SolidWorks PDM consulting
In short
SolidWorks PDM consulting means planning and configuring SolidWorks PDM so that vault structure, data cards, workflows and permissions match the design process. We set up PDM Standard or PDM Professional with you, add tasks, Dispatch actions and API add-ins, and bring existing SolidWorks data in.
Updated 27 Oct 2026
SolidWorks PDM is configured almost entirely in the Administration tool: data cards, variables, workflows, transitions, permissions and tasks. We plan these settings with your design and IT teams and set them up step by step. Work is billed at day rates for tasks agreed with our project lead.
- Start with
- Intro callfree, 45 minutes
- Billing
- Day rates€790 engineer day · €990 lead day
- Systems
- SolidWorks PDM, SolidWorks, Microsoft SQL Server
How it works
- 01
Review
PDM edition, vault structure, data cards, variables, workflows, user groups and the SolidWorks templates that fill custom properties.
- 02
Target concept
Folder structure, data cards, mapping of variables to SolidWorks custom properties, workflows with states, transitions and revisions, permissions and the right edition.
- 03
Configuration and extensions
Setup in a test vault, Convert tasks for PDF, DXF and STEP on transitions, Dispatch actions and API add-ins where rules go beyond the standard.
- 04
Migration and rollout
Cleanup and import of existing files with intact references, tests with your designers, training and go-live.
What you get
PDM concept
A documented vault structure with data cards, variables, workflows and permissions, agreed with design and IT.
Configured vault
Data cards, workflows, revision schemes and notifications, set up and tested before go-live.
Tasks and add-ins
Convert, Print and Design Checker tasks on transitions, Dispatch actions and API add-ins for numbering rules and checks before release.
Clean data in the vault
SolidWorks files imported with intact references. An AI function can propose missing descriptions as a list that an engineer confirms.
Limits
PDM Standard runs on Microsoft SQL Server Express and has a reduced feature set. The PDM API, Dispatch, tasks, the web client and replication are PDM Professional functions. An upgrade from Standard to Professional keeps the vault data, a downgrade is not possible. Files with broken references or inconsistent custom properties are cleaned before import. Add-ins need a test run on each new PDM release. An ERP link is a separate project.
Systems
- SolidWorks PDM
- SolidWorks
- Microsoft SQL Server
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SolidWorks PDM Standard and SolidWorks PDM Professional?
SolidWorks PDM Standard runs on Microsoft SQL Server Express and covers the vault, data cards, check-in and check-out, versions and a simple workflow. SolidWorks PDM Professional runs on a full SQL Server and adds more flexible workflows, the PDM API for add-ins, Dispatch, tasks such as Convert and Print, a web client and multi-site replication. An upgrade from Standard to Professional keeps the vault data, a downgrade is not possible.
How are workflows set up in SolidWorks PDM?
In the SolidWorks PDM Administration tool. A workflow consists of states, such as in work, in review and released, and transitions between them. Each transition can carry conditions on data card variables, permissions per group, notifications, revision increments and tasks such as PDF creation. Conditions such as folder or file type decide which workflow a file enters. A few clear workflows are easier to maintain than many special cases.
What can be automated in SolidWorks PDM with the API?
The SolidWorks PDM Professional API allows add-ins that react to events such as check-in or a state change, add commands to the context menu, check data card values or create files from templates. Custom tasks can also be written with it. Dispatch covers simpler automations without programming, such as copying files or setting variables. Typical uses are numbering rules, checks before release and the export of release packages.
Is SolidWorks PDM or 3DEXPERIENCE the better choice for SolidWorks users?
It depends on the process. SolidWorks PDM is a file-based vault on a company server with SQL Server, run in-house. 3DEXPERIENCE stores data as objects on the Dassault Systèmes platform, in the cloud or on premise, and adds web-based collaboration, project and change functions. SolidWorks PDM often suffices for teams on one site with a clear release process, while 3DEXPERIENCE suits companies that need cross-site collaboration or a wider PLM process.
Talk to us about your task.
In the free 45-minute intro call we show a live demo on comparable geometry. Someone from our team replies personally within one working day.