For small manufacturing companies seeking a PDM solution, considering a cloud-based PDM might be the best choice. Small teams often lack the time, budget, or IT expertise required to maintain a traditional on-premise PDM solution, which involves managing infrastructure and servers. If you’ve previously used traditional PDM solutions, you may have experienced challenges like slow upload/download speeds caused by VPN connections.

A cloud PDM solution eliminates the need for costly infrastructure and maintenance, making it an attractive option for smaller teams.

On-Premise vs. Cloud PDM

On-Premise PDM

On-premise PDM solutions require an upfront investment in a server that you must set up and maintain. This includes installing the necessary components, ensuring 24/7 server uptime, performing regular backups, and maintaining security measures. These tasks demand significant IT expertise and resources.

Cloud PDM

Cloud PDM solutions are hosted on third-party servers, often provided by companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. The PDM provider typically integrates their software with these reliable, secure data centers, which operate 24/7 and adhere to certified security best practices.

Benefits of Cloud PDM

Cloud PDM offers numerous advantages for smaller teams, particularly those with limited IT resources:

1. Less IT Expertise Required:
   Smaller teams may lack the expertise to maintain on-premise servers. Cloud PDM providers handle operations like ensuring 24/7 uptime, backups, and data security, freeing your team to focus on core tasks.
2. Minimal Setup:
   Setting up an on-premise solution can be time-consuming, requiring server installations and configurations. Cloud PDM, on the other hand, typically offers a quick and seamless setup process, often automated by the provider.
3. Minimal Maintenance:
   On-premise solutions require regular updates and hardware maintenance. With cloud PDM, these tasks are automated and managed by the provider, reducing the burden on your team.
4. Lower Costs:
   On-premise PDM solutions often have higher upfront costs, including purchasing servers and ongoing maintenance. Additionally, the cost of IT personnel to manage the system can be significant. For instance, assuming you need 1–10 hours per month for maintenance at an average rate of $75/hour, server maintenance could cost $900–$9,000 annually. Cloud solutions can reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by as much as 40%, according to Accenture.

Why Choose Vistapoint PDM as a Cloud PDM Alternative

Vistapoint PDM is an alternative to traditional on-premise PDM solutions, specifically designed for smaller teams. Built to address the unique needs of small manufacturing companies, it provides an intuitive, low-maintenance cloud PDM solution that’s easy to adopt and scale.

Vistapoint PDM vs. 3D Experience

While 3D Experience offers extensive features for larger companies, these features often add complexity and can hinder performance for smaller teams. Based on discussions with small manufacturers, 3D Experience can feel overwhelming for simpler workflows. Vistapoint PDM, in contrast, is lightweight and efficient, helping smaller teams streamline their product data and accelerate product development.

Vistapoint PDM vs. SolidWorks PDM

SolidWorks PDM is a traditional on-premise solution that requires a dedicated server, IT resources, and VPN access.

Vistapoint PDM eliminates these challenges by offering a simple, cloud-based alternative that ensures quick setup, easier adoption, and faster collaboration. Accessible from anywhere—whether in the office, visiting customers, or working remotely—Vistapoint PDM empowers teams to work efficiently without the constraints of traditional systems.

Conclusion: Cloud PDM Is the Ideal Choice for Small Businesses

Maintaining an on-premise PDM system requires significant IT expertise, upfront investment, and ongoing maintenance. A cloud PDM solution eliminates these barriers, lowering initial costs and freeing your team to focus on core goals, like designing better products faster.

For small businesses with limited resources, cloud PDM offers a flexible, cost-effective solution to streamline operations, improve collaboration, and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.

To learn more about Vistapoint PDM visit our website or book a demo and talk to an expert.