3DEXPERIENCE Data Management: Essential Tools and Best Practices

November 5, 2024 3DEXPERIENCE Like: 0

ByMarc Young

xLM’s Marc Young discusses powerful tools and techniques to improve data admin management within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Discover how to simplify your processes and improve efficiency for both cloud and on-premise environments.

In today’s demanding business environment, maximizing the value of your current technology investments is crucial. In our recent “3DEXPERIENCE Data Admin Management” webinar, my colleague Ilan Madjar and I unpacked the essential tools and strategies that can help you achieve more with your existing solutions. By simplifying data administration and empowering teams with streamlined configurations, both cloud and on-premise users can enhance their efficiency and agility without requiring major new investments. From configuring attribute management to leveraging CAD collaboration and managing lifecycle permissions, we demonstrated how these tools support seamless collaboration, secure data control, and enhanced workflows—helping companies stay resilient and adaptable. If you’re ready to elevate your 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s impact and unlock new levels of productivity, read on to explore our top insights, or watch the full webinar replay for a deeper dive.

The Shift Away from Legacy Studio Tools

For longtime 3DEXPERIENCE and ENOVIA users, you may recall the powerful thick-client Studio Tools, which once offered extensive configuration options for on-premise environments. However, with these tools discontinued, administrators now rely on Matrix Query Language (MQL) to perform many of the functions previously available through Studio Tools. This shift can feel daunting, but MQL provides a robust alternative for managing and customizing the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, particularly for organizations committed to on-premise setups. Key Functions You Can Perform with MQL:

Data Model Configurations
Path Command for Change Actions
Advanced Customizations

For cloud users, the shift from Studio Tools has introduced a suite of cloud-native solutions designed to support robust configuration and management within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Rather than relying on MQL, cloud administrators can use the Collaborative Space Configuration Center to handle many essential tasks like permission management, attribute configuration, and workflow adjustments directly through the platform’s web-based interface. Additionally, the Enterprise Integration Framework (EIF) empowers cloud environments with event-driven integration capabilities, allowing for seamless data syncs and interactions between 3DEXPERIENCE and external systems, such as ERP software.

Key 3DEXPERIENCE Data Admin Tools and Solutions

Collaborative Space Control and Permissions

One essential tool is the Collaborative Space Configuration Center, which enables platform managers to manage permissions and organize spaces for efficient data access. Configuring permissions ensures that only authorized users can create, edit, or access data within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, a critical feature for both internal and external collaboration.

Attribute Management and Revision Naming Rules

For streamlined data entry, the Attribute Management tool lets users add customized attributes to different data types—like documents or product models—with specified formats and values. I also discussed Revision Naming Rules, which allow us to set up custom revision sequences, an essential step for companies that need unique revision standards, like those that distinguish between prototype and production phases.

CAD Collaboration and Derived Outputs

CAD Collaboration is vital for managing integration between CAD applications and 3DEXPERIENCE, allowing mapping of properties such as part numbers, revisions, and descriptions. I shared insights on configuring derived outputs (e.g., PDF files or 3D XML models) for CAD data, which many clients use to share non-editable, view-only documents with suppliers or internal stakeholders.

Engineering Definition & Part Number Configuration

We delved into configuring part numbers via the Engineering Definition tool, where unique identification numbers (EINs) can be set based on various rules—such as prefixes, counters, or user-defined values. This flexibility is a big plus for organizations that rely on custom part identification protocols.

Advanced Permission Management and Lifecycle States

Tools like Maturity Graphs and Change Management ensure that data follows set procedures for promotion or modification, supporting strict workflows. For example, you can require change actions to be approved by users with specific roles, which reinforces accountability in lifecycle transitions.

Customizations Using TXO and Classification Tools

Customization is essential for many users, particularly those on-premise. The TXO (Type Extension Object) allows extending data models, while Classification tools offer a taxonomy approach to organize data types, which can also automate specific attributes for categorized items. I also discussed classification’s potential to serve as an alternative to TXO in cloud environments.

Enterprise Integration Framework (EIF)

EIF is another powerful tool for cloud users, providing event-based triggers for data synchronization with external systems, like ERP platforms. This capability helps in automating processes and synchronizing data without manual intervention, though EIF requires hosting and specific licenses.

Business Process Management (BPM)

BPM, a recent addition on the cloud, enhances workflows significantly, allowing intricate routing with automated nodes and feedback loops. While it doesn’t currently replace change management functions, BPM can be leveraged for broader applications, including engineering workflows and internal approvals.

Maximizing 3DEXPERIENCE Value in a Modern Landscape

Every tool and customization capability within 3DEXPERIENCE presents a powerful way to drive value by enhancing data management, aligning workflows with unique business needs, and fostering secure, structured collaboration. For those looking to dive even deeper, our upcoming webinar will focus on Business Process Management, exploring how BPM can streamline and automate workflows on 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud to deliver even more impactful results. If you have questions about the tools covered or are interested in specific solutions, please get in touch. We’re excited to share additional insights and resources as we continue to explore how 3DEXPERIENCE can elevate your business value!