Design Data Manager – Making Updates Easier

CSI, makers of DDM, are rolling out monthly enhancements to the PDM/PLM software, making it easier for users to adopt and benefit from the changes.

In a world of the well known PLM players like Siemens, Dassault, and PTC, Concurrent Systems Inc Ltd. – the makers of Design Data Manager (DDM) – don’t often get a mention.  But, whenever I come across a user of DDM I find that they are happy with their PLM implementation.

Monthly Releases

Beginning with its initial 2014 release,

“CSI will now be releasing a new version of DDM every month. Rather than one major release per year. We are taking the approach of mobile apps having a new release each month that can be easily upgraded so users only have a few enhancements that are easier to introduce, get up to speed with and benefit from.” 

I really like this concept.  Most major software installations have a version update annually and a service or maintenance patch monthly.  In this case, not only is CSI fixing bugs on a monthly basis, but rolling out desired enhancements as well.  Speaking from experience, reading the “What’s New” for an annual release, developing in-house training material, and convincing users to give up old habits to take advantage of new workflows is a difficult task.  (I won’t even mention dealing with UI changes.)  But, rolling out changes on a monthly basis keeps users constantly looking for better ways to perform their duties, in small manageable bites.

Supporting Major MCAD Programs

Many PLM implementations are based on using a single vendor with integrated solutions.  While that works for some companies, others require “best in class” tools.  Another way to phrase it, they require tools that work best for them.  DDM fits in with most mainstream MCAD software programs.  Take a look at their matrix.

DDM Support Matrix

  DDM 2014.x DDM 2013.1 DDM 2012.1
Autodesk Inventor 2013 ® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes Yes
Autodesk Inventor 2014 ® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
Autodesk Inventor 2015 ® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
Creo Elements/Pro 4.0 (32/64 bit) No No Yes
Creo Elements/Pro 5.0 (32/64 bit) Yes Yes Yes
Creo Parametric 1.0 (32/64 bit) ® Yes Yes Yes
Creo Parametric 2.0 (32/64 bit) ®  Yes Yes Yes
Solidworks 2012 ® (32/64 bit) No No Yes
Solidworks 2013 ® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes Yes
Solidworks 2014 ® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
Solid Edge ST104® (32/64 bit) No No Yes
Solid Edge ST105® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes Yes
Solid Edge ST106® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
IronCAD® 2011 (32/64 bit) No No Yes
IronCAD® 2012 (32/64 bit) No No Yes
IronCAD® 2013 (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
IronCAD® 2014 (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
Autodesk AutoCAD 2013® (32/64 bit)  Yes Yes Yes
Autodesk AutoCAD 2014® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
Autodesk AutoCAD 2015® (32/64 bit) Yes Yes No
Creo Elements/Direct Drafting 18.00 Yes Yes Yes
Creo Elements/Direct Drafting 18.10 Yes Yes Yes

 Conclusion

CSI is taking a fairly unique approach to large software implementations.  From PDM to enterprise level PLM, Design Data Manager has a solution to fit and is scalable as your company grows.  With a monthly release cycle, I anticipate a short delay between an update to your CAD software and the comparable integration with DDM – which is better than waiting a full year for the next release cycle typical of many PLM systems.  If you require PDM or PLM and your large integrated system is not working out, check out DDM’s services and solutions.