Yes, you can. We recommend storing all associated files in your PDM vault. It's common to store other files, such as Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, and other CAD formats, in SOLIDWORKS PDM. You can also revision-manage or set unique workflows for these files when storing them in SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional.
Powerful Data Management
SOLIDWORKS PDM.
Automate manual steps and make it easier for your teams to manage and collaborate on design data.
Trusted by
The Secured Data Vault for All Your CAD & Associated Data
The Secured Data Vault for All Your CAD & Associated Data.
SOLIDWORKS PDM offers robust data management and powerful workflows to enforce standard processes, keep everyone aware of statuses in real time, and allow you to automate your repetitive and manual processes. Your CAD and design files are stored in the data vault with metadata or properties associated with them — so when you need to find important data, you can easily search for product designs using descriptive information, lightning-fast, with Microsoft SQL as the database engine.
Key Features & Benefits
Everything you need to manage your design data.
Connected to SOLIDWORKS CAD
Integrate your SOLIDWORKS CAD data directly to PDM for seamless support of everything you design and document day to day.
Customizable User Interface
Create an environment that works for you and your team with customizable shortcuts, display options, fields, color schemes, and more.
Automate Processes & Workflows
Get more done by automating manual processes with custom setups for serial numbers, email notifications, approvals, and more.
Standardized Processes & Structures
Establish the right standards with consistent part numbers, naming conventions, best practices for file management, and custom data access for team members.
Powerful Search Capabilities
Find your data fast using multiple search criteria — name, date, metadata, and workflow status — so you can reuse or clone standard designs.
Revision Control
Reduce rework and duplicates with version control and a check-in/check-out process, so your team works on the correct design file every time.
Speeding Up the Process with PDM
Knapheide automates design tasks and increases throughput.
Knapheide made the switch from AutoCAD to SOLIDWORKS over a decade ago and has never looked back. See how Knapheide uses SOLIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS PDM, DriveWorks, and Composer to automate mundane design tasks and increase their throughput and speed of development.
“SOLIDWORKS allows us to put a complete vision of our product together.”
Chris Weiss, VP of Engineering at Knapheide
“Working with Hawk Ridge has been fantastic. Their customer service is second to none.”
David Schardt, President at Forgeline Motorsports
“I just could not even begin to say enough about the great service we get from Hawk Ridge Systems. The service and support from Hawk Ridge is amazing.”
Nick Keskey, Mechanical Engineer at Pezo Solutions
Companies We Work With
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store data other than SOLIDWORKS files in the vault?
What license types are available for SOLIDWORKS PDM?
There are three license types available. Viewer licenses provide basic read-only access. Contributor licenses add the ability to work with and update files, including the integrated Microsoft Office Add-in for PDM Professional. Editor licenses include Contributor functionality plus the CAD add-in for accessing PDM from within SOLIDWORKS.
Can SOLIDWORKS PDM integrate with other business software?
Absolutely. There are several pre-built connectors available, as well as an API for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional that can be used to develop anything you need. SOLIDWORKS Manage also includes out-of-the-box integration methods for other systems and databases.
Can you access and use SOLIDWORKS PDM remotely?
Yes, there are several ways to access PDM remotely: Remote Desktop, VPN, Web2 for PDM Professional, and the SOLIDWORKS Manage Web Client. Hawk Ridge Systems can also host the server components on the cloud.
What do I do with my existing data when I implement PDM?
You have several options. You can start fresh with new projects in PDM, manually drag and drop existing files into the vault, or let our team handle a full migration to ensure data integrity and correct metadata mapping. We'll work with you to determine what makes the most sense for your business.
Services & Customer Benefits
Expert support from implementation to ongoing success.
Technical Support
Our team of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and PDM/PLM experts provide best-in-class on-call support and Ask-an-Expert sessions when you need it most.
Professional Services
Our experts have deployed PDM and PLM tools for decades. From software implementation to data migration to consulting, we ensure your productivity, success, and growth.
Unmatched Training
We are the largest SOLIDWORKS training provider in the world, offering both online and on-demand training so your team gets the most out of SOLIDWORKS CAD, PDM, and Manage.
Subscription Support
Whether you need on-demand SolidProfessor training, access to the latest software releases, exclusive resources, or expert support, we have a subscription option for you.
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