We operated with just a network share before PDM. It made remote work almost impossible because of how long it took to load and save files to the server. Every time. PDM having a locally cached copy requires so much less network traffic. The only network traffic happening when you check new versions in, instead of as you save all day while working.
Also, the ability to search file properties has made finding existing parts and avoidance of duplicate parts so much easier. With just a network share, the only way to find things was a visual search. Our filenames are part numbers and if you didn’t know where to look, finding parts took forever. Also, nobody has to maintain a spreadsheet cross referencing part numbers to descriptions. Just a recipe for errors to have data in two separate places that aren’t linked.
We operated with just a network share before PDM. It made remote work almost impossible because of how long it took to load and save files to the server. Every time. PDM having a locally cached copy requires so much less network traffic. The only network traffic happening when you check new versions in, instead of as you save all day while working.
Also, the ability to search file properties has made finding existing parts and avoidance of duplicate parts so much easier. With just a network share, the only way to find things was a visual search. Our filenames are part numbers and if you didn’t know where to look, finding parts took forever. Also, nobody has to maintain a spreadsheet cross referencing part numbers to descriptions. Just a recipe for errors to have data in two separate places that aren’t linked.