Best Product Data Management (PDM) Software

Product Data Management (PDM) software is an essential tool for businesses that design, manufacture, and sell products.

PDM software allows organizations to manage and track product-related data throughout the product lifecycle, from the initial design phase to product retirement.

PDM software also helps companies to maintain accurate data, manage changes, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best PDM software available in the market, namely Upchain, Autodesk Vault, Solidworks PDM, Siemens Teamcenter, and OpenBOM.

Best Product Data Management (PDM) Software

1. Upchain

Upchain is a cloud-based PDM software that provides a collaborative environment for businesses to manage product data.

With Upchain, companies can manage CAD data, control product changes, and track product revisions.

How Upchain Is Better Than Competitors

Compared to other PDM software out there, Upchain stands out in a few ways.

For one, it’s a cloud-based solution, which means that you can access your data from anywhere and on any device.

This makes collaboration a breeze, and it also means that you don’t have to worry about managing your own servers or dealing with software updates.

Upchain also integrates well with other software, including ERP, PLM, and CRM systems. This means that you can keep using the software you’re already familiar with while still benefiting from Upchain’s product data management features.

Finally, Upchain’s user interface is intuitive and easy to use. This is important because it means that you don’t have to spend a lot of time training your team on how to use the software.

Plus, it’s just more fun to use software that doesn’t make you want to tear your hair out!

I’ve found Upchain to be a trustworthy and collaborative PDM software that has made my work life a lot easier. If you’re in the market for a new PDM solution, I highly recommend giving Upchain a try.

It may just surprise you with how much it can streamline your product data management processes.

Upchain also allows users to manage bills of materials (BOMs), collaborate with team members, and automate workflows.

One of the unique features of Upchain is its ability to integrate with various other software, including ERP, PLM, and CRM systems.

Upchain’s cloud-based architecture provides users with the flexibility to access data from anywhere and on any device.

The software also offers advanced security features, including data encryption, user authentication, and access controls.

Overall, Upchain is an excellent PDM software for businesses looking for a cloud-based solution that is easy to use and integrates well with other software.

Key features

Upchain software offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy product management.

• Easily manage your product data with custom fields and filters.
• Get real-time updates on your products’ statuses and changes.
• Collaborate with your team in a secure environment.
• Easily integrates with CAD tools and other software
• Connects product development processes

Pricing

Upchain is an Autodesk company. It offers three types of pricing models.

• Standard
• Premium
• Enterprise

For exact pricing details, you need to contact upchain.

Likes

• It provides an excellent service for BOM and change management.
• You can easily customize the workflows

Dislikes

The user interface is not so good.

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, Chat
Training	In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation
Supported languages	English

Our opinion

Upchain software is a great option for product data management. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to manage your product data, and you can easily customize the fields and filters to fit your needs.

Plus, you’ll have real-time updates on your products’ statuses and changes. And if you need to collaborate with your team, the secure environment ensures that your data is safe.

Finally, if you need to integrate with CAD tools or other software, the Upchain software easily connects product development processes. Overall, we think Upchain software is a great option for product data management.

2. Autodesk Vault

Autodesk Vault is a PDM software that provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for managing product data.

Autodesk Vault offers a range of features that cater to various perspectives, from engineering to manufacturing. The software allows teams to manage and track all product data, including CAD files, BOMs, and documentation, in one central location.

This approach helps ensure that all stakeholders have access to the same information, which reduces errors and streamlines processes.

How Autodesk Vault Is Better Than Competitors

Compared to other PDM software out there, Autodesk Vault stands out in a few ways. For one, it’s fully integrated with Autodesk’s other software, including AutoCAD, Inventor, and Revit.

This means that you can manage all your product data within the same environment that you design and create your products. This integration also means that you can take advantage of Vault’s automated workflows and data management features without having to switch between software.

Another advantage of Autodesk Vault is its comprehensive approach to data management. The software allows you to manage all types of data related to your product, including CAD files, BOMs, and documentation.

This means that you don’t have to juggle multiple software solutions to manage different types of data.

Finally, Autodesk Vault’s user interface is intuitive and easy to use. The software’s navigation is similar to that of Windows Explorer, which makes it easy for new users to get up to speed quickly.

Plus, with its customizable workflows and user permissions, Vault allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs.

Autodesk Vault is a comprehensive and powerful PDM software that has helped me streamline my product data management processes over the years.

If you’re in the market for a PDM solution and already use Autodesk’s other software, I highly recommend giving Vault a try. It’s sure to make your life easier and your team more efficient.

With Autodesk Vault, companies can manage product design data, BOMs, engineering changes, and collaborate with team members.

The software also allows users to automate workflows, track project progress, and generate reports.

Autodesk Vault’s strength lies in its integration with other Autodesk products, including AutoCAD, Inventor, and Revit. The software also offers a range of features for managing product data, including version control, change management, and advanced search capabilities.

Overall, Autodesk Vault is an excellent PDM software for businesses that use Autodesk products and require a comprehensive set of tools for managing product data.

Key features

• Integration with CAD
• Automated design and data reuse
• Concurrent design and scalability
• Accurate and comprehensive BOM
• Integrates PDM with ERP and PLM
• Store and manage product data securely
• Access product data from any location
• Create and share product data with others

Pricing

It offers 3 version

• Vault Professional
• Vault Workgroup
• Vault Office

For all version pricing details, you need to contact the vendor.

Likes

• You can quickly search and reuse design data.
• Reduces errors with automation and data accessibility.

Dislikes

• Two people cant work on a file at a time.

Other details

Supported device	Mac, Windows, Andriod, iPhone, iPad
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep)
Training	In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos
Customer ratings	Capterra: 4.0 (1+reviews)

Our opinion

Autodesk Vault is an excellent data management software product for businesses of all sizes. It is easy to use and helps to keep product data secure and accessible from any location.

It also allows users to create and share product data with others, which makes collaborating on projects much easier. As a result, we think Autodesk Vault is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a product data management solution.

3. Solidworks PDM

Solidworks PDM is a PDM software that provides users with a centralized platform for managing product data.

With Solidworks PDM, companies can manage CAD data, control product changes, and collaborate with team members.

The software also allows users to manage BOMs, automate workflows, and generate reports.

How Solidworks PDM Is Better Than Competitors

Compared to other PDM software out there, Solidworks PDM stands out in several ways. First and foremost, it’s seamlessly integrated with Solidworks, which makes it easy to use and helps streamline the product design process.

This integration allows you to manage your product data within the same environment that you design and create your products.

This means that you can take advantage of PDM’s automated workflows and data management features without having to switch between software.

Another advantage of Solidworks PDM is its flexibility. The software is highly customizable, which means that you can tailor it to your specific needs. This flexibility is particularly important when it comes to managing complex products and workflows.

Solidworks PDM also offers a range of data management features that help reduce errors and improve collaboration among teams. For example, the software allows you to track revisions, manage permissions and approvals, and automate tasks.

These features help ensure that everyone is working with the latest version of a file and that changes are made in a timely and efficient manner.

All in all, Solidworks PDM is an excellent product data management solution that has helped me streamline my processes and improve collaboration among teams.

If you’re already using Solidworks, I highly recommend giving PDM a try. It’s a powerful tool that can help you manage your product data more efficiently and effectively.

Solidworks PDM’s strength lies in its integration with Solidworks, one of the most popular CAD software in the market.

The software also offers a range of features for managing product data, including version control, change management, and advanced search capabilities.

Overall, Solidworks PDM is an excellent PDM software for businesses that use Solidworks for product design and require a comprehensive set of tools for managing product data.

Key features

• Centralizes product data in a secure, reliable system.
• Automate routine tasks and improve workflows.
• Easily share data with stakeholders across the organization.
• Manages data files and documentation.
• Allows to store design data securely and retrieve it easily.
• Collects data from multiple locations.

SolidWorks Enterprise PDM generally comes with the following features and functionalities.

• Bill of Materials Management
• Product Development Lifecycle Management
• Version Control
• Formula Management
• Document Management
• Product Analytics
• Testing Management

Pricing

It offers three licensing options

1. Perpetual license with subscription pricing
2. Term license
3. Named user subscription license

You need to contact the vendor to get the pricing details of these licensing options.

Likes

• You can use the software to design and do simulations in the real world.
• It is user-friendly software.
• It helps the user to make modeling very fast.

Dislikes

• Software is expensive with high system requirements
• Unclear error messages

Other details

Deployment	Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Supported device	Mac, Windows
Support	Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat
Training	In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Video
Customer ratings	Capterra: 4.6 (672+reviews), G2: 4.2 (68+reviews)

Our opinion

Solidworks PDM software is an excellent choice for product data management. It is easy to use and can be customized to meet the needs of your business. In addition, it saves engineers time by avoiding manual handling and updates.

4. Siemens Teamcenter

Siemens Teamcenter is a PDM software that provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for managing product data.

With Siemens Teamcenter, companies can manage CAD data, control product changes, and collaborate with team members. The software also allows users to manage BOMs, automate workflows, and generate reports.

Siemens Teamcenter’s strength lies in its integration with other Siemens products, including NX, Solid Edge, and Tecnomatix.

How Siemens Teamcenter Is Better Than Competitors

Compared to other PDM software on the market, Siemens Teamcenter has a few key advantages. Firstly, the software is highly scalable and can be customized to suit the needs of any organization, from small businesses to large enterprises.

This flexibility allows companies to start small and gradually expand their usage of the software as needed.

Secondly, Siemens Teamcenter is highly configurable, which means that it can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each department within an organization.

For example, the software can be set up to allow for different user roles and permissions, so that each team member only has access to the data and functionality they need.

This customization helps streamline processes and ensures that each team member can focus on their specific tasks.

Finally, Siemens Teamcenter offers a high degree of integration with other software solutions, such as CAD tools and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

This means that users can access and manage all product data from within the same environment, without having to switch between different software solutions.

All in all, Siemens Teamcenter is the ultimate solution for product lifecycle management. Its comprehensive approach to data management, robust feature set, and flexibility make it the ideal choice for any organization looking to streamline their product development processes.

If you’re in the market for a PDM solution, I highly recommend giving Siemens Teamcenter a try. It’s sure to make your life easier and your team more productive.

The software also offers a range of features for managing product data, including version control, change management, and advanced search capabilities.

Overall, Siemens Teamcenter is an excellent PDM software for businesses that use Siemens products and require a comprehensive set of tools for managing product data.

Key features

• Bom management
• Change management
• Document management
• Electrical design management
• Product cost management

Pricing

The vendor does not provide pricing details. To get it, you need to contact Teamcenter.

Likes

• Helps to deliver large products with enhanced productivity.
• Easily integrates with other CAD solutions.
• It offers industry-based solutions like aerospace & defense, and Energy.

Dislikes

Sensitive database performance

Our opinion

Siemens Teamcenter is a comprehensive and robust product data management software option. It offers various features and capabilities to help businesses effectively manage their product data. This can improve team communication and collaboration, streamline processes, and improve productivity.

5. OpenBOM

OpenBOM provides users with a centralized repository for storing and managing product data. It also offers a variety of tools for managing parts, purchases, CAD files, and documents.

OpenBOM’s strength lies in its ease of use and ability to integrate with various other software, including CAD, PLM, and ERP systems. The software also offers a range of features for managing product data, including version control, change management, and real-time collaboration.

How OpenBOM Is Better Than Competitors

Compared to other BOM management solutions on the market, OpenBOM has several key advantages. Firstly, the software is incredibly easy to use and does not require any special training or technical expertise.

This means that even non-technical team members can use the platform to collaborate on BOMs.

Secondly, OpenBOM offers a high degree of integration with other software solutions, such as CAD tools and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

This means that users can import BOM data from these tools and manage it within the same environment, without having to switch between different software solutions.

Finally, OpenBOM’s cloud-based platform is highly secure and offers regular backups and disaster recovery services.

This means that users can rest assured that their data is safe and secure at all times.

In conclusion, OpenBOM is the future of BOM management. Its cloud-based platform, flexible features, and ease of use make it the ideal choice for any organization looking to streamline their product development processes.

If you’re in the market for a BOM management solution, I highly recommend giving OpenBOM a try. It’s sure to make your life easier and your team more productive.

OpenBOM’s cloud-based architecture provides users with the flexibility to access data from anywhere and on any device.

Overall, OpenBOM is an excellent PDM software for small and medium-sized businesses that require a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for managing product data.

Key features

• BOM management
• Item management
• Change management
• CAD integration

Pricing

OpenBOM subscription plans are as follows. You can have a monthly or yearly billing plan.

Plans for monthly billing are as follows

1. User – It is entirely free and for a single user
2. Team – Costs $350 per team
3. Company – Costs $850 per company
4. Enterprise – To get details, you need to contact the vendor

Plans for yearly billing are as follows

1. User – It is entirely free and for a single user
2. Team – Costs $3500 per team
3. Company – Costs $8500 per company
4. Enterprise – To get details, you need to contact the vendor

Likes

• Efficient sharing of BOM with other company
• Excellent customer support

Dislikes

Features like engineering change requests need to be improved.

Our opinion

OpenBOM is a very effective software that manages data that offers a wide range of features and tools to manage product data more efficiently. The software is also relatively easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best PDM software depends on the specific needs of your business, including the type of product data you need to manage, the size of your business, and the software your team is already using.

Each of the PDM software discussed above has its strengths and weaknesses. Upchain and OpenBOM are cloud-based solutions that offer flexibility and ease of use.

Autodesk Vault, Solidworks PDM, and Siemens Teamcenter offer comprehensive features for managing product data and are integrated with popular CAD and PLM software.

Therefore, businesses must evaluate their specific requirements and compare the features and benefits of each software to determine the best fit for their organization.