In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, efficiency and agility aren’t just buzzwords, they are business imperatives. For organizations already using Autodesk Vault to manage their engineering data, the next step to scaling operations and collaboration is Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). But what does that really mean for your business?

Rather than replacing Vault, PLM builds on its foundation, turning data management into a true strategic advantage.

Why PLM Has Become a Must-Have

Autodesk Vault helps manage CAD files and engineering documentation, but many manufacturers quickly hit a ceiling when cross-functional collaboration becomes critical. As teams across design, procurement, quality, and production grow more interdependent, manual processes and siloed data can slow everything down.

PLM solves this by centralizing product data, automating workflows, and connecting departments. It transforms how you manage product development from concept to delivery, giving you:

• Standardized, trackable processes across departments

• Real-time visibility into project status and change requests

• Faster decision-making with fewer manual handoffs

• Greater control over compliance, revisions, and BOMs

In short, PLM has become a must-have for manufacturers who want to eliminate risk, reduce rework, and get to market faster.

Tackling Real-World Challenges with Real Integration

As discussed in our recent webinar “Maximizing Efficiency: How PLM Supercharges Your Existing Vault Investment,” one recurring theme stood out: manufacturers aren’t lacking in tools—they’re struggling with disconnected ones.

Here are some common issues PLM helps resolve:

• Missed document revisions due to poor communication

• Delayed change approvals from manual handoff bottlenecks

• Lack of traceability across projects and departments

• Difficulty scaling processes as teams grow

With PLM integrated into your existing Vault environment, these barriers begin to fall away. You’re no longer stitching together processes—you’re orchestrating them.

Vault + PLM: Better Together

Vault remains your single source of truth for CAD and design files. PLM adds structure and visibility to what happens next—managing BOMs, change orders, approvals, quality processes, and more.

By pairing these two technologies, manufacturers unlock a connected, scalable system that supports:

• Cross-functional collaboration between engineering and operations

• Accelerated time-to-market with fewer manual delays

• Reduced errors and stronger compliance

• A future-ready digital infrastructure

Whether you're aiming for faster product launches or looking to de-risk complex workflows, PLM enhances the investment you’ve already made in Vault—without disruption.

Want to See It in Action?

Get a firsthand look at how PLM enhances your Vault environment.

Watch the webinar “Maximizing Efficiency: How PLM Supercharges Your Existing Vault Investment” to discover real-world examples, practical insights, and how SolidCAD helps teams streamline collaboration and accelerate product development.

👉 Watch the webinar below:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

SolidCAD has helped manufacturers across Canada integrate PLM into their workflows, unlocking real efficiencies and business results. If you're ready to go beyond basic data management and into full lifecycle control, we can help.

📩 Contact us today to explore how PLM can supercharge your Vault environment.