Chapter 6 - Product Data Management

Abstract

Product data management (PDM) is the technology and associated software systems that support the management of both engineering data and process information during the product development phase and beyond. Engineering data management involves organizing, structuring, storing, and tracking the product information created by a design team while conducting engineering and product development activities. PDM aims at providing product design teams with the right data and information at the right time for making proper design decisions. There are significant benefits offered by PDM, such as interdisciplinary collaborations, reduction of product development time, reduction of the complexity in information access, and improvement of project management. The objectives of this chapter are: (1) to provide a brief overview on PDM that introduces students to this research area and helps practicing engineers to gain an understanding of PDM, (2) to present an overview of PDM software systems so that readers may explore options for software selections when an opportunity comes, (3) to discuss product data exchange and help readers to understand the interoperability issue and available means for addressing it, and (4) to offer tutorial lessons that support readers in properly handling the CAD model translation issues.