on the definition of em/pdm/plm bring back some definitions collected on web so as to understand us on the topic we are talking about.
if the definitions do not seem correct, give me your version:
engineering data managementedm is a digital data storage system on a computer or server.
description:
technical documents can be managed through a database with a graphical interface that allows the user to perform some useful and often repetitive operations. edm or tdm is used precisely to this: it is usually a software application that can manage a common archive to multiple users, or even to a single user who needs particular order and file management conditions, such as those necessary for correct use of cad 3d.
the em sees archived within it usually only technical documents, drawings and 3d models, at the most related to different documents with a reference link; the elm then manages access to the archive, research and controlled reproduction of different amounts of related documents (and is often a "already" version of the product data management (pdm).
pdm - product data managementthe product data manager, is a computer tool able to collect information about a product.
the peculiar features of a pdm are:
allowing easy storage of the document usually no longer linked to storage in the file system but through a logic more suitable to the project;
allow to codify a document so as to assign a unique identification string to facilitate the traceability of the same;
allow quick access to the document through its code;
allow a search of the document through the metadata of this. in the specific case of the technical design are usually identified with the data included in the registration table also called the cartiglio;
allows the historicalization of the data so that it can verify the evolution of this in the various stages;
allows to store technical specifications automatically within a database that regulates the business economic cycle of the same;
allows the display with light formats of the archived documents (in pdf or, for cad formats, in dwf, formats respectively of adobe and autodesk).
an important functionality, dictated by the normal implementation methodology of pdms, is the link between metadata, usually stored on a structured database, and documents, usually filed on file systems. This functionality allows easy creation and implementation of automatic processing with consequent launch of actions that involve also thousands of documents.
pdm manages files of various formats (pdf, text, excel, cad 2d file or with 3d modeling, and any tables in native format, or the classic dwg of autocad) within a menu organized in expandable folders and with an internal search engine. has automatic import and export functionality, all file types, for simple dragging of folders inside and outside the pdm interface, and an internal search engine, allows the consultation of documents by opening the reading program inside the application (such as reading a .pdf file by opening acrobat reader directly in the browser), or in a stand-alone screen, outside the pdm.
a typical structure is the one that follows the distinct product base and connects to the code of each component the relative documents (different base, processing cycle/assembly, drawings, price list of the purchased).
plm product lifecycle managementthe management of the product life cycle, is a strategic approach to the management of information, processes and resources in support of the life cycle of products and services, from their conception, development, market launch, withdrawal. plm is not only a computer technology, but rather an integrated approach, based on a set of technologies, on collaborative work organization methodologies and process definition.
Principles [modifica]the goal of plm is to optimize (less time, lower costs, higher quality, lower risks) development, launch, modification and withdrawal of products or services from the market.
plm is based on shared access to a common source from which to draw data, information and processes related to the product. is a business strategy that allows the extended enterprise to bring product innovation or service throughout the life cycle, from conception to obsolescence, as if to operate it was a single entity and creating an archive of valuable intellectual capital reusable at any time. In short, plm is a support for innovation.
for example, in the automotive sector, the application of plm methodologies and systems allow the exchange of information - while these are still in progress - among designers of the car shell, designers of the molds with which the shell and designers of the components (e.g. lights) will be produced that will be mounted on the shell. exchange information between members of the extended team - which includes different resources of different business departments, in addition to customers and external partners - is the basis of collaboration.
plm is used, od is being evaluated, in manufacturing, energy, defense, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, food, textiles and clothing and others.
plm is frequently put on the same level as other business approaches with which it is complementary (and in some respects overlapping) such as the resource planning (erp), customer relationship management (crm) and supplier relationship management (srm).
modules [modifica]plm consists of a series of modules that contribute and collaborate to the development of the product; these can be categorized as follows:
product data management: management of technical documentation (cad/cam/cae) and project (documents related to technical material relating to products); often includes a management of the document lifecycle in parallel with the definition of the main processes of work related to the production of the same (see workflow management).
product structure management: management of product configuration (structure, bom).
configuration management: management of variants and production batches.
change management: management of changes of one or more entities that describe the product.
workflow management: data flow management tool.
catalog library: handles of normalized components and standard parts ( bolts, resistors....).
supply chain management: data exchange management with subcontractors.
in some cases, for synods, they consider themselves inclusive of the plm technology family also to the production tools of the technical data itself (cad/cam/cae)
the implementation of one or more modules in a plm system depends on the degree of integration you want to give to the production process.