We currently use PDMW Workgroup. Our inventory management is handled by a poorly conceived and written database. I have been looking at options for a "Better Way".

We also own Sage MAS200 ERP software. For the most part it is collecting dust - only the time keeping and general ledger portions are being used. I am looking at using the BOM and Inventory modules and abandoning our in-house written database.

But I will need a bridge between SolidWorks and the ERP. The KeyTech and Arena PLM packages look interesting from a demo. Not entirely comfortable with Arena being a "Cloud" product - but the price to get started is attractive. Keytech is apparently well thought of in Europe but not well known in the US. And its price is comparible to other PLM type products.

We are a small shop - 5 seats of SolidWorks. However, we build to order very complex flight simulator systems. Each project can have thousands of part numbers and each product is a little different. Very much a job shop sort of production. Also, many of the parts are serialized and must be tracked once deployed... So that is the desire for the PLM / ERP.

I would enjoy hearing from anyone that has adopted either of these products. What were your experiences with installation, upgrades, daily use, ease of use for non-CAD people, bugs, customization, amount of in-house support required (full time IT person or just a part time CAD manager) and any other likes or dislikes.

Thanks,

Daen