Having clarified what we mean by PDM and on the features that are needed, let's try to think about its implementation.
Of course it depends a lot on the size and type of company. Even remaining within our sphere: we serve companies that have a technical office with less than 20 people ... but between 1 and 19 users there is a big difference.
In any case there are two aspects:
⁃ these are complex systems;
⁃ these are systems that change the way you work (... hopefully for the better) and therefore the processes.
The first aspect, the complexity of a PDM system, is perhaps the least problematic, especially for small work groups that are down-to-earth.
The second theme is actually what is underestimated: the change in the way we work. PDM is one of the tools that must be used to take off and "you have to put data in it".
Is it the users fault? Are the new ways of working unclear? Didn't we dwell properly on training? Could be. Often, however, the problem lies in the fact that the initial phase has been underestimated, that is the phase in which everything possible must be done to populate the archives with the history of the company, in order to ensure that it is an immediate help in everyday life. Otherwise the first step is too high, that is, there are too many hassles that waste time, you first "cut the curves", time passes and you struggle to see the advantages. Result: an underutilized system or one that even remains there to pick up dust.
The first thing to focus on is that the system must be fitted in the company reality ... but without exaggerating: it must help us streamline the processes in the technical office, therefore be specific to our way of working, but at the same time it is good to reflect and understand if our "unique" way of working is really the non plus ultra and it is not worth taking good practices into consideration.
In order not to complicate your life unnecessarily, a good preliminary phase in which to focus on the main points is essential. Some advices:
- give yourself "strategic" goals, which sounds more complicated than it is: the PDM does many things, let's focus on what immediately changes some things for the better.
- do not underestimate the start-up phase and previous activities: a system that has as its objective the conservation and sharing of product data is important that it also includes "old" data as much as possible.
For years we have been supporting technical offices in various sectors: if your company has a technical office with less than 20 people using Autocad, Inventor, Solid Works or Solid Edge, we most likely have the experience and products that are right for you.
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