacy PLM systems, Bild is cloud-native, fast to deploy, and intuitive to use. Teams can access CAD files and product information anytime, anywhere, without VPNs or heavy infrastructure. The modern interface lowers adoption barriers and enables teams to get value quickly, without months of training or expensive implementation projects. By centralizing product data and streamlining collaboration, Bild helps hardware teams reduce production risk, improve visibility, and move faster with confidence. From early-stage startups to scaling hardware organizations and global enterprises, Bild provides a flexible and accessible PDM/PLM solution that grows with your product development needs. Key benefits include: - Cloud-based CAD and product data management - Secure version control and change tracking - Centralized BOM management - Supplier and cross-team collaboration - Faster time to market with reduced risk **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 32 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Bild](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bild) - **Company Website:** https://www.getbild.com/ - **HQ Location:** San Francisco, California - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbild/ (20 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Automotive - **Company Size:** 72% Small-Business, 22% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (6 reviews) - Customer Support (4 reviews) - Features (4 reviews) - Sharing (4 reviews) - Version Control (4 reviews) **Cons:** - Bug Issues (3 reviews) - File Management (3 reviews) - Missing Features (3 reviews) - Assembly Issues (2 reviews) - Confusing Functionality (2 reviews) ### 7. [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) What is Autodesk Fusion Manage? Fusion Manage is cloud-based product lifecycle management that is easy to implement and use. Powerful PLM processes with data-driven workflows empower greater productivity across roles and responsibilities. As teams work together to bring product ideas to life, everyone uses the same data and live record of a product. Enjoy the flexibility, faster time to value, and low total cost of ownership of cloud PLM that adapts to your business. Implement what you need, when you need it with the simplicity of configurable, out-of-the-box workflows and an open API for integrations with other business systems. Key features: - New product introduction: Reduce delays and get to market faster with project templates, standardized phase-gate milestones, and automated workflows. - Product portfolio management: Build a competitive product portfolio with automation helping you manage the whole lifecycle of products from ideation through development to launch. - Quality management: Improve product quality and traceability with automated processes to manage non-conformance, return merchandise authorizations (RMA), corrective/preventative actions (CAPA), failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), and supplier quality action reports (SCAR). Quality and engineering have a closed-loop change process to improve product designs, identify supplier problems, and make corrections. - Bill of Materials management: Ensure everyone is working with the most up-to-date information with centralized, structured BOMs and items. - Change management: Manage changes efficiently, including change requests, change orders, change tasks, electronic approvals, and problem reports with automated processes and full traceability. - Supplier collaboration: Stay connected to your supply chain with anytime, anywhere access to the information your extended stakeholders need for quoting, procurement, and product development processes. - Requirements management: Ensure that your products meet market and customer expectations by managing all requirements in a connected environment. Automated workflows manage approval signoffs, revision control, and track changes. - Ideas management: Drive innovation by capturing ideas and applying a formal process to review and implement those ideas and documentation of outcomes. - Comprehensive process template library: Increase productivity using the Fusion Manage template library. A collection of free, ready-to-implement business processes with pre-configured workspaces to reduce implementation time. Fusion Manage provides enterprise-wide access to data and collaboration for all involved in the product lifecycle—from engineering and supply chain to quality and manufacturing so you can bring better products to market faster and at lower cost. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 107 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Autodesk](https://www.g2.com/sellers/autodesk) - **Company Website:** https://www.autodesk.com - **Year Founded:** 1982 - **HQ Location:** San Francisco - **Twitter:** @autodesk (275,061 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/autodesk/ (15,679 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Design Engineer - **Top Industries:** Automotive, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering - **Company Size:** 44% Mid-Market, 42% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Cloud Integration (3 reviews) - Collaboration (3 reviews) - Ease of Use (3 reviews) - Real-time Collaboration (3 reviews) - Workflow Efficiency (3 reviews) **Cons:** - Complexity (2 reviews) - Workflow Issues (2 reviews) - Configuration Issues (1 reviews) - Difficult Configuration (1 reviews) - Difficult Setup (1 reviews) ### 8. [SolidWorks PDM](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-pdm/reviews) SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) is a comprehensive solution designed to help teams efficiently manage and collaborate on product development data. By centralizing the storage of CAD models and associated documents in a secure, indexed repository, it ensures that design data is easily accessible, up-to-date, and protected against loss. Integrated seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS and Windows Explorer, SOLIDWORKS PDM streamlines workflows, automates version control, and enhances collaboration across multiple locations. Key Features and Functionality: - File Management: Centralized storage and retrieval of all design data, with automatic updates to file references when files are moved or renamed. - Design Reuse: Powerful search tools within Windows Explorer enable quick location and reuse of existing design data, reducing time and costs. - Revision Control: Tracks design changes, allowing files to be checked out and locked during modifications, with live notifications for updates. - Secure File Vaulting: Protects sensitive product information by creating a secure file vault, ensuring data is safe, up-to-date, and easily accessible. - Automated Workflows: Automates document creation and approval processes, streamlining business operations from engineering to production. - Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Maintains and leverages BOM information for downstream applications, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Primary Value and User Solutions: SOLIDWORKS PDM addresses common challenges in product development by providing a robust platform for data management. It eliminates concerns over version control and data loss, enabling teams to collaborate effectively across multiple locations. By automating workflows and ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the most current data, it reduces errors, enhances productivity, and accelerates time-to-market. Whether for small teams or large enterprises, SOLIDWORKS PDM offers scalable solutions to meet diverse data management needs. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 72 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Solidworks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/solidworks) - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Waltham, MA - **Twitter:** @SOLIDWORKS (178,768 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/solidworks/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** EPA: DSY **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Design - **Company Size:** 51% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - CAD Integration (1 reviews) - Document Management (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Easy Integrations (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Configuration Issues (1 reviews) - Difficult Setup (1 reviews) - Installation Issues (1 reviews) - Slow Loading (1 reviews) ### 9. [Synergis Adept](https://www.g2.com/products/synergis-adept/reviews) Synergis Adept is an engineering document management (EDM) and product data management (PDM) solution that centralizes CAD drawings, engineering documents, and product data with version control, workflow automation, and secure access. Designed for asset-intensive, engineering-driven organizations, Adept replaces disconnected file systems, shared drives, and manual processes with a single, governed source of truth. It ensures teams always work from the latest, approved information while maintaining full revision history, traceability, and audit trails. Unlike other document management or ECM systems, Adept is purpose-built for engineering document control, with native support for complex CAD files and technical documentation across the asset lifecycle. It connects engineering, operations, and maintenance teams, improving collaboration and ensuring accurate information is accessible when and where it’s needed. With Adept, organizations can: • Control CAD files and engineering documents in one system • Enforce version and revision control to prevent errors and rework • Quickly locate documents using advanced search and metadata • Automate approvals and engineering change workflows • Maintain audit trails and support regulatory compliance • Secure and protect sensitive data with role-based access controls Adept integrates with CAD platforms—like AutoCAD, Inventor, and SOLIDWORKS—and ERP and enterprise systems to ensure engineering data flows seamlessly across the broader IT ecosystem. Customers consistently highlight the ability to locate the right drawings, improve collaboration, and trust that teams are working with the most current information. By improving access to critical engineering and product data, Adept helps teams reduce risk, support compliance, accelerate projects, and operate more efficiently. What is Engineering Document Management? Engineering Document Management is the process of organizing, storing, tracking, and controlling engineering-related documents throughout the lifecycle of a project or product. How is Adept different from other document management solutions? Adept is purpose-built for asset-intensive organizations with complex engineering documentation, with deep CAD integration, version control, and automated workflows. Who is Adept best suited for? Adept is designed for engineering-driven organizations in manufacturing, utilities, energy, engineering, construction, oil and gas, life sciences, and facilities and buildings. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 192 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Synergis Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/synergis-software-caf01ca2-cdb0-413c-b593-fd765ffcb51a) - **Company Website:** https://www.synergissoftware.com - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Quakertown, PA - **Twitter:** @SynergisAdept (496 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/302560/ (76 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Oil & Energy - **Company Size:** 63% Mid-Market, 20% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (23 reviews) - Document Management (19 reviews) - Ease of Use (17 reviews) - Helpful (12 reviews) - Search Efficiency (10 reviews) **Cons:** - Poor Viewer Quality (8 reviews) - Performance Issues (7 reviews) - Bug Issues (6 reviews) - Limited Features (6 reviews) - Missing Features (6 reviews) ### 10. [GrabCAD Workbench](https://www.g2.com/products/grabcad-workbench/reviews) GrabCAD Workbench is the simple cloud-based PDM that makes it easy for engineering organizations to manage and share CAD files without the cost and IT hassle of traditional installed solutions. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 26 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Repository:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.4/10) - **Workflows:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Types:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [GrabCAD](https://www.g2.com/sellers/grabcad) - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Cambridge, MA - **Twitter:** @GrabCAD (8,866 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1114814/ (88 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering - **Company Size:** 56% Small-Business, 19% Mid-Market ## Parent Category [CAD & PLM Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-plm) ## Related Categories - [Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm) - [Engineering Document Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/engineering-document-management) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About PDM Software ### What is PDM Software? PDM, or product data management software gives users a place to store and manage all product information. This centralized database for all product information can store designs, engineering data, bills of materials, and critical information on processes used to create and modify product data. Accessing design files from CAD software or other design solutions can be extremely challenging at times. Sometimes these design files can be difficult to find, or not communicate enough information about the product. PDM software creates a centralized database for users so they can have access to critical product data that would otherwise be difficult to locate. Key Benefits of PDM Software - Find data more efficiently, saving time for users - Provide more visibility and improve collaboration across teams - Reduce development errors and costs ### Why Use PDM Software? PDM software helps companies gain total control over their product information and data. This allows users to improve collaboration, enhance traceability, and create a more efficient product development process. Additionally, one central location for all this important product information provides more visibility across teams, as well as accessibility and ease of use for clients. In a competitive market, designers and manufacturers must use every edge they have so they can bring products to market in the most efficient way possible. PDM software provides that extra edge, and is an essential tool to get the most out of engineering and design teams. **Improved collaboration —** Perhaps the most useful function of installing a PDM software is collaboration. PDM software allows users to share data quickly, track revisions that are made to the data, and provide comments and suggestions in the database. **Quicker time to market —** When engineers have quicker access to the data they’re looking for, it allows them to design at a more efficient pace. This generally speeds up the design process and quickly brings the product to market. **Less errors —** A centralized database where multiple users and teams can check each other’s data usually results in fewer errors. This both enhances and expedites the process as errors can be caught and corrected by multiple parties. ### Who Uses PDM Software? **Manufacturers —** Manufacturers utilize PDM software so they can control product data throughout the product lifecycle, from initial design stages to the final production of a product. Having control over product data allows manufacturers to streamline and automate processes related to the product such as engineering change orders. ### Kinds of PDM Software **Cloud PDM —** Cloud solutions allow users to access the software on an online server. This gives users the added benefit of providing more collaboration and accessibility. For businesses that work with companies in other countries, this is a crucial factor to consider. The drawbacks for some businesses might be the subscription-based model that many operate on; this means that most services charge on a monthly basis instead of a one-time cost. The reliance on internet connectivity to use the software can also be difficult for some organizations. Cloud connectivity can be difficult for some businesses and organizations if they do not always have reliable access to the internet. **On-premise PDM —** On-premise solutions are generally installed on local desktops and come at a one-time cost. The associated benefits of on-premise solutions include customizability, not relying on Wi-Fi, and having total control and ownership of the software. However, on-premise PDMs do not benefit from updates or additional IT help if something is not working properly like cloud PDMs. ### PDM Software Features **Remote access —** One of the key features of PDM software is remote access. This is especially useful for teams that have to communicate across the globe. The PDM enables remote design locations to receive real-time updates on design changes, which allows them to have immediate access to the data. **Secure access—** Secure access features allow users to set permissions on who is allowed to access the software. This is a great way to ensure that your data is always secure. **Data lookup —** Data lookup features allow users to quickly locate documents based on product names, contained data, metadata, workflow state, and other parameters. **Collaboration—** Beyond sharing access to data, PDM software allows users to share collaborative feedback on each other’s work. Users can share 2D or 3D views of teammate’s work and offer comments and feedback directly in the software. **Revision control —** PDM software allows users to go back and look at all past changes that were made in the dataset. Even if a project has been going on for months, users can access past versions. This ensures that no data gets lost, and allows users to reuse old designs. **Manufacturing processes —** Manufacturers use PDM software for managing product data, and to establish a centralized location for best processes. ### Potential Issues with PDM Software **Having multiple CAD systems —** One of the major issues that can occur when implementing a PDM is if you need to import data from multiple CAD systems. Often times, vendors have a PDM associated with their particular CAD system. These are PDM systems that offer more functionality if they are integrated with the same vendor’s CAD system. Some users say that the only problem with this is that if you have other CAD systems, then the PDM might lag more or have difficultly integrating with it. ### Software and Services Related to PDM Software [**Computer-aided design software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad) **—** PDM software is designed to integrate with general purpose CAD software. Users can import their design data into the PDM so multiple teams can access, view and edit the data. This makes all of the data accessible and easy to locate for users. [**Quality management system (QMS)**](https://www.g2.com/categories/quality-management-qms) **—** Connecting your PDM software with a quality management system or QMS allows users to enhance the data stored in their PDM. By integrating a QMS, users add an extra layer of data that can include critical information related to quality standards and regulations. The QMS can also serve as a great database for any incidents or inspections that are related to any products.