SolidWorks also has unveiled a new product data management program that is more deeply integrated with its 3D CAD software, and has an expanded bill of material (BOM) functionality and Itemcentric product data management.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 is designed to give users a new array of product data management productivity capabilities from within their CAD interface, including “Change State” and “Where Used.”
A new preview pane in the interface displays a part thumbnail with detailed version data, sparing users the need to open files or check properties.
Custom “drawing/ assembly BOM s” that are created in SolidWorks CAD software now are passed intact to SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009, to reduce rework.
“Named” bills of material that can be used beyond the engineering organization, now are associated with the SolidWorks assembly. This means that if a designer changes a part, the bill of material is automatically updated.
The program’s new item-centric product data management is engineered to provide a gateway between engineering and purchasing, finance, and enterprise resource planning systems.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM was designed for companies that span multiple geographic sites and want the benefits of automated workflow, or that require the database functionality provided by Microsoft SQL Server.
“The bill of material enhancements in SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 extends the value of product data management further across our organization to purchasing, marketing, finance, and beyond. Although the enhancements for designers and engineers make a big impact on our product quality, product data management isn’t just for engineers anymore,” Spencer Smith, mechanical design engineer at Pro Brand International, Inc. said.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 is available in 14 languages through SolidWorks authorized resellers. SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 now runs on the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system in either 32-bit or 64-bit versions, and continues to support Microsoft Windows XP.
