PDF system keeps data consistent

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 11, 2008

The PDM connectors available from MasterControl interface with the most popular PDM solutions in the industry, including PDMWorks from SolidWorks and PTC's Pro/IntraLink and Windchill.

MasterControl has developed connectors for the industry's most commonly used product data management (PDM) solutions.

The PDM connectors facilitate collaboration and red lining on PDF versions of drawings while ensuring that the PDF copies in the MasterControl system stay in sync with native files in the PDM solution.

"The PDM interface offered by MasterControl fosters an effective communication environment and helps maintain regulatory compliance by ensuring that data is kept consistent between systems", said Matthew Lowe, MasterControl Product Manager, Medical Device Expert.

"MasterControl's seamless PDM interface effectively manages complex CAD files while helping companies in regulated environments overcome common product data management challenges".

MasterControl links CAD systems with the highest level of document control to create an suitable master management system.

The PDM connectors available from MasterControl interface with the most popular PDM solutions in the industry, including PDMWorks from SolidWorks and PTC's Pro/IntraLink and Windchill.

The PDM interface provides users with a straightforward means of applying document control to CAD data without requiring designers to use a non-native application for managing CAD files.

All CAD files are maintained by the native PDM solution while MasterControl automates the publishing of the files for routing, approval and production purposes.

The MasterControl system also tracks the creation, modification and archiving of all information relating to a product.

All users - even those who may lack intimate knowledge of the CAD package - can red line and collaborate on drawings using only Adobe Reader.

As new changes are introduced during the collaboration process, collaboration leaders can make the required modifications using the native CAD application.

Afterward, MasterControl automatically publishes a new PDF file reflecting the changes made to the file.

The system provides continuous and automatic monitoring for new and revised drawings in the PDM solution.

Using metadata from the PDM solution, MasterControl publishes a PDF file for each new drawing.

Likewise, revised drawings trigger revisions in MasterControl which copies the metadata and drawing file from the PDM system to updated InfoCards in the MasterControl system.

InfoCards are created at a user-defined stage for every new and revised drawing in the PDM solution.

Drawings are then routed for collaboration and approval as part of the automated publishing process.

The InfoCards can also support any custom field data that may be directly passed from a PDM solution.

Any time the link between MasterControl and the PDM solution is initialised, the system automatically synchronises groups of files until there are no files remaining that require synchronisation.

The MasterControl system can also be manually synchronised and still identify and rectify any gaps that may exist.

The MasterControl system electronically notifies assignable users if missing metadata in the PDM system causes the transfer process to fail.

MasterControl's PDM connectors automate the routing and approval process, improving overall workflow functionality.

MasterControl's PDM solution works seamlessly with MasterControl BOM to provide a cohesive organisational structure throughout the design and manufacturing processes.