ARTICLE BY PHILLIP LEWIS ON August 7, 2024, ELITE APPLICATIONS ENGINEER
A key player in the successful implementation and maintenance of SOLIDWORKS PDM is the PDM Administrator. It may be decided or more beneficial to outsource the PDM Admin work and management, or utilize an in-house employee if the time is available.
The Role of a SOLIDWORKS PDM Administrator
A PDM Administrator may be responsible for setting up and maintaining the installation of the SOLIDWORKS PDM software, or may be responsible for the configuration of the PDM Vault that the users will access. Efficient management of design data is crucial for any organization involved in product development.
System Configuration and Maintenance
One of the core responsibilities of a PDM Administrator is the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of the PDM system. Regular system maintenance plans, such as software updates and backups may also fall under the purview of the PDM Administrator. An understanding of Microsoft SQL Server, as well as SOLIDWORKS PDM is necessary to properly maintain a PDM Vault.
A PDM Vault is built by integrating 3 primary components.
- Microsoft SQL Server
- PDM Archive Server software and Archive folder
- PDM Client software
Note: There are also more features and components that could be utilized such as Web2 for Web Browser vault access, but we will not fully cover this in this article.
PDM Administration tool
The PDM Administration tool is used to configure a PDM vault for the users.
To open the PDM Admin tool, you can usually search Windows for Admin, or you can locate the Tools menu from within the PDM Vault local view in Windows Explorer, then Select Administration.
The PDM Administration tool requires a login. This login can be a different login from which you use to login to the PDM Vault local view as a user. This allows for a user to be logged into the PDM Vault as a user with certain permissions, but also logged in to the PDM Admin tool as a different user.
Note: There are some cases when a change in the PDM Admin tool may utilize/require the permissions from the PDM Vault local view user account.
For example, data cards are saved into the vault in folders. If you login to the PDM Admin tool to make a change to a data card, then the actual data card that you are modifying will be subject to PDM Vault permissions. If you are logged into the Vault Local view in windows explorer as a user that does not have the necessary folder permissions to edit the data card in that folder, then you will not be able to save your changes to the data card. You would need to log in to the PDM Vault Local View as a user with the necessary permissions to make this change.
User Support and Training
A PDM Administrator serves as the first point of contact for users experiencing issues with the PDM system. This involves troubleshooting problems, answering user questions, etc. Additionally, the PDM Administrator is responsible for training new users, ensuring they are proficient in using the system and understanding its functionalities.
User and Group Permissions
The PDM Vault is comprised of sets of permissions that allows the Administrator to control file access. The access can be controlled by folder, or by State. Each file in the PDM vault will always reside in a Folder and a Workflow State. The combination of the two permissions allows users to have access to the appropriate files, at the appropriate workflow stage.
Workflow Optimization
The PDM Administrator designs and implements workflows that streamline the design process, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure smooth collaboration among team members. Continuous evaluation and improvement of these workflows are necessary to adapt to changing business needs.
Documentation
Effective communication is vital for a PDM Administrator. They act as a liaison between different departments, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the PDM system’s processes and policies. Collaboration with IT, engineering, and management teams is crucial for the successful integration and operation of the PDM system.
To find out more about how we accomplish this at Converge Design using Best Practices, click here to learn more about our Engineering Systems Process Review.
Why Your Organization Needs a SOLIDWORKS PDM Administrator
Having a dedicated SOLIDWORKS PDM Administrator is essential for maximizing the benefits of your PDM system. At Converge Design, we believe that the right PDM system and a trained PDM Administrator can transform your product development process. Investing in a SOLIDWORKS PDM Administrator is not just about managing your design data—it’s about empowering your team to achieve greater efficiency and success. If you’re considering implementing SOLIDWORKS PDM or need support with your existing system, our experts are here to help.
