CAD/PLM acronym expansion Within engineering organizations, PDM most commonly stands for which discipline of controlling product-related information and files?

Introduction / Context:
PDM systems are central to controlling CAD files, bills of materials, revisions, and workflows. They ensure the right data reaches the right people at the right time with proper traceability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are in an engineering/product development context.
• PDM must handle product structures, versions, and approvals.
• The term should be industry standard and unambiguous.

Concept / Approach:
Product Data Management covers check-in/out, versioning, revision control, metadata, BOM management, and integration with CAD/ERP. It can be part of or a foundation for broader PLM systems.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Match the acronym letters to the most common industry expansion.Eliminate choices with “project” or “manipulation,” which are not standard.Select “Product data management.”

Verification / Alternative check:
PDM is the term used by major CAD/PLM vendors for vaulting, BOM, and workflow modules.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Project drawing management / Project data manipulation: project-focused, not product/BOM focused.
• Product drawing manipulation: nonstandard wording; PDM manages more than drawings.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing PDM (product artifacts) with EDM (drawing/document control) or PLM (lifecycle processes and change).

Final Answer:
Product data management