Integrating Paper with EDM & PDM

Implementing task oriented tools like CAD or word processing have had a direct impact on individual productivity. Similar gains can be realized in the business processes environment by scanning existing paper drawings and executing EDM/PDM solutions. Reduced product cycle times, ISO 9000 support and a decreased cost of goods are examples of measurable accounting items affected by implementing EDM (Engineering Document Management) PDM (Product Data Management) systems.

Loosely Integrated EDM/PDM.

A common integration strategy that companies use with early deployment of an EDM system is to isolate the CAD system from the document management vault. Drawings are released by CAD into the vault in some standard viewable format.

Viewing and redlining tools play an important role within this environment as they allow for quick and easy visual access and commenting (redlining) of the drawings. The ultimate viewer is one that supports your native CAD modeling format, raster formats, and common office formats (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.), and is tightly integrated with your EDM/PDM Vault. edm diagram

When CAD systems are based on more advanced or proprietary formats, a plot file or raster file is often generated as part of the drawing release cycle and provided to the EDM vault. The method of updating a revised CAD drawing into EDM is with a "check-in" facility.

Similarly, when a new revision is required on the drawings, the drawing is electronically checked out of the vault. This will prevent users from making revisions to a drawing already being revised by someone else within the company. Release integrity is preserved for the company.

Tightly Integrated CAD/EDM/PDM.

A tightly integrated system is one in which the revision, release, and review cycles are all controlled from a common database environment of EDM or PDM. Drawings earmarked for update are flagged for check-out and launched into the appropriate editing tool. If raster files are contained in the system, it is possible to use the same CAD editing system for making revisions on these drawings. More advanced CAD tools allow you to work on these electronic archives in their scanned raster format. This makes it possible to use a single editing environment for all drawing revisions, both in CAD and raster. Managing these raster or hybrid files is easiest with systems that store the raster files as part of a CAD drawing file.

Redefining the ECO Cycle.

Tightly integrated systems also link the viewing tool and its’ redlining capabilities. These systems can concurrently allow viewing and simultaneous redlining of drawings throughout the enterprise.

As the drawing approaches approval, all redlines can be consolidated into a single approved file that can make its way into CAD. The resulting raster or vector drawing is updated and a final electronic comparison performed to verify completion of the task.