SOLIDWORKS PDM
Effectively manage and organize your design data, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration with SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Overview
SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) solutions provide an easy way for designers and engineers to collaborate on product designs without worrying about version control or data loss. It stores and organizes all engineering CAD data and other documents in a central, indexed vault. This central repository uses a relational database to manage information about files, references, user permissions, and electronic workflow processes. Built directly into Windows Explorer, SOLIDWORKS PDM offers a familiar environment with enhanced control and information access. It significantly improves performance by utilizing an organized local cache, reducing time spent searching for data and eliminating duplicate efforts.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Business-Level Outcomes
Common use cases and business-level outcomes of implementing SOLIDWORKS PDM include:
Centralized Data Access
Eliminates confusion and lost files, reducing downtime and rework.
Reduced Errors
Ensures the right version is always used, cutting costly mistakes in production.
Faster Searches
Saves engineering hours by quickly finding designs, accelerating project delivery.
Improved Collaboration
Lets teams and sites work in parallel without conflicts, shortening design cycles.
Automated Workflows
Speeds up approvals and releases, reducing time-to-market for new products.
Data Security
Protects sensitive IP with controlled access, lowering risk of leaks or unauthorized changes.
Regulatory Compliance
Provides full traceability and audit trails, ensuring smoother compliance audits.
Design Reuse
Promotes reuse of proven designs, saving design time and lowering development costs.
Higher Productivity
Reduces time spent on manual file management, allowing engineers to focus on innovation.
Scalability
Adapts as your business grows, preventing disruptions and future-proofing processes.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Features & Benefits
SOLIDWORKS PDM is designed to help companies manage their product development data more efficiently, improve collaboration, and accelerate time-to-market. By providing a secure, centralized environment for all design-related information, it reduces errors, enhances data integrity, and ensures that teams can focus on innovation rather than data management challenges.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Key Features
Securely stores all CAD and non-CAD files in one location for easy access.
Prevents overwrites by managing file edits through controlled access.
Tracks design history and ensures users always work with the right file.
Quickly find files using properties, keywords, or custom attributes.
Standardizes and automates approval processes and notifications.
Maintains parent/child relationships between parts, assemblies, and drawings.
Embeds PDM tools directly in SOLIDWORKS for seamless use.
Controls access to data with user- and role-based permissions.
Records who changed what, when, and why for full traceability.
Enables distributed teams to securely work from the same vault.
Captures and reuses Bill of Materials data directly from designs.
Automatically generates PDFs, DXFs, or other neutral files upon release.
Manages Word, Excel, and other documents alongside CAD files.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Technical Specifications:
Specification
Details
Database
Microsoft SQL Server (Standard Edition for PDM Professional)
Integration
SOLIDWORKS, DraftSight, Microsoft Office, various 3rd party CAD systems
Client Types
CAD Editor, Contributor, Viewer
Deployment
On-premise
Operating System
View operating system requirements here.
System Requirements
View system requirements here.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Licensing & Packages
SOLIDWORKS PDM offers flexible licensing and package options to suit the needs of different organizations, from small single-site teams to large, distributed enterprises. The main packages are SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, and SOLIDWORKS Manage, each offering a distinct set of capabilities and client types.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard is included with SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium and provides one CAD Editor license at no additional cost. It is ideal for smaller teams, generally fewer than ten users, and runs on SQL Server Express with limited scalability. PDM Standard delivers essential functionality such as secure file vaulting, version and revision control, check-in/check-out, simple workflows, and direct integration with SOLIDWORKS CAD, giving teams a reliable way to manage and protect their design data.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional is a separately licensed package designed for larger organizations that require advanced functionality and scalability. Built on SQL Server Standard or Enterprise, it supports distributed teams and multiple sites with features like multi-site replication, advanced workflows, customizable search tools, and support for both CAD and non-CAD files. PDM Professional also includes bill of materials (BOM) management, automated file conversions such as PDFs and DXFs, and robust reporting tools, making it the best choice for companies that need comprehensive data management and process automation.
SOLIDWORKS Manage
SOLIDWORKS Manage is a powerful data and process management solution that builds on the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional by adding advanced project, process, and item management tools. It enables teams to manage complex projects, track tasks and milestones, and automate business processes with customizable workflows. SOLIDWORKS Manage also provides advanced reporting, dashboards, and analytics to give managers full visibility into project progress, resource allocation, and product lifecycle data. Designed for organizations that need to connect engineering data with broader business processes, it helps improve collaboration, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions across the enterprise. To learn more about SOLIDWORKS Manage, click here.
Both PDM Standard and Professional versions offer three license types:
- CAD Editor: A Windows-based client for engineers and designers working with SOLIDWORKS, DraftSight, and other popular design tools. Provides application-specific integrations for managing complex file relationships and properties.
- Contributor: A Windows-based client primarily for non-CAD users who create and edit other product-related files (e.g., Word, Excel) and participate in workflows.
- Viewer: A Windows-based client for users who need to search, view, and print documents. Viewers can also participate in workflows, making it suitable for project leaders and manufacturing personnel who do not need to add or edit data.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Package Comparison
Quickly compare the features of SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and Professional to determine the best fit for your organization:
Comparison Matrix
AUTOMATION
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Revision Control
Automated Neutral File Creation
Custom Configuration
Automated Data Import and Export
Serial Number Generators
Email Notifications
Item Management
PROCESS
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Basic Approval Workflow
Automated Approval Workflow
Business Process Management
SECURITY
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Secure Access
Audit Trail
SEARCH
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Find and Reuse Design Data
Integrated Search
Advanced Search and Favorites
VISUALIZATION
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Integrated eDrawings Preview
Multi-Document Preview
Dashboards and Reports
INFRASTRUCTURE
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Scalability
Distributed Design Teams
Remote Access
CAPACITY
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(Included with SOLIDWORKS
Premium and Professional)
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Manage
Project Management
User Tasks
SOLIDWORKS PDM FAQs
What is SOLIDWORKS PDM?
SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) is a software solution that helps organizations manage and organize their design data and related documents in a central, secure vault. It streamlines product development processes by providing version control, automated workflows, and enhanced collaboration capabilities.
Is SOLIDWORKS PDM free?
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard is included with SOLIDWORKS Premium and Professional licenses. SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional and SOLIDWORKS Manage are both separate licensing structures. Speak to an MLC team member for more information about pricing.
What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and Professional?
SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard is designed for smaller, single-site teams needing basic data management, and is included with SOLIDWORKS Premium and Professional licenses. SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional is an advanced, all-inclusive solution for distributed teams requiring remote access, multi-CAD support, BOM management, and advanced business process automation.
Will MLC help my company get started with PDM?
Yes, MLC offers tailored data management solutions built around how your team works. If you have existing data that you need to bring into SOLIDWORKS PDM, we can help you understand the process to migrate your data, or we can move your data for you. If your company has engineering change processes, we can build custom change and approval workflows within PDM. We support both SOLIDWORKS PDM and 3DEXPERIENCE, and can customize solutions that integrate with PLM, ERP, MRP, and other systems.
Related Resources
Blog & Articles
Safeguard your SOLIDWORKS PDM environment with a complete backup plan—covering SQL databases, archive server settings, and physical file archives. Prevent data loss from crashes, streamline upgrades, and ensure full disaster recovery readiness. Secure your vault today with proven PDM backup procedures!
Easily regain access to SOLIDWORKS PDM—whether for the default admin or a vault-specific account. Follow secure, step-by-step instructions to update credentials via the Windows Registry and Archive Server Configuration, ensuring minimal downtime. Restore control and keep your PDM running smoothly—reset your admin password today!
Keep designs moving when you’re disconnected—cache files locally, make edits offline, then easily sync changes back to the vault once you’re online. Whether you’re traveling or experiencing network downtime, SOLIDWORKS PDM’s Offline Mode keeps you in control. Enable seamless PDM offline workflows—power through anywhere, sync when you’re back online!
Webinars & Videos
Maximize your data management ROI with a tailored SOLIDWORKS PDM implementation from MLC CAD Systems. From kickoff to go-live, we handle installation, configuration, training, and data migration—ensuring a smooth transition and lasting success.
Partner with MLC CAD for a seamless PDM launch and unlock your system’s full potential today!
Eliminate workflow bottlenecks, reduce errors, and gain real-time project visibility with MLC’s EquivaQ Suite. From automated task notifications and ECN linking to customizable, browser-based dashboards, empower your team to make faster, smarter engineering decisions.
Boost efficiency and collaboration—upgrade your PDM with EquivaQ today!
Streamline your SOLIDWORKS PDM setup with a clear strategy for shared assets, legacy data, and folder structure. From migration tools to client configuration, ensure a smooth transition that maximizes organization and team efficiency.
Plan smart, migrate clean, and unlock your vault’s full potential today!