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6 PDM system utilities

Communication and notification control

On-line, automated notification of critical events means that all members of a team know the current state of a project. Designers and others know as quickly as possible when information is ready to be processed through the next task and which information is the most up-to-date. This is essential for organisations implementing and using concurrent engineering methods.

Electronic mail minimises the risk of delays and misplaced communications. The system can also delegate activity when a user is unable to complete an assigned task.

Notifications are spawned by a software process known as a "trigger". Almost any event in the development process can cause a message to be sent, or cause another event to occur.

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Data transport and document distribution

A major issue when trying to improve working practices is the speed with which information can be distributed to those who need it. PDM systems maintain distribution lists and maintain duplicate data stores or libraries. Data documents are made available according to rules specified by the system administrator.

All data are accessed under the PDM system's control, so a user need not know their location. All the user needs is the data-set's name, which is not limited by the local computer's restrictions on file- naming. In fact, the user need not even know how to use the computer's commands for files and directory. Neither need they be concerned with operating systems, network commands or differing computer architectures.

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Data translation and conversion

The system administrator can pre-define data translators to convert data between applications and displays and other output devices.

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Document viewing and imaging

The PDM system treats images, whether graphic CAD diagrams or video sequences, in the same way as other data. This provides on-line access to a wide range of information about products that was previously difficult to distribute and archive. Again, there are advantages for teams carrying out concurrent engineering.

Employees outside the usual design process, for instance managers and shop-floor workers, may also view design data on cheap personal computers and terminals checkers and approvers can add comments and annotations.

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System administration

The system administrator sets up the system's operational parameters and monitors its performance. Administrative functions include:
  • Permissions to gain access to and change data

  • Approval procedures

  • Data back-up and security

Most systems can be tailored to work according to a company's existing practices. Operational features may be customised, too. For instance, the approval process may be set to require several individuals to give the go-ahead in sequence in one case and in another to allow a majority vote.

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