MasterControl Announces Development of PDM Connectors

Feb. 8, 2008 - PRLog -- SALT LAKE CITY, UT USA  – MasterControl Inc., the industry leader in document control and GxP process management solutions, today announced that it has developed connectors for the industry’s most commonly used product data management (PDM) solutions. The PDM connectors facilitate collaboration and redlining on PDF versions of drawings while insuring that the PDF copies in the MasterControl system stay in sync with native files in the PDM solution.

“The PDM interface offered by MasterControl fosters an effective communication environment and helps maintain regulatory compliance by insuring that data is kept consistent between systems,” said Matthew M. Lowe, MasterControl product manager, medical device expert. “MasterControl’s seamless PDM interface effectively manages complex CAD files while helping companies in regulated environments overcome common product data management challenges.”

MasterControl links CAD systems with the highest level of document control to create an ideal master management system. The PDM connectors now available from MasterControl interface with the most popular PDM solutions in the industry, including PDMWorks® from SolidWorks and PTC’s Pro/IntraLink® and Windchill®.

The PDM interface provides users with a straightforward means of applying document control to CAD data without requiring designers to use a non-native application for managing CAD files. All CAD files are maintained by the native PDM solution while MasterControl automates the publishing of the files for routing, approval and production purposes. The MasterControl system also tracks the creation, modification and archiving of all information relating to a product.

All users—even those who may lack intimate knowledge of the CAD package—can redline and collaborate on drawings using only Adobe Reader®. As new changes are introduced during the collaboration process, collaboration leaders can make the required modifications using the native CAD application. Afterward, MasterControl automatically publishes a new PDF file reflecting the changes made to the file.

MasterControl’s easy-to-use system provides continuous and automatic monitoring for new and revised drawings in the PDM solution. Using metadata from the PDM solution, MasterControl publishes a PDF file for each new drawing. Likewise, revised drawings trigger revisions in MasterControl which copies the metadata and drawing file from the PDM system to updated “InfoCards” in the MasterControl system. InfoCards are created at a user-defined stage for every new and revised drawing in the PDM solution. Drawings are then routed for collaboration and approval as part of the automated publishing process. The InfoCards can also support any custom field data that may be directly passed from a PDM solution.

Any time the link between MasterControl and the PDM solution is initialized, the system automatically synchronizes groups of files until there are no files remaining that require synchronization. The MasterControl system can also be manually synchronized and still identify and rectify any gaps that may exist. The MasterControl system electronically notifies assignable users if missing metadata in the PDM system causes the transfer process to fail.

MasterControl’s PDM connectors automate the routing and approval process, improving overall workflow functionality. MasterControl’s PDM solution works seamlessly with MasterControl BOM™ to provide a cohesive organizational structure throughout the design and manufacturing processes.

Additional applicable features of the MasterControl solution include:

•   Electronic signature capabilities
•   Time-stamped audit trails
•   Dual passwords for document approval
•   Password certification, expiration and encryption.

About MasterControl Inc.
MasterControl is a global leader in providing document management and GxP process solutions to companies doing business in regulatory environments. MasterControl automates and effectively manages document control, change control, audits, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), regulatory training, nonconformance disposition, customer complaints, and other GxP processes. The MasterControl solution is easy to use, easy to deploy, easy to validate, and easy to maintain. MasterControl incorporates industry best practices for automating and connecting every stage of the product development cycle, while facilitating regulatory compliance with requirements such as ISO standards and FDA regulations. By combining an integrated platform with a continuum of risk-based software validation products and services, MasterControl drives down the total cost of ownership and enables customers to extend their investment across the enterprise. For more information, visit the MasterControl website or call 800-825-9117.

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MasterControl is a global leader in providing document management and GxP process solutions to companies doing business in regulatory environments. MasterControl automates and effectively manages document control, change control, audits, corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), regulatory training, nonconformance disposition, customer complaints, and other GxP processes. For more information, visit the MasterControl website or call 800-825-9117.

Website: www.mastercontrol.com