What is the difference between Autodesk Vault and PLM?

What is the difference between Autodesk Vault and PLM?

Many engineering and manufacturing companies eventually ask the same question:

What exactly is the difference between Autodesk Vault and PLM?

Both solutions are designed to manage product information and improve collaboration in product development. However, they address different challenges and are used at different levels of the organisation.

In brief:

• Autodesk Vault is a PDM system that manages design files
• PLM manages product processes and information throughout the product lifecycle

Understanding the difference between Autodesk Vault and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is important when establishing an effective product data management strategy.

What is Autodesk Vault (PDM)?

Autodesk Vault is a PDM system (Product Data Management) primarily used by designers and engineers.

The solution is designed to organise, control and track CAD files and design data from tools such as Inventor and AutoCAD.

Typical Autodesk Vault features include:

• Centralised storage of CAD files
• Version and revision control
• File check-in and check-out
• Lifecycle states (Work in Progress, Released, etc.)
• Management of bill of materials (BOM) structures
• Integration with CAD tools
• Simple approval processes

Vault ensures that engineers always work with the correct version of drawings and models, reducing the risk of errors caused by outdated files.

In other words: Vault is primarily about structured management of design data.

What is PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)?

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) is a broader system that manages product information, processes and collaboration throughout the product lifecycle.

While Autodesk Vault focuses on design files, PLM manages the processes surrounding the product – across departments.

Typical PLM features include:

• Engineering Change Request (ECR)
• Engineering Change Order (ECO)
• Requirements management (Requirements Management)
• Quality processes and non-conformances
• Supplier collaboration
• Project and programme management
• Cross-functional workflows
• Integration with ERP systems

One example of a modern PLM solution is Autodesk Fusion Manage, which enables companies to digitalise processes such as change management, quality management and product development.

PLM brings together engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality and service around a single shared product definition.

Autodesk Vault vs PLM – the key differences

When comparing Autodesk Vault vs PLM, the main difference is scope and application.

In short:

• Autodesk Vault answers questions about files and design data
• PLM answers questions about processes and product changes

Autodesk Vault vs Fusion Manage

Many Autodesk customers specifically compare Autodesk Vault vs Fusion Manage.

In practice, these are not competing solutions, but complementary systems.

• Vault manages design data and CAD files
• Fusion Manage manages product processes

A typical scenario might be:

1. A designer updates a CAD model in Vault
2. The change creates a change record in Fusion Manage
3. The change goes through an approval process
4. Manufacturing and purchasing are informed of the change

This creates a digital thread between engineering and the rest of the organisation.

Do you need both PDM and PLM?

For many companies, the answer is yes.

A common system architecture looks like this:

• Autodesk Vault manages CAD files and design data
• PLM manages change processes and product information
• ERP manages production planning, purchasing and finance

Together, these provide control over both engineering data and product processes.

When should you move from PDM to PLM?

Companies already using Autodesk Vault often consider PLM when they encounter challenges such as:

• Manual change processes
• Limited visibility across departments
• Difficult collaboration between engineering and manufacturing
• Increased requirements for documentation and traceability
• Growing product complexity

A PLM system can then help improve structure, traceability and efficiency in product development.

Summary

The difference between Autodesk Vault and PLM largely comes down to what they manage:

• Autodesk Vault provides control over design files and CAD data
• PLM manages product processes throughout the lifecycle

For many organisations, the best solution is to combine Vault with a PLM platform, connecting engineering data and business processes.