All types of documents (CAD, Office, images, etc.) can even depending on the type be divided into freely definable lifecycle phases such as in processing, in review or release. Each document has its precisely defined status and is monitored throughout all lifecycle phases.

PDM Studio also supports the user with a system-supported and secure release process. Access for specific users is controlled based on their document status. Plausibility checks ensure the quality of documents to be released.

With this function, all information belonging to an article/item can be grouped - whether CAD data, PDFs with specifications, Excel spreadsheets, images or documentation. The master data of the article / item (e.g. article / item number, description, in-house/external production) is also recorded, so that users have all relevant information quickly at hand. Of course, a synchronization with the ERP system is also possible.

You can assign a document in PDM Studio to any number of articles / items: This is advantageous if, for example, you use one and the same manual for several articles / items. It avoids redundancies and significantly reduces the time required for updates. You can also assign an article / item status (available, blocked, invalid, ...) to categorize your articles/items and handle processes transparently.

Each document may include additional information such as supplier specifications, manuals, images or emails. PDM Studio allows you to link all related documents together. All relevant information can be viewed at a glance.

Drawing numbers or names can be assigned in PDM Studio according to definable rules. This ensures consistent and unambiguous nomenclatures. The requisite data and rules may consist of:

• Mandatory fields that require data input
• Data that is automatically generated by the system, e.g., the user who creates the document
• Permitted selection lists of predefined terms
• External programs such as data transfer to an ERP

PDM Studio can manage not only CAD and CAM data, specifications, change requests, parts lists, etc., both centrally and in relation to each other. The key features and data of PDM Studio can also be integrated directly into the Edit panel of your Office applications such as Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF.

Search for master data directly in PDM Studio using your geometric data. Find out whether this component already exists in the same or similar format and take advantage of the resulting benefits:

• Avoiding duplicates reduces administration costs and effort.
• Better use of the existing data increases productivity.
• Reduced component diversity reduces costs.
• Combining the same or similar parts in production or procurement improves the cost structure.

Open and powerful interfaces are the basis for process integration throughout the entire company. The PDM Studio Open module permits the user to exchange information and data directly with applications or indirectly via standards such as SQL, XML, etc.

PDM Studio Open reduces manual effort in the exchange of information between the different systems of a company. At the same time, the quality of the data increases because errors are avoided during the exchange process.