Shannon McGarry
Built-in PDM capabilities in Fusion streamline data management, enhance collaboration, and improve quality control, making business growth for design and manufacturing companies efficient and less painful.
For design and manufacturing companies, growth isn’t just a goal – it’s a necessity for survival and success. Managing this growth can often be a real headache, especially when it comes to data. As your company expands, the sheer volume of data from various projects, designs, and revisions can increase exponentially, turning data management into a complex puzzle. That’s why efficient product data management is crucial to keep everything organized, accessible, and secure.
Enter Autodesk Fusion, with its built-in PDM capabilities that centralize your data, maintain change control, history tracking, and manage access permissions—all in one place. This centralization cuts costs by eliminating the need for additional tools and reduces the risk of errors and data loss. Plus, it enables your team to collaborate more effectively and make smarter decisions. By streamlining data management with Autodesk Fusion, you’ll position your business to handle growth more smoothly, responding to new opportunities and challenges with agility and speed.
The challenges of business growth
Business growth, while desirable, comes with its own set of challenges. From the increased complexity of project management to the struggle of maintaining quality and consistency across expanding teams, the challenges are endless. Design and manufacturing organizations feel this pressure even more, thanks to the complex nature of product development cycles, the necessity for precise documentation, and the need for seamless collaboration among various stakeholders. As companies scale up, they often face issues such as:
- Data overload: More projects mean more data, and managing this influx becomes increasingly complex.
- Collaboration chaos: Adding more team members and departments complicates communication and teamwork.
- Quality control: Keeping high standards across a growing volume of work is tough.
- Time management: Efficiently juggling time and resources becomes increasingly challenging.
Built-in PDM and its role in mitigating growing pains
Product data management (PDM) is a critical component in overcoming all of these challenges. PDM systems help organizations manage and control their data, processes, and workflows related to product development. By centralizing data and providing tools for efficient collaboration and management, PDM systems can help your business grow more effectively.
Autodesk Fusion: A comprehensive product development solution with built-in PDM
Fusion is a cloud-based 3D design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing solution with built-in PDM capabilities to help address the growing needs of your business.
Centralized data management
The built-in PDM capabilities in Fusion offer centralized data management, so that all design files, documents, and project information are stored in a single, accessible location. Eliminate the chaos of scattered data, making it easier for you and your teams to find and use the information needed. Key benefits include:
- Change management: With built-in change control, your teams can track changes, manage revisions, and ensure that everyone is working on the latest version of a design. This reduces errors and rework.
- Access control: PDM in Fusion makes sure sensitive information is protected and that only authorized personnel can make changes.
Enhanced collaboration with built-in PDM
Fusion supports real-time collaboration so your teams can work together seamlessly, regardless of their location. Features that boost collaboration include:
- Cloud-based access: Since Fusion is cloud-based, team members can access data and collaborate from anywhere, at any time. If your company is geographically dispersed, cloud PDM is a no-brainer.
- Integrated communication tools: Fusion includes tools for commenting, markup, and task assignment. This keeps everyone on the same page and makes sure that their feedback and ideas are shared promptly.
“We needed something that could work collaboratively across different locations. We’d have to buy a server and network licenses with SOLIDWORKS. The whole infrastructure was a lot more complicated, whereas Fusion does everything in the cloud. We can use it wherever we want.”
– Jonathan Pearson, Co-founder, Vivid Nine
Streamlined workflows
Efficient workflows are a must for managing growth. The built-in PDM capabilities in Fusion will allow your business to streamline workflows with automation and collaboration tools, ensuring tasks are completed in a more systematic and timely manner. Additional benefits include:
- Automated processes: Fusion automates routine tasks such as design approvals, notifications, and status updates. Reduce the administrative burden on your teams and allow them to focus on more strategic activities.
- Collaboration tools: Fusion allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Team members can share feedback, make edits, and interact through comments directly within the system.
Improved quality control
Keeping quality top-notch is critical, especially in the design and manufacturing world. Fusion’s built-in PDM capabilities contribute to improved quality with tools for thorough documentation, meticulous tracking, and comprehensive auditing. Key quality control features include:
- Document management: All documentation related to product development is properly managed and accessible. This includes specifications, test results, certifications, and more.
- Audit trails: Fusion maintains detailed audit trails, so you can track changes, approvals, and actions taken on designs. This transparency is important for quality assurance and compliance.
Business growth does not have to be painful, especially for design and manufacturing companies. Autodesk Fusion’s built-in PDM capabilities offer a comprehensive solution to the common challenges associated with scaling up. With Fusion, you can embrace growth with confidence, knowing you and your teams have the tools and capabilities to handle it successfully.