Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a world leader in 3D solutions, unveiled SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009. The new version of the product data management solution introduces deeper integration with SolidWorks 3D CAD software, expanded bill of material (BOM) functionality, and Item-Centric product data management.
Deeper SolidWorks integration
Because of the new, deeper integration with SolidWorks, users of SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 can access a new array of PDM productivity capabilities directly 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. Users can compare any two documents in the SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 vault directly from SolidWorks 2009. Another new integration feature is the ability to check out a read-only file on the fly simply by clicking “yes” when prompted. And when files are checked in, SolidWorks drawings are now automatically included with 3D modeled parts and assemblies.
New ‘BOM’ functionality
DS SolidWorks has dramatically enhanced BOM functionality for efficiency, flexibility, and value beyond the engineering organization. For example, custom “drawing/assembly BOMs” that are created in SolidWorks CAD software are now passed intact to SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009, reducing rework. “Named” BOMs, which can be used beyond the engineering organization, are now associated with the SolidWorks assembly. This means that if a designer changes a part, the BOM is automatically updated. In addition, named BOMs can now be automatically exported to XML format for fast and accurate data transfer to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Item-Centric PDM
Although PDM is traditionally oriented around part and assembly files, new Item-Centric PDM provides a gateway between engineering and purchasing/finance/ERP systems, which are “item centric.” As such, they are concerned with all the items the organization must order for a product, not just the parts modeled in CAD. As part of the change, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 includes a new Item Explorer interface that offers manual item addition, drag-and-drop compatibility with non-SolidWorks CAD software, and XML-based ERP integration.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 is available now for purchase in 14 languages worldwide through SolidWorks authorized resellers. SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2009 runs on the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system in either 32- or 64-bit versions and continues to support Microsoft Windows XP. It will support the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 platforms when they are released.