Categories   >   PDM Software
Last Reviewed: November 12th, 2024

Best PDM Software Of 2024

What is PDM Software?

Product Data Management (PDM) Software serves as a strategic asset for businesses managing complex product data. Primarily, this tool supervises the creation, alteration, and management of product-related information. Its genesis connects to the struggles organizations face managing intricate product documentation, reinforcing integrity, and streamlining collaboration. The key benefits revolve around enhanced data accuracy, efficacy in team collaboration, and quicker product development cycles. In terms of functionality, features like document management, version control, and process automation stand out. An emerging feature is cloud-based collaboration enabled by advanced cloud technologies. Industries heavily reliant on intricate product design - think manufacturing and construction - gain morally from PDM Software. Despite its potency, PDM software has a learning curve not to be overlooked. Wrapping up, PDM software offers an integrated approach to managing product data, fostering data integrity, efficient product development, and smooth collaboration, warranting patience during its adoption phase.

What Are The Key Benefits of PDM Software?

  • Improved data management
  • Enhanced team collaboration
  • Speedy product development
  • Reduced errors and rework
  • Increased data accuracy
  • Better version control
  • Streamlined workflow management
  • Efficient project tracking
  • Secure data storage
  • Greater organizational agility
Read more

Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 49 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best PDM Software overall:

Creo
Creo
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Key Features

  • Develop 3D Models: The 3D design accessory allows users to create effective 3D models and prototypes of products. 
  • Craft Mechanisms: Creo's mechanism design component enables users to create mechanisms and assemblies with mechanical connections like pins or gears. Users can also study a model's kinetic behavior for motion interferences and other issues.  
  • Real-World Simulations: Users can utilize the simulation module to test their 3D prototypes with lifelike scenarios. 
  • Implement Curves and Surfaces: The industrial design accessory's freestyle design component enables users to link models with a variety of surfaces and curves. 
  • Collaborate with Augmented Reality: Creo's augmented reality (AR) design share tool permits users to share and collaborate on projects with anyone in any location thanks to the cloud. 
  • Prompt Structure Analysis: The structural analysis feature allows users to modify elements of their models to meet specific requirements. Users can use structural analysis studies to immediately edit parts and determine if they function properly. 
  • Execute Mold Analysis: Users can use the mold fill analysis module to evaluate, edit and verify if a plastic piece is made properly in the first attempt. This tool enables users to conduct a 3D thickness test to catch problems before sending it to the mold design expert. 
  • Test Plastic Parts: Creo's mold analysis extension permits users to test a plastic part's molding injection, eliminating mold revisioning and trail debugging. Users can also perform moldability, weld line and sink mark analyses on plastic parts. 
  • Collect and Implement Product Data: Users can gather and utilize beneficial product data in their models and prototypes with the product insight feature. 
  • Perform Thermal Studies: Thermal analysis tests how parts and materials fare in varying temperatures. This solution's thermal analysis works with the simulation tool to ensure parts and mechanisms achieve proper temperature requirements with various thermal environments. These tests determine a part's heat fluctuations, heat flow rates and temperatures. 
  • Data Control: Users can employ Creo's data management accessory to review the latest multi-CAD and product data in one panel. 
Windchill
Windchill
Start Price
$1,000
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Windchill

Windchill’s PLM and supply chain management features are robust and help optimize and streamline daily operations. Powerful integrations with popular applications like CAD boost efficiency and add value to the product as a whole. Its automation features help users overcome manual tasks and streamline their tasks. While its features are impressive, it required significant time and training investments to familiarize users with the system. Customization options are available, but customizations were hard to implement without help. Support was often described as slow, especially when more complex problems occurred. Some reviewers also mentioned that the monthly maintenance costs were on the high side.

Pros & Cons

  • Integrations: All reviewers who mentioned integrations said that the system has robust integration options with a helpful set of integrated tools.
  • Functionality: Approximately 90% of users who talked about the system’s overall functionality noted that its suite of features and automation tools were stable and capable of handling critical daily processes.
  • Searching Tools: About 66% of reviewers who referred to search features noted that they were intuitive and helped find specific documents quickly.
  • Ease of Use: Nearly 60% of reviewers who mentioned the system’s usability noted that the system required a steep learning curve with training requirements to master.
  • Support: Complicated issues took long periods of time to solve, with the overall support process being hit or miss, according to all reviewers who mentioned support.
  • Customization: All users that talked about customization said that customizing the system wasn’t easy and there wasn’t much room for customization in the first place.

Key Features

  • Product Design and Visualization With AR:  Offers integration with Vuforia, an augmented reality (AR) platform. Design 2D and 3D objects not only on a screen, but also in a real-world setting. Collaborate with others across the world on these designs. 
  • Change Management: The change management can make alterations during the product life cycle in a centralized location so that other users can access the most up-to-date information. This tool also provides visibility of how change impacts an organization throughout the product life cycle. 
  • Product Quality Monitoring: Integrates quality measures into product development. This allows employees to see what type of quality issues occur and to work to solve them for future and ongoing iterations of a product. 
  • BOM Management: Digital Bill of Materials (BOM) is provided through this system. A parts-centric approach to BOM is available with a single source of truth for all organizational product data. This program is closed-loop throughout the entire lifecycle from conceptualization to product release. 
  • Product Variation: Developing a product variation can be time-consuming and expensive. This system works to assist in the complete production process of product variants to ensure customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. 
  • Unified Data: Windchill centralizes data from multiple aspects of a business into a single view to make access easier and less time-consuming. Real-time CAD and product data are some of the sources included in this feature. 
  • Automatic Content Updates: When changes are made to a product during the development phase, Windchill allows for the automatic update of content in accordance with these changes. This tool can also manage content that is gathered from multiple sources. 
Aras
Aras
Start Price
$2,500
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Aras

Aras is a cloud-based PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software solution that is trusted by users for its ability to connect people, processes, and data across the entire product lifecycle. Users rave about its strengths, such as its adaptability, ease of use, and robust capabilities. Aras outshines similar products with its ability to be customized to fit specific business needs, making it an ideal choice for companies looking for a tailored solution. It also offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies adoption and training, reducing the time and effort required for implementation. Additionally, Aras's comprehensive capabilities cover the entire product lifecycle, from design and engineering to manufacturing and service, providing a single source of truth for all product-related information. These strengths make Aras a valuable asset for businesses looking to improve collaboration, streamline processes, and drive innovation.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the complexity of the software, particularly for users with limited technical expertise. Additionally, the cost of implementation and maintenance can be a barrier for some businesses. Despite these drawbacks, Aras remains a top choice for companies seeking a powerful and flexible PLM solution. Its ability to connect people, processes, and data, combined with its adaptability and robust capabilities, make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize their product lifecycle management.

Overall, Aras is best suited for medium to large-sized businesses with complex product lifecycles and a need for a customizable and comprehensive PLM solution. Its ability to connect people, processes, and data, combined with its adaptability and robust capabilities, make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to improve collaboration, streamline processes, and drive innovation.

Pros & Cons

  • Centralized Platform: Aras provides a single, unified platform for managing all product data, eliminating data silos and ensuring consistency across the organization.
  • Customization and Flexibility: Aras's modular architecture allows users to tailor the system to meet their specific needs, providing flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Aras facilitates collaboration among cross-functional teams by providing a shared workspace for real-time communication and document sharing.
  • Traceability and Compliance: Aras's robust traceability features enable users to track changes and maintain compliance with industry regulations, ensuring product safety and quality.
  • Scalability and Performance: Aras is designed to handle large volumes of data and complex workflows, providing scalability and performance to meet the demands of growing businesses.
  • Intuitive User Interface: Aras's user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to navigate and access product information, reducing training time and increasing productivity.
  • Open Architecture: Aras's open architecture allows for seamless integration with other enterprise systems, such as ERP, CAD, and CRM, streamlining data exchange and eliminating manual processes.
  • Complexity: Aras can be complex to implement and use, especially for large organizations with complex product development processes.
  • Cost: Aras can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially for organizations with limited budgets.
  • Limited Integration: Aras may not integrate well with other enterprise systems, such as ERP or CRM systems.
  • Lack of Flexibility: Aras may not be flexible enough to meet the specific needs of all organizations.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Aras can have a steep learning curve, which can make it difficult for users to get up to speed quickly.

Key Features

  • ALM Integration: Aras can be integrated with existing ALM environments to develop a singular visualization of a variety of products. This feature is also connected to processes such as change management and BOM. With this connectivity, the source code is managed within the ALM program. 
  • Bill of Materials: The program controls the bill of materials across the entire supply chain. Aras Innovator provides visibility in a centralized location and leverages information from multiple sources to aid in the development of insights. With this tool, users can develop structured, multi-level bills of materials associated with each product lifecycle stage. The system also syncs with MBOMs and EBOMs to give users visibility of cross-disciplinary change statuses. 
  • Change Management: This tool controls assessments, change requests, orders and plans. It gives all users throughout the supply chain visibility of engineering change status through the automatic capture and recording of change histories. The program also contains automated impact analysis, group voting, escalation, delegation, standard best-practice templates created using CM2 principles and more. 
  • Component Engineering: The component engineering feature streamlines the approval, selection, compliance and sourcing workflows for electronic components. The program offers real-time technical data. It contains information on obsolescence and compliance from millions of board-level components gathered from global manufacturers as well. The system includes basic and parametric search functionality along with color indicators, alerts for aspects such as EOL and PCN, IPC 1752A material declaration and compliance with RoHS and REACh. 
  • Configuration Management: The system maintains a hierarchical set of data from the entirety of a product or system’s lifecycle. The program contains configuration identification, status accounting, control and verification. It can also track baselines at different lifecycle stages, including as-built and as-designed. It also sends users email notifications and reminders to keep them updated and on-track with product developments. 
  • Document Management: Aras stores all important documents in a centralized location that is both searchable and secure. The system supports multiple file formats, and version and change control are included for all documents. Some supported file types include PDF, Microsoft Office and TIF. Full-text search mode makes finding relevant information simpler, and user access can be restricted on a user level. 
  • Manufacturing Process Planning: This solution supports MBOM, graphical and concurrent process plans and work instruction authoring. It also offers automatic real-time reconciliation of EBOM/MBOM. Process plans are version-controlled through this tool and contain information regarding parts consumed, steps, skills, resources utilized, etc. MBOMs and process plans for specific plants are available as well. 
Teamcenter
Teamcenter
Start Price
$7,000
Per User, Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Teamcenter

Teamcenter is a PLM software that helps users maintain all aspects of their product lifecycles. Users rave about its performability because it streamlines jobs, links large assemblies and is easy to leverage. Compliance and sustainability, change management, document management and product cost management are just some of the features that users find useful in managing workflows. This program also executes 3D simulations, data studies and relaying information to other worksites. Although some users have experienced system freezes and bugs, most find this solution the perfect fit for their business.

Pros & Cons

  • Performance: Of the users who mentioned this solution's performance, 54% said it makes the job easier, merges large assemblies and is user friendly.
  • Accessories: Approximately 73% of users who discussed this program's modules said they were excellent in conducting 3D simulations, measuring and analyzing data and transferring information to various worksites.
  • System Performance: Of the users who addressed this solution's performability, 45% of users said it occasionally freezes, has bugs and requires too many clicks to find something.

Key Features

  • Bill of Materials Management: Create a centralized product definition to reduce the deficiencies as an item moves through the product lifecycle. This module includes visualizing dependencies and relationships among design components and permits users to manage BOMs of physical assets to perform verifications, warranty claims and deviation documentations. 
  • Change Management: Evaluate and understand changes made to designs. This accessory includes closed-loop processes that provide feedback, audit history and change tracking. It also measures the impact a change has on data, processes and people. 
  • Document Management: Draft analysis reports, specifications, spreadsheets, technical publications, test results and 2D/3D illustrations. Users may access current data from their bill of materials and parts lists to ensure their information is documented correctly. This feature also includes advanced markup extensions such as deep zooming, reviews and color separation. 
  • Compliance and Sustainability: Meet compliances such as REACH, RoHS and Conflict Minerals and measure the levels of hazardous substances used in items. Users may work with pre-set rules that guarantee a business adheres to the most modern global compliance standards. 
  • Manufacturing Data and Process Management: Produce a single source of product and standard process knowledge. It supports additive data management through information consisting of the entire build tray setup, printing parameters and part geometries. Users can conduct 3D printing and post-print steps, such as heat treatment and inspections. 
  • Materials Data and Lifecycle Management: Track products for problematic substances with this tool. Users may create material definitions for various lifecycles and maintain recipes to ensure coherence and efficiency. 
  • Product Cost Management: Capture and maintain internal business expenses. Leverage the price of machines, materials, manufacturing technologies and labor worldwide to measure expenditures and see how changes impact product costs as the lifecycle advances. 
  • Analytics: Develop tailored analytics or use original reports to obtain crucial information. Collect data from multiple sources and allocate it via dashboards, particular reports and emails. 
  • Visualization and Digital Mockup: Annotate designs directly on a 3D part and swiftly allocate feedback. Conduct digital mockups in real time to catch and resolve issues early on in the product lifecycle. 
Enovia
Enovia
Start Price
$15,000
Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Enovia

Enovia, a well-known PLM Software, has received mixed reviews from users in the past year. Many users appreciate its robust functionality, including its ability to manage complex product lifecycles, facilitate collaboration, and streamline processes. However, some users have expressed concerns about its complexity and the need for extensive training to use it effectively. When compared to similar products, Enovia is often praised for its comprehensive feature set and scalability. Its ability to handle large volumes of data and support multiple users makes it a suitable choice for large enterprises. However, its higher cost and complex implementation process may not be ideal for smaller businesses or those with limited resources. One of Enovia's key differentiating factors is its integration with other Dassault Systèmes applications, such as CATIA and SolidWorks. This integration allows for seamless data exchange and collaboration between different teams involved in the product development process. Overall, Enovia is best suited for large enterprises with complex product lifecycles and a need for robust PLM capabilities. Its strengths lie in its comprehensive functionality, scalability, and integration with other Dassault Systèmes applications. However, businesses should carefully consider its complexity and cost before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Collaborative environment: Enovia provides a centralized platform for all product-related data, enabling seamless collaboration among cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, and manufacturing.
  • Improved product quality: Enovia's change management capabilities help track and control product revisions, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring product quality.
  • Accelerated product development: Enovia streamlines the product development process by automating workflows, reducing time-to-market and increasing productivity.
  • Enhanced supply chain visibility: Enovia integrates with supply chain management systems, providing real-time visibility into supplier performance and inventory levels.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Enovia's modular architecture allows for customization and scalability to meet the unique requirements of different industries and business sizes.
  • Complexity: Enovia's intricate interface and vast feature set can be overwhelming for users, leading to a steep learning curve and reduced productivity.
  • Customization limitations: Users have reported difficulties in tailoring Enovia to their specific business needs, hindering efficient workflows and hindering process optimization.
  • Data management challenges: Managing large datasets and ensuring data integrity can be challenging in Enovia, potentially impacting data accuracy and reliability.
  • Integration difficulties: Integrating Enovia with other enterprise systems can be complex and time-consuming, hampering seamless data exchange and hindering collaboration across departments.
  • Limited flexibility: Users have expressed concerns about Enovia's rigidity, which may not accommodate evolving business requirements or support agile methodologies effectively.

Key Features

  • Materials Compliance Analysis: Enovia’s materials compliance analysis feature allows users to maximize the use of compliant components to create eco-friendly designs. This feature also enables users to make smarter outsourcing decisions based on environmental compliance or supplier responsiveness.  
  • Quality Intelligence Analyst: Analysts and other users in an organization can oversee the quality process of analytics in real-time. A single dashboard can host combined EDMS and EQMS data models for one-stop control. 
  • Product Capability Management: Enovia’s product manager feature leverages product architecture and product configuration to generate the Engineering BOM automatically. It improves customer satisfaction by ensuring all requirements are met for each product and service.  
  • Driven Product Manager for Services: The service product manager attribute allows review and approves business initiative projects for product design as “go” or “no go.” This attribute can also define generic or off the shelf products for all locations and languages. 
  • 3D Product Development: Enovia’s 3D Product Architect feature enables the creation of web-based 3D digital mockups and design reviews. It also grants the ability to visualize, explore and edit multi-CAD product structures within a web browser. 
  • Issue and Defect Manager: The Defect Engineer tool can manage issues and defects in complex system-on-chip product hierarchies. Hierarchical defect impact analyses are also performable.  
Sage X3
Sage X3
Start Price
$24,000
Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Sage X3

User reviews of Sage X3 reveal a powerful ERP solution with a strong emphasis on scalability and flexibility. Users praise its ability to adapt to specific business needs and grow alongside a company's expansion. One user highlights this strength, stating, "Sage X3 offers extensive customization options to adapt to your unique business processes and workflows. This allowed us to tailor the software to our specific needs and avoid being forced to adapt our processes to the software." This flexibility is crucial for businesses operating in dynamic environments. However, some users find the initial setup and learning curve of Sage X3 to be complex and challenging. One reviewer notes, "While the extensive customization options can be a benefit, they can also make it more difficult to upgrade and maintain the software. This can lead to increased costs and system downtime." These concerns are particularly relevant for smaller businesses with limited IT resources. Despite the complexities, many users appreciate Sage X3's superior reporting capabilities compared to competitors like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. One user points out, "While Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides basic reporting capabilities, some users find it to be insufficient for their needs. Sage X3, on the other hand, offers deeper insights and flexible reporting options." This advantage enables businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. Overall, Sage X3 earns positive user reviews for its robust features, adaptability, and strong reporting capabilities. However, its complexity and potential cost considerations require careful evaluation before implementation. Choosing the right ERP solution depends on a company's specific needs, resources, and long-term growth plans.

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless Interface: Of the users who discussed the user interface, 45% said it was easy to use.
  • Vast Amount of Features: This software is equipped with an abundant amount of features including a dashboard, reporting, inventory management, accounting, and fixed assets, according to 76% of users.
  • Scalability: Sage X3 can grow with your business, accommodating increasing data volumes and user needs. This is crucial for businesses that anticipate significant growth in the future.
  • Flexibility: Sage X3 offers extensive customization options to adapt to your unique business processes and workflows. This allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs and avoid being forced to adapt your processes to the software.
  • Integration: Sage X3 seamlessly integrates with other business applications, streamlining data flow and eliminating silos. This improves efficiency and productivity by giving you a unified view of your business data.
  • Security: Sage X3 employs robust security measures to protect your sensitive data. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your information is safe.
  • Support: Sage provides comprehensive training and support resources to help you get the most out of your investment. This ensures that you have the resources you need to be successful with Sage X3.
  • Old-Fashioned Design: Roughly 54% of users stated Sage Business Cloud X3 has a clunky implementation process and an old-fashioned design.
  • Unexpected Error Messages: According to 76% of users, vague and unexpected error messages appear far too often.
  • Complexity: Sage X3 can be complex and challenging to learn and use, especially for businesses with limited IT resources. This can lead to user frustration and errors.
  • Cost: Sage X3 can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially for small businesses. The initial licensing fees, ongoing subscription costs, and potential customization expenses can be significant.
  • Reporting: While Sage X3 provides basic reporting capabilities, some users find it to be insufficient for their needs. Advanced reporting often requires the use of additional third-party tools or customization.
  • Customization: While the extensive customization options can be a benefit, they can also make it more difficult to upgrade and maintain the software. This can lead to increased costs and system downtime.
  • Support: Some users have reported that Sage's customer support can be slow and unresponsive. This can be frustrating when you need help troubleshooting issues or resolving problems.

Key Features

  • Budgeting and Accounting: Sage X3 contains essential accounting functions such as accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, budgeting and fixed asset management. The system allows for an unlimited number of currencies to be used and contains exchange rates to help global companies centralize their finances. Tax management is also included in this tool. 
  • Purchasing: The purchasing tool includes supplier and product management features, purchase requests and supplier invoices among many other components. The tool allows users to monitor the quality of suppliers, manage product serial numbers, take requests for quotation into account and calculate reorder suggestions. 
  • Inventory Management: The inventory management tool has multi-warehouse, multi-company and multi-site support, meaning users may track and manage inventory across various geographic locations. The program also includes quality control features and can assist in the tracking and preparation of stock movements. 
  • Sales Management: Sage X3’s sales management tool enables transactions conducted across different sites to be done automatically. It allows for different prices and discounts to be applied along with also controlling sales quotes and shipment preparation. It assists in the creation of invoices and is compliant with the EU Exchange of goods declaration. 
  • BOM Planning: BOM management is a component of the production management tool that allows users to conduct changes for a product and BOM. With this system, users may control the use of a product in different flows, such as sales, manufacturing, subcontracting and stock issues. Mass maintenance and a view of current bills of material are also provided. 
  • Shop Floor Control: Sage X3’s shop floor control component accounts for direct and indirect labor. Users can also track actual and elapsed time spent working on various tasks. Important labor factors such as break time entry and attendance are included to help ensure that time is being used efficiently and appropriately. 
  • Quality Control: This system supports the management of expiration dates, quality control record creation and serial number management. Stock can also be marked as either accepted, rejected or inspected so items that don’t meet standards won’t get sent to customers. Re-inspection and sampling management are also included in Sage X3. 

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost On-premise:
  • Perpetual license fee includes an upfront cost to own the software plus IP for a fixed term, along with a server license on top of the named user license, maintenance and support fees, customization, implementation and integration
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Recurring subscription-based model: per module, per user, per month
  • The monthly subscription price includes access to Sage Business Cloud X3, Sage Business Care support and access to all updates and upgrades
  • Actual licenses and subscriptions for Sage Cloud are also sold through Sage Certified Partners
Maintenance Cost On-premise:
  • Cost is above and beyond the license fee
  • Users have to enter into a maintenance agreement for annual support and maintenance, the cost of which is in the range of 10% to 20% of the original license fee
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Not included in the subscription cost
  • Additional upgrades and updates are included in the subscription fee via Sage Business Care support
Installation/Implementation Cost On-premise:
  • Cost is above and beyond the upfront license cost
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Cost is over and above the subscription cost
For both types of deployment:
  • Cost varies based on number of users, system architecture, implementation scope and complexity, company size, industry, additional applications, add-ons and third-party integrations
  • Cost varies depending on who’s providing the implementation services: Sage, in-house or outsourced/third-party
  • Cost varies depending on the implementation partner chosen and is typically charged on a per-hour basis
Customization Cost
  • For both types of deployment, cost varies depending on applications and modules added, such as materials management, sales & order management, financial management, production management and CRM
  • Cost varies depending on data elements to be tracked, UI changes, workflows complexity, dashboard, management and operational requirements
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • For both types of deployment, cost varies depending on the amount of data to be migrated, availability of migration tools, complexity of data and gaps between the existing system and the new system
Recurring/Renewal Costs On-premise:
  • Annual recurring fees are paid over and above the upfront cost for annual renewal, upgrades, ongoing support and maintenance, customization, third-party integration and training
Cloud-based/SaaS:
  • Renewal cost is included in the subscription, based on number of users, add-on user licenses, customization, third-party integration and training
Agile PLM
Agile PLM
Start Price
$13,800
Annually, Quote-Based
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Agile PLM

Is Agile PLM nimble enough to navigate the complex world of product lifecycle management? Users of Agile PLM have given the software high marks for its ease of use, flexibility, and value for money. They also praised the software's customer support team, which was quick to respond to questions and resolve issues.

Agile PLM is considered a well-rounded solution, especially suited for large enterprises due to its comprehensive nature. However, specific strengths, weaknesses, and differentiating factors, beyond general mentions of ease of use and flexibility, haven't been detailed in recent reviews. While users appreciate the customer support, this aspect doesn't necessarily differentiate Agile PLM, as good customer support should be a standard across similar products.

Based on available information, Agile PLM appears suitable for companies of all sizes and industries seeking a user-friendly and adaptable PLM solution. However, without detailed insights into its specific strengths and weaknesses compared to competitors like Aras PLM or Teamcenter, it's challenging to definitively pinpoint its ideal user base beyond a general preference for ease of use and robust customer support. More nuanced user feedback would be needed to provide a truly in-depth analysis.

Pros & Cons

  • Improved Collaboration: Users highlight that Agile PLM facilitates better communication and teamwork, particularly between engineering and manufacturing departments.
  • Streamlined Processes: Many users appreciate the way Agile PLM helps to simplify and automate complex product development processes, leading to faster time-to-market.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Users value the increased transparency and real-time insights into product data that Agile PLM provides, enabling better decision-making.
  • Usability Issues: Users have reported that Agile PLM can be difficult to use, especially for those who are new to PLM software. The interface is not intuitive and requires extensive training to learn. For example, some users have complained about the complexity of creating and managing workflows.
  • Performance Problems: Agile PLM has been known to suffer from performance issues, particularly when dealing with large amounts of data. This can lead to slow response times and make it difficult to complete tasks efficiently. For instance, users have reported slow loading times when searching for parts or documents.
  • Integration Challenges: Integrating Agile PLM with other business systems can be challenging. This is because Agile PLM uses a proprietary data model that is not compatible with many other systems. As a result, companies may need to invest significant time and resources to integrate Agile PLM with their existing IT infrastructure.

Key Features

  • Collaborative Environment: The program lets users centralize and manage aspects such as SKUs, finished products, assemblies and sub-assemblies. The user interface offers System Navigators, Quick Views and Structure Navigators, as well. The program gives all users visibility by tracking factors such as products in transition, items in review and issues in resolution. 
  • Quality Management: Agile PLM helps ensure that developed products are of the highest quality by aligning process preferences, organizational goals and regulatory needs across your company. The system also gives you instant visibility when issues or resolutions occur within the product record. 
  • Portfolio Management: Distributed task management, Phase Gate project management and dynamic portfolios give users more visibility, regulatory control and development flexibility when working on projects. You can manage resources, deliverables, product development schedules and add dynamic links to other PLM processes in this system. It also includes a Gate chart editor, which offers direct interaction with enterprise PLM process context and gives users more flexibility. 
  • Cost Management: Agile PLM lets suppliers input whether or not they can meet your company’s volume requirements and cost targets through a secure Request for Quote (RFQ) process. The solution enables your company to interact with various suppliers about elements such as pricing, performance and strategic relationships. 
  • Governance and Compliance: The system contains a compliance engine that’s integrated with the enterprise product record. The engine offers open workflows, which can be configured to meet a company’s unique requirements. When issues arise, the program supports a resolution in a recorded, complete and closed-loop manner. Design for manufacturing, design for compliance and design for quality also complement one another within the solution. 
  • Centralized Engineering: This function includes substantive and visual interaction coupled with authoring tools to help with modeling and product creation. The solution lets you easily transfer data from design authoring tools to generate accurate visual representations of assemblies and parts. 
  • Analytics: Role-based, easy-to-use dashboards provide more visibility into the product lifecycle. This assists with the identification of product risks, quality trends and failure modes to improve product performance and quality. 
Logility
Logility
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Logility

Logility provides effective features for supply change and transportation management, with users calling out its planning, forecasting and modeling tools as notable strengths. Reviews unanimously indicate that the initial setup is challenging and cumbersome. There’s also a steep learning curve and the software is difficult to customize. However, prompt and effective customer support is offered to help resolve any issues. It has a simple user interface, and users also appreciate how easy it is to manipulate and manage data. Overall, it’s a good choice for companies looking to get extensive supply chain and transportation capabilities.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Use: The software is extremely easy to use and navigate through, as reflected by 80% of reviews on the UI.
  • Responsive Support: A team of dedicated consultants with good business acumen offer prompt and effective customer support, according to 100% of reviews on support.
  • Planning and Forecasting: All reviews on this feature indicate that powerful tools for planning, forecasting and modeling, which are accessible anytime and anywhere, are a major benefit.
  • Data Actions: Users can easily upload data, download into Excel and perform mass changes in a few clicks, as suggested by all reviews on data actions.
  • Initial Setup: The initial setup is challenging, as suggested by all reviews on this feature.
  • Learning Curve: According to 65% of reviews on this element, using technical tools involves a steep learning curve.
  • Difficult Customization: Customizing features isn’t simple, as indicated by 100% of reviews on customization.

Key Features

  • Analytics: Leverages complex machine learning, AI and other simulations to automate planning and give insight into supply chain data and functions. Supports planning across large multi-enterprise networks and other complex operations. 
  • Inventory Optimization: Accelerates inventory turns, reduces carrying costs, and reveals the best stocking locations and sizes of inventory buffers. Algorithms and machine learning help create strong inventory policies. 
  • Demand Optimization: Helps deploy optimal inventory based on changes occurring in daily demand while lowering the amount of inventory needed to meet customer service requirements. Attribute demand to specific customers and eliminate non-essential inventory to reduce carrying costs. 
  • Lifecycle Management: Gaining full visibility into projects allows end-to-end control over the lifecycle of an operation. Put financial plans into place so that projects meet their revenue goals and plan to source by vendor and region. 
  • Sourcing Management: Supports RFQ’s (requests for quotes) to aid choosing participating vendors based on the set criterias. Compares suppliers on the global market to each other and issued RFQs. Also optimizes vendor onboarding to aid in vetting factories to mitigate risks. 
  • Supply Optimization: Leverage it to optimize sourcing and production. Automate replenishment as well as set and view a realistic, similar model of a supply chain for a beneficial bird’s eye view. 
  • Integrated Business Planning: Accelerates operational and financial business planning with tools to visualize all merits across multiple scenarios. Helps plan and showcase diverse currencies, and synchronize tactical and strategic plans over a variety of time horizons. 
  • Quality Compliance: Facilitates quality management audits, global logistics and regulatory document management to deliver the right items at the desired place and time. 
  • Retail Optimization: Includes tools for allocation, merchandising and assortment planning, which streamline processes, balance plans across levels, boost overall sales and cut inventory expenses. 
Arbortext
Arbortext
Start Price
$700
Per Seat, One-Time
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Arbortext

PTC Arbortext is a content authoring tool designed to streamline the creation, management and delivery of technical documentation. Its focus on reusability through XML components and automated formatting helps users save time and reduce errors. Additionally, it centralizes product information and enforces stylesheets to ensure consistency across various media formats.

Beyond core content creation functionalities, it offers features like real-time CAD data integration, automated document creation and multi-channel content delivery. While pricing isn't publicly advertised, it likely follows a tiered licensing structure based on required features. Overall, it offers organizations an effective way to optimize technical content creation and delivery and maintain a digital thread.

Pros & Cons

  • Improved Collaboration: Foster seamless collaboration across engineering and design with manufacturing and marketing departments. The centralized platform eliminates information silos and ensures everyone has access to updated product data, reducing communication errors and delays.
  • Enhanced Product Quality: Facilitate a controlled and standardized approach to product development with features like change order tracking and revision control. Real-time updates ensure everyone is working on the latest version of product specifications, minimizing the risk of errors and improving overall product quality.
  • Streamlined Supply Chain Management: Integrate with supplier databases and other supply chain management tools to improve communication and coordination with suppliers, leading to more efficient procurement processes and faster time-to-market.
  • Complex Implementation: Implementing a PLM system can be complex and time-consuming. Businesses need to invest time in data migration, user training and system configuration to ensure a smooth transition.
  • High Initial Investment: The cost of PLM software is not as cheap as chips, especially for larger companies with complex product lifecycles. Licensing fees, implementation costs and ongoing maintenance charges can add up quickly.
  • Data Migration: Migrating existing product data from legacy systems to a new PLM platform opens a whole new can of worms. Incomplete or dirty data or inconsistent formatting can lead to problems down the road, so data quality and consistency require careful attention during migration.

Key Features

  • Content Creation: Use the editor to create standardized content for multiple media formats. Auto-generate text using language-specific collation rules. Incorporate editable, intelligent graphics and embed 2D and 3D animation or illustrations in web and interactive content.
  • Structured Editor: Simplify technical content creation with word-processing capabilities like change tracking, drag-and-drop editing and keyboard macros.
  • Real-time CAD Data: Gather and use real-time CAD data to develop illustrations and animations more quickly. Ensure product information and graphics are accurate with IsoDraw’s ability to update objects and change specifications throughout the production cycle. Create output in multiple data formats including raster graphics, 2D, 3D and animations.
  • Automated Document Creation: Automate formatting and document layouts prior to publication with the Advanced Print Publisher tool. Minimize time spent manually editing graphics, text and other features in formats including XML, JPG, GIF, CGM and SVG.
  • Stylesheet Creation: Create stylesheets with the styler tool, which allows users to develop a set of standards and rules across stylesheets. Ensure content and product quality and consistency along the product lifecycle in multiple layouts and languages.
  • Multichannel Content Delivery: Generate one or more different types of dynamic output simultaneously to multiple formats. Take single-source content and publish it across multiple channels.
  • Multi-Language Formatting: Export generated text as a separate file to translate and create multi-language stylesheets. Increase reusability by using multiple numbering schemes to meet regional numbering rules and mirroring page layout definitions for right-to-left languages.
Arena PLM
Arena PLM
Start Price
$3,000
Per User, Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Arena PLM

Arena PLM is a complex solution that manages every aspect of a product's lifecycle. Users find it easy to implement and learn because it has simple navigation, frequent updates and high-quality document storage. Its modules — ranging from BOM management and demand analysis to item and change management — streamline tasks and permit users to collaborate with suppliers openly. Although some users dislike the search tool, most find this program a robust system worth the time and money.

Pros & Cons

  • Implementation: Of the users who commented on this program's installation and interface, 57% said it's easy to install, simple to learn and the interface is clean.
  • Performability: Approximately 64% of users who addressed this solution's overall performance said it was user friendly, easy to navigate and reliable.
  • Modules: Of the users who discussed this platform's features, 48% stated that it offers a comprehensive dashboard, shares information with suppliers and tracks product progress.
  • Search Tool: Roughly 51% of users who addressed this application's modules said the search tool isn't on par because it can't search partial names or part numbers and it's a little tricky to find the right documents.

Key Features

  • BOM Management: Control current, past and pending product revisions. Manage complex assemblies that consist of aspects such as electrical and mechanical components, documentation and software. It also sorts the information into a multi-tiered hierarchical assembly structure. 
  • Arena Exchange: Provide stakeholders with access to relevant product information in one centralized location. The chat feature allows internal and external users to discuss any arising issues during the gaps between formal processes. Partners may comment, view or download updated information such as reports, BOMs, AMLs and AVLs. 
  • Document Management: Share, track and store various documents while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO and other regulatory standards. Users obtain authorization to product specifications, instructions, drawings and changes. This module also includes standard operating procedures, safety specifications and training records. 
  • Change Management: Manage entire product records and any related processes. Route, draft, release and trace engineering changes. Reviewers receive notifications via dashboards and email alerts. Visualization of factors such as backlog, change cycle time performance and progress are also available for all product lines. 
  • Item Management: Develop accurate and complete item records with structured documents and part information, efficiently permitting users to configure their hierarchical bill of materials structures. This feature tracks and manages manufactured assemblies and purchased components. 
  • Project Management: Connect files, changes, items and tasks to product records at all schedule levels and enable team collaboration. This apparatus tracks project progress through customizable phases that contain assignable tasks and milestones. Users may also gather data and use it to perform comprehensive cross-project analysis. 
  • Demand Analysis: Forecast the total components used to better negotiate with external partners. This tool is available for even the smallest component level, giving customers a leg-up over competitors that aggregate demand only for their most expensive parts. Users gain profit from untracked, inexpensive components as well as expensive ones. 

COMPARE THE BEST PDM Software

Select up to 2 Products from the list below to compare

 
Product
Score
i
SelectHub’s Analyst Rating is based on data from our 400+ point analysis of PDM Software, user reviews, and our own crowd-sourced data from our free software selection platform. Scores are periodically updated via ongoing selection projects and user activity within our platform.
Start Price
Free Trial
Company Size
Deployment
Platform
Logo
Creo
Still gathering data
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Creo
Windchill
$1,000
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Windchill
Aras
$2,500
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Aras
Teamcenter
$7,000
Per User, Annually
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Teamcenter
Enovia
$15,000
Annually
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Enovia
Sage X3
$24,000
Annually
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Sage X3
Agile PLM
$13,800
Annually, Quote-Based
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Agile PLM
Logility
Undisclosed
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Logility
Arbortext
$700
Per Seat, One-Time
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Arbortext
Arena PLM
$3,000
Per User, Annually
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Arena PLM

All PDM Software (49 found)

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SpiraTeam

by Inflectra
SpiraTeam
SpiraTeam is an up-and-coming software application that ranks 47 among all PLM Software according to our research analysts and 186 crowd-sourced reviews from 2 sources. Starting from $43.50, SpiraTeam is priced more economically, has offered a free trial in the past and is most advisable for companies of all sizes. SpiraTeam can be deployed in the cloud and on-premise and is accessible from a few platforms including Windows devices. Similar alternatives to SpiraTeam include Vault PLM, farmerswife and Sopheon Accolade.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Sopheon Accolade

by Sopheon
Sopheon Accolade
Sopheon Accolade is an innovation management suite of products that improves the coordination of executive decisions and everyday functional activities. It helps organizations balance company direction, people, resources and investments. Capabilities include project and process management, roadmapping, project and portfolio management (PPM), and analytics.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: fair
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Ciiva

by Ciiva
Ciiva
Ciiva is a promising platform that ranks 170 among all Inventory Management Software according to our research analysts and 6 crowd-sourced reviews from 1 source. Starting from $20, Ciiva is priced economically, commonly offers a free trial and is most suitable for businesses large and small. Ciiva can be deployed in the cloud and on-premise and is accessible from a limited amount of platforms including Windows devices. Similar alternatives to Ciiva include FacturaScripts, Process2Wine and WaerLinx.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
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farmerswife

by farmerswife
farmerswife
Farmerswife is a promising application that ranks 390 among all Project Management Software according to our research analysts and 18 crowd-sourced reviews from 1 source. Farmerswife is most applicable for any business. Farmerswife can be deployed in the cloud and on-premise and is accessible from a limited set of platforms including Windows and Linux devices. Similar alternatives to farmerswife include Allex.ai, Essembi and Preview Team.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
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Selerant Devex

by Selerant
Selerant Devex
Selerant Devex implements formula-based monitoring to plan and supervise a product's lifecycle. Obtain collaboration, transparency, usability, traceability and vendor management. Access the highest number of creation and tracking resources and work with configurable features.Some of its best modules include quality management, supplier relationship management and product portfolio management. Perform regulatory lookups and address compliance problems promptly. Access merchandise qualities, original concepts, internal communications and other attributes.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

Vault PLM

by Autodesk
Vault PLM
Vault PLM offers enterprise-level collaboration and product monitoring. It supervises operations, shares relevant object information across companies and offers swift product designing. It's cloud-based.Its top modules are bill of material (BOM) management, quality management and supplier collaboration. It can allocate, track and confirm change requests and orders. It can also structure product templates and regulate duties based on a product's line, team or role.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
Demo Pricing

QVscribe

by QRA
QVscribe
QVscribe is a rising software platform that ranks 58 among all PLM Software according to our research analysts. QVscribe is most fitting for companies on the small or medium side. QVscribe can be deployed in the cloud and on-premise and is accessible from a few platforms including Windows devices. Similar alternatives to QVscribe include Omnna, Selerant Devex and Aptean PLM Lascom Edition.
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request with no obligation:
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Infor PLM For Process (Optiva)

by Infor
Infor PLM For Process (Optiva)
Infor PLM For Process (Optiva) is a comprehensive software solution designed to manage the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept through to production and retirement. It is particularly well-suited for process manufacturing industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, due to its robust capabilities in handling complex formulations, regulatory compliance, and quality control. The software offers significant benefits, including enhanced collaboration across departments, improved product quality, and accelerated time-to-market. Key features include formulation management, regulatory compliance tracking, and advanced analytics for better decision-making. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the ability to customize workflows to fit specific business needs. Compared to similar products, Infor PLM For Process (Optiva) is praised for its deep industry-specific functionalities and seamless integration with other enterprise systems. Pricing details are typically customized based on the specific requirements of the business, so it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Omnna

by Specter Solutions
Omnna
Omnna is a cloud-based ERP for businesses of all sizes that aims to replace disparate legacy systems and provide a comprehensive end-to-end option for businesses looking to enhance their workflows. It manages processes for the supply chain lifecycle, point of sale, warehousing, customer relationship management (CRM) and more. It leverages artificial intelligence, integrations, customization and mobility to provide flexible and powerful functionality for a wide range of businesses.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Buyer's Guide

PDM Software Is All About Centralizing Product Data

By Khaleel Hayes, Market Analyst at SelectHub

PDM Software BG Intro

Managing disparate product data like designs, engineering information, critical workflow processes and BOMs is similar to maintaining a cluttered filing cabinet. Thankfully, PDM software, like PLM software, centralizes product data to ensure you access and share all information across your company in real time.

Looking for a way to streamline your product data organization or better manage your company’s collaboration and communication tactics? In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over what PDM software is, how it could help your business and how to pick the best solution.

Executive Summary

  • PDM software is a solution that centralizes and manages product data in one hub for better management, configuration and company-wide collaboration.
  • Key features include collaboration, document management, manufacturing processes and remote access.
  • Ask potential vendors any questions you have about the solution before purchasing.
What This Guide Covers:

What Is PDM Software?

PDM software is a solution that houses all product documentation and data, including designs, engineering data, BOMs and more. You get everything required to draft or revise merchandise data.

Some confuse product data management software with product lifecycle management (PLM) software. PDM software typically monitors product data in the development stage, while PLM software monitors product data across all stages of the product's lifecycle.

Primary Benefits

This solution offers many advantages to help your company thrive, from saving money to centralizing data and increasing teamwork.

PDM Software Benefits

Boost Data Centralization

PDM Software Categories

PDM software consolidates merchandise data instead of accessing disparate systems to pull up designs, modifications, team annotations and more. You can also refer to notes and comments if you upgrade or make a similar product, saving time.

For example, you may own a chair company, and you want to design improved lawn chairs. You can pull information from your previous lawn chair designs and review product specifications and workflows to catch bottlenecks and consider revisions for future products.

Improve Company-wide Teamwork and Communication

PDM systems offer collaboration and communication tools to improve company-wide teamwork and input. There will also be more eyes on your product information to reduce mistakes. You can also share information with specific teammates more quickly.

Let's say your chair company needs new recliner designs. You can have several members create new designs and evaluate each one within one consolidated place. Other teammates can also make annotations and provide feedback wherever possible.

Make Better Business Decisions

This solution offers centralization and data visibility that helps you make well-informed choices. You can also make information available to specific users to avoid oversharing and increase confidentiality.

For example, you may want to share a few ideas about a leather armchair, but you only want to converse with your lead designers about this product. You can share ideas and scrap the project with no harm done.

Key Features & Functionality

Collaboration

Share designs, notes, feedback and more with instant sharing and collaboration tools. Ensure all associated team members have a say on products and fix errors appropriately to reduce major problems and increase efficiency.
Document Management

Import reports and files into your PDM software or create new ones from scratch. Some solutions may also offer appropriate drag-and-drop tools. You can also arrange reports into intricate systems for easy searching and recycling.
ECAD Data Management

Designers, engineers and manufacturers can leverage an electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) data management module for streamlined access to intricate electronic data designs. Some systems may also sync ECAD databases with PLM workpieces.
Remote Access

Share real-time updates with local, national or global teams in just a few clicks. Thanks to remote tools and infrastructures, you can converse with teammates anywhere instead of traveling to different locations every so often.
Manufacturing Processes

Leverage manufacturing tools within a PDM system or an integrated, standalone solution that streamlines production rules and helps manufacturers decide on the best practices for creating your products.

Software Comparison Strategy

There are several ways to evaluate, compare and execute your software selection strategy. Some sources offer you five-step programs, and others may offer 10 or more. We offer Lean Selection, a nine-step software selection methodology that helps you find any software for all business types and sizes. Here's a quick breakdown of Lean Selection:

PDM Software Lean Selection

  1. Establish: Investigate why you need a new solution.
  2. Collaborate: Create an internal software selection committee of colleagues, stakeholders, department heads, end users, IT experts and more.
  3. Define: Set up several meetings with your software selection team to create an in-depth requirements list of desired functionalities.
  4. Distribute: Employ a comparison of potential vendor solutions and your requirements. Shortlist software providers that best align with your needs.
  5. Justify: Determine if you need new software, add-on features, or to end this software selection hunt.
  6. Prove: Ask prospective vendors if they offer demos, use cases or proofs-of-concept (POCs) to demonstrate modules in realistic situations. You can accurately rate demos with a scoring rubric.
  7. Rank: Organize and rank software providers according to their demo scores and total cost of ownership (TCO). You should have two to three potential solutions that could all work for your company.
  8. Negotiate: Talk with your high-ranked software vendor about contracts and agreements. Seek legal counsel if the contract seems sketchy. Repeat this step with other software providers on your list if you can't reach an agreement with your top-rated vendor.
  9. Sign: Review and sign your software vendor's contract. Establish an implementation and onboarding plan.

It’s also essential to research your vendor. You can evaluate online reviews, read industry guides and ask colleagues for their recommendations. Some vendors may even offer a free trial, so you can see how your employees do with the program before committing to a price.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

Several attributes affect a software's TCO, including company size, deployment options, number of users and more. Let's review these pricing considerations in more detail.

How Big Is Your Company?

Do you see your company as a startup, mid-sized warehouse or global enterprise? Most programs cater to all sizes, and some solutions cater to one or two. Most systems also offer scalability options to adapt as you add more employees, machinery, locations, workflows and other assets.

Which Deployment Option Suits You Best?

Are you interested in on-premise, cloud or a hybrid option of both? Each deployment comes with several pros and cons.

On-premise systems allow you to host your PDM software on your company servers and computers. You must update the solution and can only utilize it on your company premises (hence the name). This option is ideal if you're a small business with one or two locations. Pricing plans are heftier because most vendors offer tiered customer support packages that vary in services.

Vendors host cloud systems on internal or third-party servers, allowing you to access the system on mobile devices because of its online availability. Pricing plans typically offer reasonable, monthly billing cycles that make it more affordable than on-premise platforms.

Software providers are in charge of upgrading the solution. Most vendors provide security protocols to safeguard data, i.e., data encryption, user-level access permissions and more.

Cloud systems do have a few disadvantages. You can receive poor software performance if you don't have a strong internet connection. Servers can go down, restricting all solution access, but this is rare.

You can also choose a hybrid deployment option that fuses the best of cloud and on-premise, such as security measures, real-time access via the internet and more. It's best to discuss software providers' hybrid choices in more detail.

How Many Users Will Access This Software?

Software TCO also varies by the number of required users because of licensing. The more users, the higher the price. It's typically cheaper if you have a small IT team of five or so members to access the solution. However, if you plan on letting numerous company sectors access and input data into the program, it'll run you extra. The number of users is vital when browsing different programs.

Do You Need New Software or Add-on Features?

Sometimes you have to ask: Is it better to replace a broken part or the whole product? For example, you may own a digital record player, but one of your records is scratched up. It's easier to replace (or fix) your record than to replace the entire record player.

Another scenario is if you own a car and accidentally knock off one of your side mirrors. It'll likely cost you less to replace the mirror than the whole vehicle. In most scenarios, investing in add-on modules that integrate with your current PDM software is cheaper than looking for a new one. Ask vendors if their features can integrate with your existing solution.

The Most Popular PDM Software

Now that you know what PDM software can do, how do you decide which product is best for your needs? Our analysts have curated some of the top PDM software solutions on the market. Check out our picks below!

Teamcenter

This solution streamlines product data storage and design protocols. Its centralized features allow you to diminish and correct erroneous workflows. It suits all business sizes and offers cloud deployment.

Top features include BOM management, compliance and sustainability, manufacturing data and process management and document management.

Teamcenter

An example of Teamcenter's design interface. Source

Agile PLM

This solution merges PLM and PDM characteristics into one system to give consistent product lifecycle visibility across all stages. It serves mid-sized and large organizations and operates on the cloud. Its top modules include analytics, governance and compliance, cost management, engineering and quality management.

Agile PLM

A preview of Agile PLM's quality management feature. Source

Upchain

This system supervises all stages of a product's lifecycle from beginning to end while also implementing PDM capabilities. It operates under professional, team and participant modes and is cloud-based. Top features include multi-CAD data, CAD storage, BOM management, file importing and exporting, configurable workflows and dashboards.

Upchain

An example of Upchain's interface.

 

 

Questions To Ask

Here are a few guiding questions to help you determine why you need a new solution and better understand your company's requirements.

  • What's our budget?
  • How many users will utilize this solution?
  • What are our most significant workflow pain points?
  • What features do we need to address these pain points?
  • Do we want on-premise, cloud or hybrid deployment?

PDM Software Key Questions

Here are a few quick questions to help you learn more about the software and vendor:

  • Are you familiar with our company size and industry?
  • What security measures do you implement for your cloud software to protect data?
  • How long are the implementation and onboarding processes for your solutions?
  • Does your PDM software offer collaboration, manufacturing and document management tools?
  • How many successful implementations have you had in the past three months? Six months? Last year?

Next Steps

PDM software can strengthen the quality and speed of your everyday product information storage and help you maintain better internal and external collaboration and communication practices.

If you're ready to take the next step, check out our comparison report to gain insight into top software leaders.

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Khaleel
By Khaleel Hayes
Technical Content Writer
Khaleel Hayes is a Technical Content Writer for SelectHub, with over 4 years of experience crafting content for manufacturing, PLM, ERP and technology selection audiences. He's also a freelance writer in his spare time. His body of work includes poetry, short plays, feature articles and film reviews either self-published or in Denver publications. He graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and an English minor from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May 2018. When not writing, he enjoys classic movies and music, tasty burgers, tasteful bookstores, and breathtaking art and photography.
See Full Bio
Rohit Dutta
Technical Research By Rohit Dutta Mazumder
Senior Analyst
Hailing from the serene landscapes of Assam, India, Rohit is a seasoned professional with diverse expertise in several software categories. Armed with a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management, he brings a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic thinking to the table. His proficiency extends across dynamic fields such as Product Lifecycle Management, Hotel Management, Ecommerce, Accounting and Finance.
See Full Bio
Shashank
Technical Review By Shashank K K
Principal Analyst
After graduating with a Masters in Finance from Trinity College Dublin, K K Shashank's research and detail-oriented skills led them to SelectHub. He has diverse knowledge across various software categories like Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Ecommerce, Risk Management, PLM, Insurance and more since 2020.
See Full Bio
Hunter
Edited By Hunter Lowe
Content Editor
Hunter Lowe is a Content Editor, Writer and Market Analyst at SelectHub. His team covers categories that range from ERP and business intelligence to transportation and supply chain management. Hunter is an avid reader and Dungeons and Dragons addict who studied English and Creative Writing through college. In his free time, you'll likely find him devising new dungeons for his players to explore, checking out the latest video games, writing his next horror story or running around with his daughter.
See Full Bio