Empirical exploration for a product data management (PDA) system at a major telecommunications firm

Product data management (PDM) is an essential tool that assists engineers and others manage both engineering data and the product development process. This study aims to evaluate the advantages and justify the implementation a PDM system at the broadband wireless group (BWG) of a major telecommunications firm located in Pittsburgh, PA. Examines results of previous PDM implementations and obtains primary data via a department staff survey regarding time spent searching for product or part information, product development cycle time, and information exchange or sharing. Illustrates that PDM implementations have led to significant improvement in all facets of product design, documentation, introduction, manufacturing, and support. These improvements will result in an increase in design reuse and a decrease in product development costs and the number of engineering changes.