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SOLIDWORKS PDM

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

What is PDM Implementation?
Learn about PDM Implementation
Our SOLIDWORKS PDM implementation programs are based on proven methodologies that use industry-standard best practices to enable your company to smoothly and efficiently launch your PDM (Product Data Management) system. With this approach you can gain the benefits of a PDM system and start realising return of investment in the shortest amount of time.
What implementation options are there?
There is no 'one size fits all' approach to implementing a SOLIDWORKS PDM system but there are common building blocks. We have developed our Implementation options to leverage our extensive experience of PDM ensuring our customers are up and running with PDM in the quickest, most efficient, way. From FASTSTART through to FOUNDATION, the different packages are suited to different PDM products and different client requirements. For a fully bespoke implementation, we can also work with you to capture and build your requirements into a custom implementation where required. Read on to learn more.
What software do we use?
There are three PDM software packages. PDM Standard, PDM Professional and SOLIDWORKS Manage.
  • SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard is a data management solution for smaller workgroup environments in a single location. Included in SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium packages, SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard eliminates the overhead of managing SOLIDWORKS and DraftSight data on local and shared network drives.
  • SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional is the ultimate file management tool, manage files effectively, easily access, share and repurpose files, parts and drawings. Create automated workflows and ensure manufacturing always has the correct file version.
  • SOLIDWORKS Manage is an advanced set of tools designed to build upon the functionality of SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. Manage eliminates the need to use disconnected tools and manage multiple data sources by providing integrated project, process and item management.
How long does it take to implement PDM?
This is a 'piece of string' question and the answer depends on the customer circumstances. However, for customers new to PDM an implementation can often be delivered in a matter of just a few days.
Can I set up PDM myself?
PDM can be installed by the user but our Professional Services are centred on implementing PDM not just installing it. Our methodologies draw on best practices and years of experience to ensure you get it right first time and deliver the vast benefits a PDM system can offer without wasting time and effort on a poorly configured or badly implemented setup.
Compare features
Discover the features of SOLIDWORKS Data Management and compare all versions, SOLIDWORKS PDM Profesional and SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard. Click on each capability to find out more about each element of functionality.

PDM PRODUCT MATRIX
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PDM STANDARD FASTSTART
A PDM STANDARD FASTSTART implementation gets you up and running with PDM Standard in shortest amount of time. This is achieved with the delivery of a preconfigured, best in class solution that focuses on the management of your SOLIDWORKS design data.
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PDM PROFESSIONAL FASTSTART
A PDM Professional FASTSTART implementation gets you up and running with PDM PROFESSIONAL in shortest amount of time. This is achieved with the delivery of a preconfigured, best in class solution that focuses on the management of your SOLIDWORKS design data and harnesses the additional capabilities available in PDM PROFESSIONAL.
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PDM PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
A PDM Professional FOUNDATION implementation is based on a pre-configured template which is tailored to suit the customer requirements. A FOUNDATION implementation harness the additional capabilities of PDM PROFESSIONAL to maximise your business benefits. As well as managing your SOLIDWORKS design data, this implementation can include the Office document management and an engineering change process.
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Core PDM Functionality by Implementation Template

Included in PDM Edition but outside scope of implementation 'Package'
Included in PDM Edition and delivered within implementation 'Package'
Available as part of the optional 'Assist' add-on for FASTSTART implementations
Available to be delivered during implementation for an additional cost
CONFIGURABLE FUNCTIONALITY
PDM STD FASTSTART
PDM PRO FASTSTART
PDM PRO FOUNDATION
Single Workflow
  • PDM Standard is limited to a Single Workflow with a maximum of 10 Workflow States used to define the security framework of the managed data. As part of the PDM STD FASTSTART we offer a number of pre-defined Workflow options to support the most common requirements for Security, Approvals and Revision Management.
Multiple Workflow
  • PDM Professional allows for multiple (unlimited) Workflows and Workflow States. Whilst our PDM Professional FASTSTART uses a single Workflow process for all 'managed' data, this process is based on combining multiple 'linked' Workflows that allows us to support a wide range of common 'Revisioning' scenarios. Additional Workflows are included for the management of Library items, Admin files such as Templates and 'published' Documents such as automatically created PDF's. The FOUNDATION Template separates Document Management away from CAD, adds a specific 'Change Note' Workflow and optionally includes a further Workflow to support our optional SOLIDWORKS Electrical 'best practice' Integration.
Basic Workflow Auotmation
  • Beyond the core functionality (Revision stamping and updating DataCard Variables), PDM Standard and PDM Pro support two additional workflow automation actions: Send Mail and a task to Convert Drawings to PDF.
Advanced Workflow Automation
  • PDM Professional extends the Basic Automation capabilities by enabling a wider range of file conversions for 2D and 3D SOLIDWORKS files, a print task and (out of Scope for these packages) a design checker task. Pro also adds the capability to export/import XML data and execute external applications via a command prompt. The FASTSTART and FOUNDATION for PDM Pro are pre-configured to include additional 'Convert' tasks for 3D SOLIDWORKS files with training included on how to create and modify their behaviour.
Automated data import / export (xml)
  • PDM PRO supports the transfer of metadata between different business systems via the automated export / import of XML. As part of a FOUNDATION we can configure a PDM Bill of Materials Column Set, define alias values (if required) and create a workflow triggered export rule to build and publish the XML BOM to a server location outside your vault ready for your ERP system to import and process the data.
Workflow Notifications (Database Mail)
  • Workflow notifications can be triggered when a file moves between two states (e.g. sending for Approval) or when a file remains in a specific state for too long (e.g. Pending Checking). DataBase Mail separates these notifications into PDM's own 'Inbox' and is the only option available with PDM Standard
Workflow Notification (SMTP)
  • PDM Professional extends the messaging options to include SMTP email (e.g Outlook). Depending on your IT infrastructure it may be possible to configure PDM Pro to send workflow notifications via your desktop mail client.
PDM Folder Templates
  • PDM Professional supports the standard creation of folder structures within the vault based on templates. Both FASTSTART and FOUNDATION are supplied with prebuilt templates for creating a project, legacy project and library project, with the FOUNDATION supporting much greater scope for modifying these templates and adding additional ones as required.
PDM CAD Templates
  • PDM Professional supports the creation of standard documents and CAD files within the vault based on templates. Both FASTSTART and FOUNDATION are supplied with templates to create SOLIDWORKS models / drawings via various approaches and rules. The FOUNDATION also includes document blanks for Excel and Word plus a Word based engineering change request document.
Serialised Number (filename) Allocation
  • Configure serial number generators to automatically name files and folders
Intelligent Number Allocation
  • This is not available as standard in either PDM version though can be provided via included 'Customisation'
USER EXPERIENCE
PDM STD FASTSTART
PDM PRO FASTSTART
PDM PRO FOUNDATION
Users & Groups
  • PDM Standard and Professional allow for users to be fully defined within PDM. Our templates for STD and PRO are both pre-configured with a number of templated users which can be seeded for use when adding your own users. Permissions have been preconfigured for the typical 'Editor', 'Checker', 'Approver' and 'Viewer', each of these users is also part of an associated 'Group' and an administrator group also exists for assigning additional adminsitrative rights to individual users.
Active Directory Login
  • PDM PRO extends the options for adding users to PDM by allowing you to connect your archive server to a Windows active directory user account. It is also possible in PRO to combine Windows and PDM users when allowing internal or external contractors (for example) access to your vault.
Searching (Quick Search/Search Cards)
  • As well as the default 'complete search' interface, all our templates come with pre-configured 'Simple' search cards and pre-configured quick search options based on the most common search criteria.
Advanced Searching (Favourites/Content Search)
  • PDM Professional adds additional search features including a standalone search interface, search favourites and full content searching including PDF and SOLIDWORKS Drawing text indexing. Pre-Built favourites for common workflow related searches are provided as part of both Pro templates.
Integrated preview SOLIDWORKS/DraftSight (eDrawings)
  • With eDrawings embedded within the PDM Preview TAB users of PDM STD and PRO are able to view SOLIDWORKS and Draftsight (DWG/DXF) data.
Integrated Preview PDF (Acrobat)
  • After installing Adobe Acrobat DC PDF viewer locally, PDM STD users will also be able to preview PDF files natively. For PRO Users Acrobat is preferred, but if not installed PDF's can still be viewed via the built in viewer.
Integrated Preview for Non-CAD Documents ("Outside In")
  • PDM Professional has Oracle's 'Outside In' viewer embedded into its preview window for 'Non-CAD' files such as Office documents and images. Click to view a full list ofsupported Non-CAD formats
Support for External Viewers (View File)
  • For Customers using specific applications not supported by the Preview Window it may be possible to connect external viewers that have been pre-installed on user's hardware. Note: The installation path is hardcoded in PDM so needs to be consistent on each user's PC
Web Client Access (Intranet)
  • PDM PRO also includes a Web Server (called Web2.0) which allows PDM users to connect to the vault without needing to install a desktop client. Typically used by shop floor users or team members with MAC devices the Web client enables them to view, change state and even upload simple files and collaborate within the PDM Workflows. As part of a FOUNDATION we will install and configure a web server as an internal (intranet) solution. Note: If your plan is to expose PDM to the internet for external collaborators, your Web Server would need to be outside of your Firewall and the setup will require support from your ISP / IT teams to configure correctly.
MANAGEMENT SCOPE
PDM STD FASTSTART
PDM PRO FASTSTART
PDM PRO FOUNDATION
SOLIDWORKS
  • A range of functionality exists to manage SOLIDWORKS documents efficiently in every version of PDM.
DraftSight
  • A range of functionality exists to manage DraftSight documents efficiently in every version of PDM.
"Basic" Office Documents
  • Our PDM STD FASTSTART workflows all include a simple branch to allow you 'manage' Non-CAD data based on them being in one of two workflow states, 'Work in Progress' or 'Approved'.
Change Note
  • Our PDM PRO FOUNDATION template includes a Microsoft Word based engineering change request document and workflow, that allows for "attached" CAD data to flow with that change request until it is approved for actioning and the attached CAD files move to a work in progress state, for editing at the next revision.
"Advanced" Office Documents
  • Our PDM PRO FOUNDATION Template contains separate document workflows that allow for documents following that route to be managed separately to the CAD Data, whilst also supporting multiple revision rules such as minor/major revisons.

    A 'DocUpdate' Process that is triggered as part of any 'release' process that creates a PDF version of the document, ensures that all linked fields within the document are updated prior to the PDF creation, optionally adding a 'wet' signature at the same time. This is done using a proprietary add-in developed and maintained by Solid Solutions.
"Other" Document Formats
  • Although not within scope of either a FASTSTART or FOUNDATION and subject to specification, customers taking a PRO FOUNDATION can choose to extend the project to add additional required 'Phase #1' functionality.
Engineering Change Process
  • Subject to specification, this may include bespoke API customisation to deliver a more holistic approach to engineering change.
SOLIDWORKS Electrical
  • The SOLIDWORKS Electrical connector for schematics, allows you to integrate MCAD and ECAD within a single PDM Pro environment. Solid Solutions have developed a best practice approach to implementing this connector and this is offered as an optional extension to a FOUNDATION implementation.
SWOOD
  • SWOOD CAM manages NC machines dedicated to woodworking and their technologies and includes an Integration to PDM Professional that can be installed and configured via this optional service.
DriveWorks
  • As a design automation partner DriveWorks can publish check in data directly to a PDM Professional Vault. Through our integration service we can help you determine and implement the most appropriate processes for managing your master models and derived outputs from DriveWorks within PDM PRO.
AutoDesk AutoCAD
  • SOLIDWORKS have partnered with a specialist systems integrator to offer integrations to a number of legacy and competitive CAD Products. These integrations allows access to SOLIDWORKS PDM commands directly from within the native application and read/write references and metadata to those files. We can work with you to implement and configure these integrations.
AutoDesk Inventor
  • SOLIDWORKS have partnered with a specialist systems integrator to offer integrations to a number of legacy and competitive CAD Products. These integrations allows access to SOLIDWORKS PDM commands directly from within the native application and read/write references and metadata to those files. We can work with you to implement and configure these integrations.
Siemens Solid Edge
  • SOLIDWORKS have partnered with a specialist systems integrator to offer integrations to a number of legacy and competitive CAD Products. These integrations allows access to SOLIDWORKS PDM commands directly from within the native application and read/write references and metadata to those files. We can work with you to implement and configure these integrations.
Creo Parametric Modelling (ProE)
  • SOLIDWORKS have partnered with a specialist systems integrator to offer integrations to a number of legacy and competitive CAD Products. These integrations allows access to SOLIDWORKS PDM commands directly from within the native application and read/write references and metadata to those files. We can work with you to implement and configure these integrations.
IMPLEMENTATION
PDM STD FASTSTART
PDM PRO FASTSTART
PDM PRO FOUNDATION
Installation
  • This stage includes the installation and configuration of the required SOLIDWORKS PDM components within a suitable SQL environment. Where we have also supplied SQL Server software this will be installed and configured at the same time.
Pre-defined System Configuration with Localisation
  • At the point of ordering the implementation service a pre-implementation "checklist" will be supplied that allows you to advise us of a number of pertinent facts about how you will be using PDM. This will allow us to pre-configure and deliver a vault template localised to suit your workflow and revision rules (within the framework of the Checklist)
System Validation
  • All our implementation packages include an "administrative walkthrough" through which a standard validation script will be followed to confirm that the behaviour delivered, is as you expected. The walkthrough will also be used to educate your administrator on the most common administrative tasks such as adding users and changing permissions.
PDM User Training
  • All our implementations include generic Seminar style User Training for PDM. This is further complimented by our own online training material for SOLIDWORKS PDM and a User Manual in Word format that you can use to create your own bespoke training material as required.
Go Live Assistance/Pilot Testing
  • Our FASTSTART packages are available with / without an additional 'ASSIST DAY'. This service can be used for a number of reasons including Go-live hand holding, assistance with importing legacy data or minor configuration changes prior to going live.
Manual Legacy Data Migration Support
  • Our FASTSTART packages are available with / without an additional 'ASSIST DAY'. This service can be used for a number of reasons including Go-live assistance, help with importing legacy data or minor configuration changes prior to going live.
WPDM Export Tool
  • Another benefit of the ASSIST service is for legacy WPDM Customers who do not want a full migration of their legacy WPDM vault but would like to extract the 'latest' versions of files from that vault either into the new PDM vault or a separate Windows file system. Our export tool can be used for this very purpose and is supplied as part of an ASSIST where we can also help with the post processing (setting revisions, workflow states etc) of that data once moved into the new vault.
Tailored System Configuration
  • Although still primarily an 'Out Of The Box' pre-configured solution, as part of a PRO FOUNDATION you will find much greater scope for additional configuration such as workflow changes, additional document or project template creation and DataCard changes to include additional fields with validation and/or logic controls
Classroom Administrator Training (1 credit)
  • Customers taking a PDM STD FASTSTART + ASSIST will also receive a training credit for the 2 Day Administrating PDM Standard classroom course. Similarly, customers taking a PDM PRO FOUNDATION will receive a credit for training for the 3 day Administrating PDM Professional course.
Automated Legacy Data Migration
  • Solid Solutions have experience migrating customers from legacy systems such as Workgroup PDM (WPDM), DBWorks, MAXXDB and competitive systems such as Inventor Vault, PTC Windchill, DDM and various other local solutions. Subject to review and specification we would be able to include a data migration along with your implementation.
Multi-site File Replication
  • PDM Professional supports both file (Archive) and/or database* Replication. Subject to an infrastructure review replication could form part of your roll out.
    *Database replication requires SQL Server Enterprise Edition
Multi-site Database Replication
  • PDM Professional supports both file (Archive) and/or database* Replication. Subject to an infrastructure review replication could form part of your roll out.
    *Database replication requires SQL Server Enterprise Edition

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