ProductCenter
| Company type | Proprietary software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software, Product Lifecycle Management |
| Predecessor | CMS (Workgroup Technology Corporation) |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Founder | Workgroup Technology Corporation |
| Products | Product Lifecycle Management software |
| Owner | SofTech Group Inc. |
| Website | www |
ProductCenter is a proprietary software solution created by SofTech Group Inc., a branch of Essig PLM, focusing on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to oversee product-related data. Compatible with both Microsoft Windows and UNIX environments, it offers foundational applications alongside localized and web-enabled functionalities. While its primary focus is on managing CAx data, ProductCenter is versatile enough to accommodate a broad range of product data management requirements.
History
Currently owned and supported by SofTech Group Inc., ProductCenter traces its roots back to the early 1990s when it was known as CMS, among the pioneering standalone PDM/PLM systems that integrated with Pro/ENGINEER and Myriad. Originally developed by Workgroup Technology Corporation (WTC), the product was renamed ProductCenter in 1996.
Product version timeline
- 2019 - ProductCenter 9.9
- 2018 - ProductCenter 9.8
- 2017 - ProductCenter 9.7
- 2016 - ProductCenter 9.6
- 2015 - ProductCenter 9.5
- 2014 - ProductCenter 9.4
- 2013 - ProductCenter 9.3
- 2012 - ProductCenter 9.2, 9.1
- 2009 – ProductCenter 9
- 2008 – ProductCenter 8.6
- 2007 – ProductCenter 8.6
- 2006 – ProductCenter 8.5
- 2005 – ProductCenter 8.4
- 2004 – ProductCenter 8.3
- 2003 – ProductCenter 8.2
- 2002 – ProductCenter 8.1
- 2001 – ProductCenter 8.0
- 2000 – ProductCenter 7.0
- 1999 – ProductCenter 7.0 (previously CMS)
- 1998 – CMS 6.5
- 1996 – CMS 6
- 1994 – CMS 5
Product features
ProductCenter enhances BOM oversight by eliminating reliance on spreadsheets and enabling the organization of components with multiple attributes through its Hierarchy Explorer tool. This capability supports small to medium-sized manufacturers in consolidating product information, managing engineering modifications, and facilitating BOM distribution to suppliers. The software integrates seamlessly with CAD, ECAD, CAM, PDM, and ERP platforms to oversee product data from initial design stages through production.
Notable functionalities include:
- Bill of Information and BOM Management
- Workflow and Change Management (including ECOs)
- Document Control with Version Tracking
- Compliance Oversight (FDA, ISO, RoHS, UL)
- Supplier and Partner Relationship Management
- Supply Chain Coordination and Project Collaboration
Modules:
- Document Management centralizes all product data within a secure vault system featuring web accessibility, version control, tailored portals, generation of viewable files, and automation for capturing legacy information.
- Design Integration provides connectors for leading CAD applications and support tools such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA V5, Siemens NX, Adobe FrameMaker, and Microsoft Office—streamlining data retrieval and minimizing redundant efforts.
- Configuration Control arranges parts and their characteristics accessible via Hierarchy Explorer and BOM Editor, linking all relevant design-to-support documentation.
- Process Management automates workflows related to product development including document approvals, release cycles, email alerts, engineering change processes, and compliance management aligned with FDA and ISO guidelines.
- Product Collaboration enables web-based design evaluations and team interactions featuring document annotations attached to originals along with multi-format 3D visualization capabilities.
- Enterprise Integration supports the transfer of application-neutral BOMs between enterprise systems like Material Requirements Planning (MRP), ERP, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
See also
- Bill of materials
- Engineering Change Order
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Product Data Management
- Manufacturing process management
- Product design
- Configuration management
External links
- Official
Corporate Website: ProductCenter PLM
- News
- Garoup's_ProductCenter_PLM_Solution_for_Inventor_2011 Autodesk Validates SofTech Group's ProductCenter PLM for Inventor 2011
- SofTech's ProductCenter® PLM 9.0: Enhancing the User Experience
- Group’s_ProductCenter_PLM_Solution/ Hayward Tyler, Inc. Chooses SofTech Group's ProductCenter PLM Solution