Windchill PDM Interface Developed by MasterControl Inc.

Feb. 11, 2008 - PRLog -- SALT LAKE CITY, UT, USA – MasterControl Inc., provider of the leading GxP process management solutions for life sciences companies, today announced that a new connector linking MasterControl’s integrated solutions with Parametric Technology Corporation’s Windchill® PDMLink software has been developed. Users can now collaborate and redline on PDF versions of Windchill drawings utilizing the connector while maintaining assurance that secure PDF copies in the MasterControl document control system are synchronized with the native files in the Windchill solution.

“The main goal of connecting MasterControl to the Windchill solution is to foster an effective communication environment by insuring the consistency of data between systems in order to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance,” said Matthew M. Lowe, MasterControl product manager, medical device expert. “The interface with Windchill makes it possible to control the handling of CAD files while helping companies to overcome the inherent difficulties of product data management.”

MasterControl’s user-friendly solution manages and tracks the creation, revision and archiving of all information relating to the development of a particular product. MasterControl’s comprehensive automated system eliminates the need for manual revision, publishing, routing and approval. The system’s interoperability with Windchill further improves workflow functionality and promotes effective and seamless management of intrinsically complex CAD files.

The Windchill connector provides users with a straightforward tool to apply document control to CAD data without forcing designers to use a non-native application for CAD file management. Even users who lack intimate knowledge of the CAD package can redline and collaborate on a product’s CAD files simply using Adobe Reader®. All CAD files are maintained by the native Windchill solution while MasterControl automates the publishing of the files for official document control purposes such as routing, approval and production. As collaborations introduce changes to the development process, collaboration managers can make necessary alterations using the native CAD application. The MasterControl system then automatically publishes an updated PDF file that reflects the changes that have been made.

MasterControl continuously and automatically monitors the Windchill solution for new and revised drawings. Using the metadata from the Windchill solution, the MasterControl system publishes a PDF main file for every new drawing located. Revised drawings will also trigger automatic revisions in MasterControl which draws the metadata and drawing file from the Windchill solution into updated “InfoCards.” MasterControl InfoCards are created for every new and revised drawing in the Windchill solution according to definitions set by the user. MasterControl can also receive custom field data directly from the Windchill solution.

Whenever the connection between MasterControl and Windchill is initialized, the system automatically synchronizes files packets until there are no more files requiring synchronization. MasterControl also allows users to sync files manually and automatically identifies and rectifies any gaps in data that may exist after manual synchronization. The MasterControl system automatically notifies assignable users when the PDM solution is missing metadata and causes the transfer process to fail. 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.

The MasterControl Windchill connector also works seamlessly with the other modules of MasterControl’s integrated software suite, such as MasterControl BOM™, to provide a cohesive organizational structure throughout the design and manufacturing processes and maintain vital documents in a single, secure repository.

About Windchill®
PTC’s Windchill is a leading content and process management software solution that enables companies to streamline product development processes and deliver superior information products and physical goods. The production-proven Windchill system is secure, fast, and requires only a Web browser to access. Windchill is a key component of PTC’s Product Development System, providing an integral connection with Pro/ENGINEER, Arbortext, and ProductView. For specific operating system information about PTC’s Windchill solution, visit the PTC support center.

About PTC
Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) has been a worldwide provider of product development solutions since 1985. PTC  is an industry leader, providing product lifecycle management (PLM), dynamic publishing, and content management solutions to more than 50,000 companies worldwide. The list of PTC customers includes some of the world’s most innovative companies in life sciences, manufacturing, publishing, and services industries.

About MasterControl Inc.
MasterControl is a global provider of document management and GxP process solutions. 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 reduces the total cost of ownership and enables customers to extend their investment across the enterprise. For more information, visit the MasterControl website or call toll free at 800-825-9117.

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MasterControl is a global provider of document management and GxP process solutions. 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 toll free at 800-825-9117.

Website: www.mastercontrol.com