Does SolidWorks Professional Come With PDM?
If you are a professional in the field of 3D design and modeling, you must have come across SolidWorks. It is one of the most popular and powerful software tools used by engineers and designers worldwide.
SolidWorks offers several versions, each tailored to meet specific needs and requirements. One such version is SolidWorks Professional, which comes with a range of advanced features and capabilities.
What is SolidWorks Professional?
SolidWorks Professional is an upgraded version of the standard SolidWorks software. It includes all the features available in the standard version, such as 3D modeling, simulation, and rendering tools. However, it goes a step further by offering additional functionality that enhances productivity and collaboration.
The Role of PDM in SolidWorks Professional
PDM (Product Data Management) is an essential component for managing design data efficiently. It provides a centralized system for storing, organizing, and controlling access to CAD files, documents, and related information. PDM ensures that everyone working on a project has access to the correct version of files and reduces the chances of errors or data loss.
SolidWorks Professional includes a built-in PDM solution called SolidWorks PDM Standard. This means that if you purchase or have access to SolidWorks Professional, you also get the added benefit of using PDM functionality without any additional cost.
The Benefits of SolidWorks PDM Standard
- Data Organization: With PDM Standard integrated into SolidWorks Professional, you can easily organize your files into projects, folders, or categories. This makes it simpler to locate and retrieve specific files when needed.
- Version Control: PDM Standard allows you to create and manage different versions of your design files.
This helps in keeping track of changes made over time and ensures that everyone is working with the latest revision.
- Collaboration: PDM Standard enables seamless collaboration among team members by providing controlled access to files. You can assign different permissions to individuals or groups, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify or access sensitive data.
- Revision Management: With PDM Standard, managing revisions becomes effortless. You can easily compare different versions of a design, revert back to previous versions if needed, and keep track of the entire revision history.
PDM Professional: Beyond SolidWorks Professional
SolidWorks Professional includes PDM Standard, which is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. However, for larger organizations with more complex requirements, there is an advanced version available called SolidWorks PDM Professional.
PDM Professional offers additional features such as multi-site collaboration, automated workflows, electronic signatures, and more extensive customization options. It is designed to meet the needs of enterprise-level users who require advanced data management capabilities beyond what PDM Standard provides.
In Conclusion
If you are using or planning to use SolidWorks Professional for your design projects, you will be pleased to know that it comes bundled with the powerful PDM Standard solution. This ensures efficient data management and collaboration within your organization without any extra cost.
Remember that larger organizations may consider upgrading to SolidWorks PDM Professional for more advanced features and customization options tailored to their specific needs.