Cloud PDM: The Key to Keeping Your Designs and Data Connected

Shannon McGarry June 24, 2025

4 min read

Learn how Autodesk Fusion’s built-in cloud PDM enhances product development, reduces errors, and leads to significant cost savings.

Cloud PDM for connected design and data.

Throughout the design and manufacturing process, maintaining accurate and accessible data is critical. Being able to seamlessly integrate and manage data across various stages of development can significantly impact the efficiency and success of a project.

Autodesk Fusion, a cloud-based CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB product development solution, includes built-in product data management (PDM) capabilities. Ditch the old way of doing thats that lead to disconnected data and change how your team designs, collaborates, and manages data. Let’s explore the importance of keeping your design and data connected and how Fusion can help streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve overall project outcomes.

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The importance of cloud PDM for connected design and data

Product development processes continue to become more and more complex. Designers and engineers need to manage vast amounts of data, including design files, specifications, and project documentation. Keeping this data organized and easily accessible is a must for maintaining productivity and making sure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page.

Connected designs and data management offer several key benefits, including:

  1. Improved collaboration: When teams have access to the same information, they naturally can work more effectively. Real-time data sharing ensures that all stakeholders are informed and can contribute to the project with delays and miscommunication.
  2. Enhanced efficiency: Cloud PDM reduces the time spent searching for files and ensure that the latest versions are available, leading to less errors and rework, while saving time and resources.
  3. Better decision making: With access to up-to-date data, teams make more informed decisions, leading to higher quality products.
  4. Streamlined workflows: Built-in, cloud PDM helps automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex processes so teams can focus on what matters most – innovation and problem-solving.

Fusion’s built-in PDM capabilities

Autodesk Fusion offers built-in cloud PDM capabilities that address these needs and provide a comprehensive solution for managing designs and data. Here are some key features:

Centralized data management

Fusion’s cloud PDM provides a centralized platform for storing and managing all project-related data, including design files, project documentation, and change history. By centralizing data, teams always have access to the most current information, reducing the risk of errors and miscommunication.

Real-time collaboration

Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, viewing and editing files without the need for complicated file transfers or version control issues with the cloud PDM capabilities in Fusion. This real-time collaboration not only enhances team productivity but accelerates the design process.

“With the ability to have a shared workspace and pass files back and forth, the cloud-based nature of Fusion ​easily ​allows that collaboration​ to happen​ across locations and to be iterative with each other.” 

– Michael DiTullo, Founder and Chief Creative, Michael DiTullo LLC

Change management

Effective change management is critical in product development. Fusion cloud PDM automatically tracks changes and maintains a comprehensive history of changes. Teams can easily revert to previous versions if needed and always access the latest updates. This also aids in auditing and compliance, as teams can track who made changes and when.

Secure data storage

Fusion’s cloud PDM offers comprehensive security features, including encryption and access controls, to protect data from unauthorized access. Only authorized users can view and edit project files, leading to improved data integrity and confidentiality.

Automated workflows

Cloud PDM in Fusion supports workflow automation, reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency. Automated workflows can be set up to manage approval processes, notifications, and other repetitive tasks.

Integrated CAD/CAM tools

Fusion provides a unified platform for design and manufacturing. With built-in PDM data can flow smoothly between design and production stages, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall project outcomes.

By improving efficiency and reducing errors, built-in cloud PDM can lead to significant cost savings. Teams spend less time on administrative tasks and rework, and more time on value-added activities. Streamlined workflows and integrated tools also reduce production lead times, further contributing to cost savings.

Keeping design and data connected is essential for the success of any product development project. Stop the old way of doing things with emails, spreadsheets and disconnected tools and with Autodesk Fusion, a modern product development solution that puts data first.

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