The Ultimate Guide to Buying SOLIDWORKS Data Management Software 

Are you tired of struggling to manage your data? With a variety of data management solutions customized to fit your team’s size and business needs, you’ll be able to streamline your processes and get back to focusing on what matters most. From simple revision control to robust project management functionality, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to data chaos and hello to data organization.

Which Data Management Solution is Right for Me?

On-premises Desktop Solutions:

• SOLIDWORKS PDM: This basic solution offers small teams revision control and data management.

• SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional: This advanced solution adds more features for larger teams, including collaboration tools and support for more file types.

• Manage: For teams seeking advanced project management capabilities, Manage builds on PDM Professional with features including process management, item management, dashboards, and more.

Cloud-based Solutions:

• Data Management on the 3DEXPEIRENCE Platform: This cloud-based solution offers a full range of data management and collaboration tools for teams of all sizes.

• Desktop SOLIDWORKS + Collaborative Designer: If you are interested in cloud data management solutions, but you’ve already invested in SOLIDWORKS PDM Desktop, this option is for you. Worry less about setting up a server or configuring how your PDM system functions. Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS connects SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD to the Cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform so you can securely save your SOLIDWORKS design data to the cloud and access it from anywhere with a browser.

What License Level Do I need?

SOLIDWORKS PDM and Manage offer three license levels to accommodate different roles within your team. This ensures that users who only need to view data aren’t taking up licenses that your designers need without increasing your license costs.

SOLIDWORKS PDM License Levels:

• SOLIDWORKS PDM Viewer: This license allows users to search, preview, and print files in the PDM vault. They have access to search cards, data cards, workflows, notifications, and measure and markup tools. Suitable for stakeholders who are not CAD users.

• SOLIDWORKS PDM Contributor: A step up from Viewers, Contributors can add and edit non-CAD files like PDF, Word, Excel, etc. They can also convert CAD files to another format and check files in and out for updates.

• SOLIDWORKS PDM CAD Editor: Typically, the number of Editor licenses used is equal to the number of CAD users in the organization. Editors have all the capabilities of Contributors but can create and edit CAD files in their native application using an add-in that connects to PDM.

Learn more about PDM License types here

Manage License Levels:

• SOLIDWORKS Manage Viewer: Similar to PDM Viewer licenses, these allow users to search, view, and print within the areas of Manage, including documents, data, dashboards, BOMs, and more.

• SOLIDWORKS Manage Contributor: Contributor licenses build on the Manage Viewer license functionality to allow for the creation and management of processes, tasks, workflows, and non-CAD data.

• SOLIDWORKS Manage CAD Editor: The SOLIDWORKS Manage CAD Editor license grants full access to all areas of SOLIDWORKS Manage, including creating and editing CAD data.

How to Purchase SOLIDWORKS Data Management Solutions

If you’re looking to purchase a SOLIDWORKS data management solution, such as PDM or Manage, the first step is to have a SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD license. These add-on licenses can be purchased through a certified reseller like GSC. To get started, contact GSC to discuss your data management needs and receive a quote for the appropriate license. Our team of SOLIDWORKS experts will be happy to assist you in finding the best solution for your business and guide you through the purchasing process.