PLM for SMB – I can understand
We can understand big enterprises implementing PLM. we have also learned the need and the will to implement PLM in SMB companies. But when we have a single designer working in a CAD system (and even two or three)… why do we need data management for them? they do not really need to collaborate (especially if it is a single designer 
).
If we look at software development you will not be able to find any company today where it’s developers working without any software configuration management system (source safe, clear case etc.).
Why is it clear for software development and not clear in design engineering?
Did you knew that ~80% of the CAD users around the world working file based?
Design Data Management – I need it NOW
Let’s have a look at the challenges the designer is facing while working file based without design data management system:
Challenge #1. Inefficient manage voluminous Design Data:
- No naming convention for files
- No revision management
- No representation of design structure
- “Reinventing the wheel” – no data reuse
- Duplication of data
The implications of Inefficient manage voluminous Design Data would be:
- No standardization – File names as opposed to company policy
- Time wasted finding the desired design revision
- Working on outdated designs, which leads to errors and delays
- Expends time & resources on redundant work
Challenge #2. Impact Analysis:
- I have no impact analysis when changing a component
The implications of not having the ability to analysis impact would be:
- Design errors due to local changes that widely affect the design
- Errors in derived documents (drawings, NC) as a result of the change
- Time wasted on understanding the scope of the change
Challenge #3. Keep data secured:
- Data is not secured – risking in not protecting your IP and in the other hand not be able to share the data easily when needed
The implications of not having your data secured would be:
- Prevent efficient collaborative work
- Unauthorized people access protected data
- Time wasted on handling data in order to share only authorized data with suppliers.
Challenge #4. Multi CAD:
- If the company is working with several different CAD systems, Each one is managed (file based) separately. Having that managed in PLM system enables a single environment to manage all CAD systems
Challenge #4. Supply chain:
- Everybody today are working with suppliers or they are suppliers. so when working file based with your designs:
- How do I receive/register data from the OEM, or from your suppliers?
- How do I exchange data?
- How do I reconcile received updated data back into my design?
- How do I control my exchanged data?
For a quick and easy to use solution for design data management look at Design Express.
