2010 SolidWorks World Interview With Kurt Lundstedt, Product Manager SolidWorks PDM

Questions for Kurt Lundstedt, SolidWorks PDM Product Manager

Kurt Lundstedt is the new SolidWorks PDM Product Manager, congratulations on your new position, Kurt.


Currently, there are many PDM/PLM products on the Dassault/SolidWorks plate; Enovia, SmarTeam, SolidWorks Data sharing, SolidWorks PLM, Enterprise PDM, and Workgroup PDM. Does this send a mix message to end users?

We understand there may be some confusion in the market because of the different data management solutions Dassault currently offers along with the future products announced at SolidWorks World. Our intent for the future is to make the offerings more streamlined and cohesive by utilizing a uniform platform and the best qualities of each current product.

 Almost every week, I get telephone calls and e-mails asking me my opinion about the future of SmarTeam, Enterprise PDM, and Workgroup PDM. Can you ease the concerns of these users?

I can’t comment on SmarTeam but Enterprise PDM and Workgroup PDM will continue to be supported.

 Workgroup PDM is included with every seat of SolidWorks Professional and SolidWorks Premium, yet many users don't know this; any thoughts about enabling Workgroup PDM automatically when the user installs SolidWorks?

We certainly realize the benefits a data management tool can bring but since implementing one is a companywide decision, the server is usually not installed on a user’s machine.

 In your opinion, why should every user consider PDM?

Data management can have benefits for even the smallest companies. One person can still generate a lot of data and being able to find and reuse documents quickly and automating revision history should enough to justify the investment.

What do you say when users say, "PDM is too difficult to install, configure, and use?"

This has traditionally been the case with enterprise wide PDM systems but Enterprise PDM can be effectively installed, configured, and running in 5 days including training. This user sentiment is one of the reasons we are developing cloud based options that will break down many of the barriers of traditional systems.

 Which is the most important, The PDM Workflow Process or the PDM Software?

I think the process is the more important thing and the PDM software should make it easy to define and manage the Workflow process.

 Sales of Enterprise PDM seem to be going well, and I've seen EPDM in action, what are the advantages of Enterprise PDM?

There are many advantages of Enterprise PDM, are some of the prominent ones:
· Ease of use – The familiar Windows explorer integration makes easy for users to learn and interact with the system.
· Powerful Workflow – The workflow interface makes it easy to define multiple workflows for many different document types and processes.
· Best SolidWorks Integration – The Enterprise PDM SolidWorks integration gives SolidWorks users the best data management integration available.
· Low cost of ownership – Easy to buy because everything is included, no additional modules or software is needed for capabilities like multi-site, other CAD integrations, and workflow.
· Easy to set up and administer – Easy to use GUI based administration tool eliminates the need to write scripts or use a programming language to configure them system.

 Thanks Kurt, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again, thanks so much.