Autodesk Partner Blog Post - Benefits of Connecting Your PLM and PDM Solutions
/Earlier this year, we launched PLMConnect which connects Fusion 360 Manage with Upchain. Since the launch, we’ve been getting great traction and the value of the solution is echoed by Autodesk in a recent post by Alexandra Maraldo on Autodesk’s ‘Under the Hood – All things DPM and PLM’ blog. You can read the original post here or read it below.
When used together, PDM and PLM software provide a combined solution that is the best of all worlds for product data and process management. Connectors between PLM and PDM software allow for seamless integration between the two systems. Without a connector, data from the PDM system would need to be manually transferred to the PLM system, which wastes your engineers’ time and leaves your data and processes open to human error.
Let’s take a step back, though, and consider what PLM and PDM software do. PLM (or Product Lifecycle Management) software is used to manage the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept to retirement. PDM (or Product Data Management), on the other hand, is used to manage the data associated with a product, such as CAD files, bills of materials, and engineering changes.
Which brings us back to why connectors are important. With a connector, data can be automatically transferred between the two systems, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors. This means that any changes made in the PDM system are automatically reflected in the PLM system, and vice versa ensuring everyone in your organization is working with the most up-to-date information, which is essential for effective product development.
In addition to saving time and reducing errors, connectors between PLM and PDM software also enable better collaboration between teams. For example, the engineering team can use the PDM system to manage CAD files and bills of materials, while the product management team can use the PLM system to manage product specifications and requirements. With a connector, these two systems can work together seamlessly, which streamlines workflows and reduces the need for manual data entry.
Autodesk partners provide connectors specially made to connect your Autodesk solutions to one another.
PLMConnect, by vdR Group, for example, seamlessly connects Fusion 360 Manage with Upchain ensuring they perform as a best-in-class PLM platform with true SaaS and multi-CAD capabilities. In addition to seamlessly integrating Fusion 360 Manage with Upchain, PLMConnect offers extensions to connect to your ERP (enterprise resources management), MES (manufacturing execution systems), CPQ (configure, price, quote) and other business applications. Whats more? PLMConnect does not require any downloads to integrate the two solutions, which makes the integration process easier for you.
As you can see, connectors between PLM and PDM software are essential for effective product development. They allow for seamless integration between the two systems, which saves time, reduces errors, and enables better collaboration between teams. So, if you’re using both PLM and PDM software, make sure to choose a platform with a wide range of connectors to get the most out of your tools.