5 Signs Your Team Needs PDM

Managing design data can be challenging for any engineering team, especially as projects grow in complexity. Without an efficient data management system, even the most talented teams can face unnecessary bottlenecks. 

Here are five signs it might be time to implement Product Data Management (PDM):

1. Frequent Version Control Issues

How often do team members accidentally overwrite each other’s files? If keeping track of the latest file versions is a recurring challenge, it’s a clear indication your team needs PDM. A PDM system ensures that everyone works on the most up-to-date version, reducing costly errors.

2. Difficulty Finding Files

Engineers spend countless hours searching for the right files. If your team struggles to locate designs or accidentally duplicates work, a centralized vault with advanced search functionality—a core feature of PDM—can save time and effort.

3. Poor Collaboration Across Teams

Does sharing design files across departments or locations create delays? Without proper workflows, collaboration can lead to miscommunication and slow approvals. PDM streamlines collaboration by enabling real-time access to shared files and automating document workflows.

4. Security and Access Concerns

Are you confident your design data is secure? Whether you’re protecting intellectual property or meeting compliance requirements, PDM provides role-based permissions to ensure only the right people can access sensitive files.

5. Manual Approval Processes

If your design approval processes rely on emails or manual sign-offs, you’re likely facing unnecessary delays. PDM automates routing and approval workflows, providing a transparent view of project status and deadlines.


By addressing these challenges, SOLIDWORKS PDM empowers engineering teams to focus on innovation instead of administrative tasks. Ready to eliminate data chaos? Contact us today to see how PDM can transform your workflows.

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Meet the Author

Bob Roth

Bob Roth is a Data Management Solution Architect at GSC. He is based in Wisconsin and is a seasoned professional specializing in project management, product data management (PDM), product lifecycle management (PLM), and process improvement. His expertise lies in streamlining processes and ensuring data accuracy.

view all posts by Bob Roth

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