What is Product Data Management and its Features?
Professionals dealing with products on a regular basis, often look for better methodologies and procedures to stay updated with all the information associated with products. Product data management (PDM) can be a handy tool in this case.
In general, the product data include various technological specifications, development protocols, and the data regarding materials required to create the complete product. PDM manages all this information from a central location. Know more about product data management, its features and related software.
What is Product Data Management?
Companies where all the product-related information is stored in a centralised software system use product data management. In PDM, all the systems within the organisation are connected, and any type of information (raw materials data, structure, design, etc.) can be stored here.
Product data management also enables access to data from numerous applications and by different teams within the organisation, supporting business requirements. Thus, appropriate PDM software helps companies build a solid foundation for their products.
Features of Product Data Management
The key features of product data management are:
- Product data management enables tracking and supervising different changes in product data.
- The systematic processes lessen the process times, leading to streamlining data design and enhanced productivity.
- PDM allows users to take direct control of their files and data and help keep the data synchronised in real-time.
- It automatically detects document revision, which always helps maintain track of changes.
- Different PDM features like fast data sharing, file version control and track revisions enable the various teams to collaborate better.
- PDM software stores data centrally, reducing the risk of data loss, duplicate files, and conflicting documents.
- PDM systems also enable engineering teams to develop automated technologically modified orders and statements of materials. It further helps examine, track, and supervise all data-related changes, simplifying different engineering processes.
- PDM allows controlled vigilance, reducing errors, and taking quality measures.
- A PDM system is similar to a knowledge warehouse that can be leveraged for forthcoming plans.
Different Product Data Management Software
PDM software help manage product data, models, and manufacturing instructions. PDM system is commonly applied in manufacturing companies to streamline product data from creation to production. The commonly used type of software includes:
PDXpert PLM Software
It is a simple, flexible, and easy-to-use software for designing. It further improves production quality and supports data accessibility and security.
Sales Layer
It is a SaaS-based PIM software that helps resolve product complexity, catalogue version control, and monitor data flow.
Plytix
It is another popular product data management software due to its user-friendly interface and low cost.
Productsup
It is a product-to-consumer platform for product data management. It helps manufacturers and service providers improve their product information.
XIFORM
It is a data management system for clothing businesses to organise, communicate and utilise information.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM
This is a cloud-based solution to help companies handle product data, communicate design details, automate workflows, and survey improvement.
Salsify
It is a platform that offers product data management solutions to both beginners and existing systems for more powerful and affordable outcomes.
Channable
It is an all-in-one tool for online marketing agencies having features like product feed optimisation, listings connections, generating ads, etc.
EKR Orchestra
It is software that allows users to simplify the work and enhance their technological and marketing departments, enhancing the overall product quality.
Inriver PIM
Inriver PIM helps marketers and e-commerce professionals create omnichannel content, boost sales, lessen product returns, and develop more promising consumer experiences.
Solid Edge
The solution offers smaller manufacturers excellent capabilities to examine and edit multiple file properties and modify and release operations on solid-edge parts.
Pimcore
This open-source system combines, consolidates, and organises any type and quantity of digital data, enabling fast and easy management of product information.
PDM vs PIM
The term PDM and PIM are often interchangeably used. However, they are not the same. PDM stands for Product Data Management, and PIM stands for Product Information Management.
The major difference between the two is the terms data and information. PDM deals with data, whereas PIM deals with information. Data in an organisation is mainly related to manufacturing and different processes throughout the life cycle of a product. On the other hand, product information accumulated in PIMs is commonly used by e-commerce experts and marketers.
To summarise, the engineering and manufacturing teams apply PDM software to build design. However, it is less useful for teams like marketers and sales. Marketers and sales teams depend on PIM to develop product illustrations, videos, images, and other marketing elements.
We hope the above information has helped clarify your doubts about product data management, the effectiveness of its features and the importance of the related software.
You can learn more about PDM by enrolling in product management courses and get a better understanding of features like secure data administration, configuration management, compatibility, and strategy enablement.
Emeritus India, in partnership with renowned institutes, offers many specialised product management courses. These courses will help you kick-start a successful career in product data management.
