PDM SOLIDWORKS User Group

Welcome and Introductions: Share Your PDM Journey

Summary: The discussion welcomes members to the PDM SOLIDWORKS User Group, led by Martin Ohnemus, who encourages sharing personal experiences as PDM Administrators. Bradley Hakeman shares a journey that began with SOLIDWORKS in 2008, advancing through roles at GoEngineer and Aerostar, with a focus on streamlining workflows and exploring the PDM API. Todd Halstead recounts his experience from adopting Conisio Enterprise PDM in 2004 to becoming a full-time CAD/PDM Admin in 2022, emphasizing commitment to the role. Adam Ek and Mike DeKoning narrate their long histories with various PDM systems, highlighting challenges, transitions, and expertise built over decades.

AI Summary

Welcome to the PDM SOLIDWORKS User Group! As co-leaders, we are thrilled to have you join our community of passionate PDM Administrators. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, every member brings unique insights and knowledge to our group.

We would love to get to know each other better and hear about your personal journey with PDM. What inspired you to become a PDM Admin? What have been some of the most rewarding or challenging experiences you've encountered in your role? Feel free to share any strategies, tools, or anecdotes that others might find valuable.

Let's embrace the opportunity to learn from one another and build a supportive and collaborative environment for all SOLIDWORKS PDM enthusiasts. We look forward to your contributions and to growing together as a community!

4 comments

Bradley Hakeman

1 month, 4 weeks ago

I've been a SOLIDWORKS user since about 2008. I picked up PDM when I was an AE at GoEngineer as part of their PDM Jumpstart team. We would configure and launch PDM Standard vaults and train their users on their new vault. I had attained my PDM Administrator certification and after my time at GoEngineer, I wanted to use my skills in PDM and SOLIDWORKS problem solving which led to my current role at Aerostar. I inherited my vault and have been looking for ways to streamline the workflow. After attending PDM sessions at World in Houston, I'd like to add things like the PDM API to my toolkit.

Todd Halstead

1 month, 1 week ago

I started using SOLIDWORKS in 2002. Not long after that we had some production errors that forced our hand into the PDM world. After a long arduous search we purchased Conisio Enterprise PDM in 2004. At that time, I went through the PDM Administration course they offered. Over the years I have held different positions where I work, but the one that was always the same was PDM Admin. I didn't feel like I could give 100% to any of these jobs with the way things were going, so when the opportunity came up that I could go full time as the CAD/PDM Admin I jumped on it. That was in 2022, and I haven't looked back.

Adam Ek

3 weeks, 2 days ago

Intergraph EMS 1990-1998

Pro/E & Intralink: 1998-2002

SolidWorks & SmarTeam 2002-2016. "Only SmarTeam could make Intralink look good." I was never the SmarTeam admin but I was the local super-user; helping other engineers with workarounds or recovery procedures. "It crashed during check-in! Again?" After I left Teradyne, I swore that I would never work at another place that used SmarTeam for PDM.

I've been a SolidWorks PDM Admin since 2023.

Mike DeKoning

2 weeks, 1 day ago

I joined my former company's team to implement PDMWorks Enterprise 2007 many after years as a mechanical designer, After 12 years as PDM/CAD admin, I joined the reseller channel as a PDM expert. I am responsible for installation, configuration, upgrades, programming, and training for SOLIDWORKS PDM at TPM.