What is this whitepaper about?
Engineering Data Management and document control are often considered to be very similar; however, there is significant difference between them. Generic document control systems are not always the best solution to support the complexity of engineering data. Equally so, Engineering Data Management Systems (EDMS) are not very effective in supporting document control processes such as review and approval cycles, transparency, progress reports and audit trails.
Although it might seem controversial, using different systems to cover both areas can actually be a good idea, especially in engineering environment.
Document Control in capital projects
In capital projects, everything revolves around engineering documents (drawings, calculations, contracts etc.). The timely availability of these engineering documents is a major factor in the success of projects and cannot be achieved without a reliable document control process.
Engineering Data Management and Document Control in one system
Engineers want a seamless integration between their design tools and the Engineering Data Management System with full flexibility. Whereas, document controllers and project managers want full control over the process to keep costs and deadlines in control. From a business perspective, companies want both. They want productive end-users and control over the document lifecycle. Can this actually be done using one single system?
Multiple CAD platforms and one Document Control System
With Cadac Organice DCS we built such a Engineering Data Management system, based on Microsoft SharePoint. To solve the integration issue Cadac Organice DCS offers an integration layer (web service based) that allows engineering systems to be easily integrated. This allows documents derived from a 3D model to be published to the document control environment in Microsoft SharePoint.