SOLIDWORKS PDM is a powerful document management system that can transform the way companies handle their engineering and design documents. However, the implementation and data migration process has been a significant hurdle for many customers looking to implement PDM in their business. In this blog, we’ll explore how Converge’s implementation services for the Axis Vault product revolutionize how companies approach PDM implementation.
Challenge One: Consultative Process Requiring Customer Administration
Traditionally, the process of implementing SOLIDWORKS PDM has been very consultative, with the VAR doing some level of vault configuration and then training the customer on how to install and administer the system. However, this process can be very stressful for engineering and design teams, as PDM is a complex document system that holds important information and quickly becomes mission-critical for operations. Moreover, engineers or designers in the organization often have to assume the dual responsibility of being PDM vault admins in addition to their standard design duties, leading to lost engineering and design time. The assigned internal resource must implement the vault and train others, acting as a help desk internally. All of these tasks lead to more lost time.
Challenge Two: Lengthy Data Migration Process
Data migration is another critical aspect of a successful PDM implementation. Manufacturing and engineering companies need a strategy for getting their legacy data into the PDM vault so that day-to-day operations can resume smoothly. However, in many cases, customers choose or are advised to kick off lengthy and costly data migration efforts that make PDM challenging to attain for many organizations.
Challenge Three: Detailed Documentation Often Missing
Generally speaking, SOLIDWORKS resellers rarely take the time to provide written documentation on the setup process to their engineering and manufacturing clients. This is because it either gets lost in the consulting process or the client must do a lot of the heavy implementation work, and it ends up being a low priority for those companies trying to adopt PDM. These issues make it difficult to manage on an ongoing basis.
Solution One: Fully Configured Vault
Converge’s Axis Vault implementation process and services take a different approach. Instead of the traditional consultative model, Converge offers a fully configured vault that meets the most common needs of companies starting with PDM. The solution covers 80% of what an engineer needs to get started. The Converge Axis Vault implementation is a fully documented configuration of SOLIDWORKS PDM that includes engineering best practices and a written data migration process that has helped hundreds of customers be successful from day one.
Solution Two: Ready To Use Out of the Box
One of the biggest advantages of the Converge implementation approach is that it gives customers a fully configured vault ready to use out of the box. Customers can start using PDM immediately without worrying about complex configurations or training. Moreover, Converge’s Axis Vault implementation comes with built-in engineering best practices, ensuring that customers use PDM in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Solution Three: A Comprehensive Written Data Migration Process
Another advantage of the Converge implementation approach is that it includes a written data migration process. This process has helped hundreds of customers successfully migrate their legacy data into the Axis Vault product without undergoing lengthy and costly data migration efforts. When you work with Converge, we help you establish priorities on which data should migrate first. Typically Converge recommends migrating projects in progress and a few historical projects. This means that customers can start using PDM immediately without worrying about data migration delays or issues.
Summary
In conclusion, Converge’s implementation services for the Axis Vault product are revolutionizing the way companies approach PDM implementation. By offering a fully configured vault that includes engineering best practices and a written data migration process, Converge is making PDM implementation more accessible and less stressful for customers. If you’re considering implementing PDM in your business, be sure to check out Converge’s Axis Vault implementation services.
