Overview
In this project, we undertook the enhancement of a client's PTC Model Manager PDM system to facilitate smooth integration with their ERP system.
Challenges
The main challenge was the mismatch between parts (MASTERDATA) and CAD data (MODEL_3D/DRAWING_2D) in the PDM. Additionally, the system initially lacked any revision control for parts, which required a configuration update.
Summary:
- Mismatched parts and CAD data
- No revision control for parts
Solutions
We generated missing parts, aligned all revisions to the ERP, and enabled revision control by updating an XML property deployed to all users.
Summary:
- Generated missing parts
- Synced revisions with ERP
- Enabled revision control via XML update
Project Structure
We began by sitting down with the client to understand their requirements. We then took a copy of their system and implemented changes offline using dummy data. After successful user acceptance testing (UAT) on their test system, we deployed to production and signed off.
Follow-Up Project
As a follow-up, we set up a task agent publisher to convert CAD drawings into PDF format and store them within the PDM system. After several weeks, we had a complete set of PDFs representing all CAD data. We performed a one-off extraction of these PDFs and their metadata and delivered it to the ERP consultancy for loading into their ERP system.
Results
The client now enjoys a consistent, revision-controlled PDM system fully synchronised with their ERP, along with a complete PDF archive of all CAD data for ERP integration, eliminating data mismatches and improving workflow efficiency.
Summary:
- Consistent, revision-controlled PDM
- Fully synchronised with ERP
- Complete PDF archive of CAD data
Improvements:
- Faster workflows
- Accurate data
- Streamlined integration
