Best Product Data Management (PDM) Software
Product data management (PDM) software manages product data such as CAD models and manufacturing instructions. PDM is mostly used by manufacturing companies to control product data from design to production. This type of software is beneficial for designers creating the initial specifications of a new product and production managers following manufacturing instructions.
PDM can be delivered separately or as a part of a PLM software solution. PDM should not be confused with product information management (PIM) software, which is used mostly by retailers to manage information on products after they are manufactured.
To qualify for inclusion in the Product Data Management category, a product must:
Best Product Data Management (PDM) Software At A Glance
G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.
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
Teamcenter is a product lifecycle management (PLM) tool that centralizes product information, enhances collaboration, and streamlines workflows. Reviewers like Teamcenter's robust data management capabilities, seamless integration with other tools, and its ability to enhance collaboration and efficiency across teams. Reviewers mentioned that Teamcenter has a steep learning curve, can be complex to use, and may be costly for small and medium-sized businesses.
36,910 Twitter followers
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 wast
Onshape is a cloud-based CAD software that allows users to access and manage their designs from any device with an internet connection. Reviewers appreciate Onshape's user-friendly interface, its ability to facilitate real-time collaboration, and its automatic saving and versioning features, as well as its customer support and frequent updates. Reviewers experienced performance issues with large assemblies, occasional system lags, and challenges with external collaboration for enterprise users, and they also noted that the software is entirely dependent on a stable internet connection.
37,650 Twitter followers
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 comb
OpenBOM is a product data management tool that integrates with CAD software to streamline the design process and track parts in projects. Users frequently mention the seamless integration with CAD software like SolidWorks and Fusion360, which automates the upload of drawings and parts, and the real-time visibility into margins and costs, enhancing workflow efficiency. Users experienced challenges with the initial onboarding and understanding the workflow logic, and reported issues with the user interface feeling dated, slow performance with large assemblies, and occasional errors with CAD integrations.
2,634 Twitter followers
PTC's Market Leading PLM Solution, Windchill, is an application suite that manages all aspects of the product development lifecycle—from concept through service and retirement—by enabling a digital th
37,650 Twitter followers
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 foundat
Altium Develop is a software tool that integrates design, collaboration, and automation tools for complex PCB development. Reviewers appreciate the seamless integration of design, collaboration, and automation tools, the built-in version control, structured collaboration, and the ability to track changes, manage revisions, and see who modified what without relying on manual file naming or shared drives. Users experienced difficulties with the import wizard, found the software overly complex at times, experienced sync lags during heavy sessions, and found it hard to work with version histories and collab for baselining and branching workflows when multiple teams are involved.
9,833 Twitter followers
SAP Engineering Control Center is an integration platform that unifies mechanical, electrical, and electronic design data, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration within product development team
297,265 Twitter followers
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 alo
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, workf
Adept is a document management software that is used to streamline work processes and integrate with other software like Autodesk. Reviewers frequently mention the ease of use, the effective search features, and the seamless integration with Autodesk software, as well as the responsive customer support and the software's ability to handle large amounts of data. Reviewers experienced issues with the embedded JIF, slow delivery of documents in the new viewer, occasional glitches when viewing large lists of files, and limitations in the system's functionality, including the lack of an option to print directly to a printer.
498 Twitter followers
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 de
275,277 Twitter followers
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 produc
275,277 Twitter followers
Aras Innovator is a flexible and scalable Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform designed to help organizations manage complex product data, processes, and digital threads across the enterprise.
3,379 Twitter followers
Sibe is a Cloud PDM with add-ins for Solidworks and Autodesk Inventor, helping Mechanical Engineering teams to collaborate and deliver 3D & 2D product designs. Share IP-protected CAD files exte
Epicor Kinetic is a global, cloud-focused cognitive ERP solution built for manufacturers, driving profitability through real-time insights, people-centric AI, and seamless collaboration. Positioned at
Kinetic is a cloud-based software designed for manufacturing companies, offering features such as inventory management, financial data tracking, and user customization. Users like Kinetic's user-friendly interface, its ability to easily locate financial data, the extensive tools and modules it offers, and its customization features that allow for personalization and flexibility. Reviewers experienced issues with the software's high learning curve, lack of offline mode, difficulty in finding data, and the need for constant updates and bug fixes.
9,325 Twitter followers
The Arbortext solution streamlines the way organizations create, manage, and deliver technical publications & service information. Arbortext connects the writers and illustrators who create produc
37,650 Twitter followers
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.
8,877 Twitter followers
Learn More About Product Data Management (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.
