Today we're trying to simplify a big topic of where and why you should save your data in a managed environment such as SolidWorks, PDM or the 3D experience platform. Typically, people save their data on either their local machine or it’s stored on a network drive, one drive or a similar system. however, what tends to actually happen is a combination of all of these formats. This can make it very difficult for you and your colleagues to find files they need, and it is very easy to create duplicates and variations of duplicates until no one knows which is the latest correct version. What you need is a central deposit for your data where everyone can save and retrieve their files. This becomes even more important when using SolidWorks as you quickly create lots of files, parts, assemblies, drawings and all of these files reference each other. If you then add all the other typical design and engineering information specifications, PDFs, calculations, supplier details, you can very quickly generate a massive amounts of data. This continues to accumulate project after project, so how can you manage all of this important information? Well you need a tool that can store, control and retrieve your data in an efficient way, a Product Data Management tool. This tool controls what goes into and out of a central vault, but more importantly who is allowed to see this data and/or make modifications to it. When it comes to design and engineering then you are typically developing a new product, now unless you happen to be the next Leonardo da Vinci, this will involve changes to the design as it evolves. Revisions, lots of revisions! These need to be carefully managed so we can see how a product has developed, why decisions were made along the way, when and by who, and then more importantly making sure that our suppliers or shop floor is working with the latest correct revision. Most PDM tools have the capability to search and find this information online, so you could be reviewing a new release using your tablet or phone, anywhere, worldwide! You can even use these web tools to measure, redline and markup or feedback information back to the designer, which could result in yet another revision that needs to be recorded. Once all these projects are complete then we can go into the vault and search for our files, quickly finding what need by exploring the attributes attached to the data such as, who, what, where and why. We have two PDM solutions to help manage your solidworks, Solidworks PDM and the 3D Experience platform. They are very similar products in the way that work and function but have differences when it comes to their infrastructure, configurability and scalability. SolidWorks PDM is a traditional client - server architecture, so you’ll need to install it on either a physical or cloud-hosted server and this will need to be maintained, so you might need an IT resource. 3DX is entirely cloud based, so you store and manage your files in the cloud and can access them from any web-connected device. This means you don’t need any special server hardware, and you don’t need an IT resource to maintain it – all backups and software updates are taken care of for you. SolidWorks PDM is a highly configurable system, so if you need a system tailored to your existing practices or specific industry processes, then PDM would be the right choice for you. 3DX is a streamlined data management system, so you are provided with a set of data management best practices ready for you to introduce to your business with minimal effort. SolidWorks PDM Functionality is scalable and is delivered by purchasing extra software and implementation services provided by our team. The PDM licenses are perpetual, so you buy and own them, and can purchase more licenses when required. 3DX Licenses and functionality are rented, giving you the flexibility to scale the system and number of users up, or down, when required. I hope you have found this brief overview helpful but please get in touch if you have any questions or would like more information.