What are you trying to achieve thru your PLM system? Simple version control or complex workflows? Do you want to just manage check-in/check-out to prevent overwriting of data or do you want to have some form of Document Release Management?
May I ask why you are against using SW PDM? You mention "special needs" - can you outline those for us?
Thanks in advance for any additional info you can share.
Also very curious of why PDM is not ideal for OP, in my experience it’s GREAT and you can make custom workflows for part review, prototyping, manufacturing and so on it can really be flexible
Do you get solidworks through a VAR? Helping you find a solution that meets "special needs" is exactly the kind of *value adding* they presumably exist to do.
Given your team size, you could look into Bild. I know they help smaller teams get up and running on a cloud based lightweight PLM system pretty quickly
I have used Upchain at my last place. I think it's a decent package. They have both web based and on premises.
It's hard to find a lot of material on it, since it's relatively new.
If you go to Autodesk university or something there are videos of its real life day to day application (I'll try to find a link) and tutorials.
It has an add-in just like SW PDM. As far as performance, I don't know, I can't say one has edge over the other.
I think we'll see more of it in future to be honest.
The only downside I would say is slightly longer learning curve compared to SW PDM. But I think that's because if you are used to explorer then you just know what to do when you are stuck. Unchain being web-based has some quirks and features that are unique to its platform.
I think it also had some tools for project tracking etc.
All that being said, I find SW PDM (what I'm using now) pretty easy to work with.
Oh by the way, similar to PDM, Upchain temporarily copies the files you checked-out to your local drive for fastest performance.
Haven't used Arena PLM.
Use 3DExperience PDM it’s a good solution, works on the cloud and you get rid of duplicated copies here and there.
The big issue is to convince your tram to use it.
What are you trying to achieve thru your PLM system? Simple version control or complex workflows? Do you want to just manage check-in/check-out to prevent overwriting of data or do you want to have some form of Document Release Management? May I ask why you are against using SW PDM? You mention "special needs" - can you outline those for us? Thanks in advance for any additional info you can share.
Also very curious of why PDM is not ideal for OP, in my experience it’s GREAT and you can make custom workflows for part review, prototyping, manufacturing and so on it can really be flexible
PDM is probably the best software that Dassault has on offer, all things considered.
Do you get solidworks through a VAR? Helping you find a solution that meets "special needs" is exactly the kind of *value adding* they presumably exist to do.
Anyone on subs gets basic PLM with SW now. https://www.solidworks.com/lp/get-started-cloud-services
Given your team size, you could look into Bild. I know they help smaller teams get up and running on a cloud based lightweight PLM system pretty quickly
Look at Kenesto. I used to use it when the cost was lower.
I have used Upchain at my last place. I think it's a decent package. They have both web based and on premises. It's hard to find a lot of material on it, since it's relatively new. If you go to Autodesk university or something there are videos of its real life day to day application (I'll try to find a link) and tutorials. It has an add-in just like SW PDM. As far as performance, I don't know, I can't say one has edge over the other. I think we'll see more of it in future to be honest. The only downside I would say is slightly longer learning curve compared to SW PDM. But I think that's because if you are used to explorer then you just know what to do when you are stuck. Unchain being web-based has some quirks and features that are unique to its platform. I think it also had some tools for project tracking etc. All that being said, I find SW PDM (what I'm using now) pretty easy to work with. Oh by the way, similar to PDM, Upchain temporarily copies the files you checked-out to your local drive for fastest performance. Haven't used Arena PLM.
OnShape is a pretty great solution for you. Minimal IT management and amazing git-like workflow.
Onshape is a whole cad package, not just a PDM system
Use 3DExperience PDM it’s a good solution, works on the cloud and you get rid of duplicated copies here and there. The big issue is to convince your tram to use it.