PDMS (software) facts for kids

PDMS stands for Plant Design Management System. It's a special computer program used to design large industrial projects. Think of it like a super-advanced digital LEGO set for engineers! It helps them plan things like oil rigs, power plants, and factories. Many people can work on the same project at once using PDMS.

This software is used in the world of 3D CAD, which means "three-dimensional computer-aided design." It helps engineers create detailed 3D models of plants and facilities before they are built.

The Story of PDMS

How PDMS Began

PDMS was created in England. In 1967, the UK government started a group called the Computer-Aided Design Centre, or CADCentre. Their goal was to develop new ways to use computers for design. They also wanted to help British companies use these new computer tools.

Many smart people worked at CADCentre. They did important research in computer design. Two brothers, Dick Newell and Martin Newell, were among these pioneers.

Designing Big Plants

Dick Newell led the team that created PDMS. This program was made for designing large industrial plants in 3D. Later, Dick Newell helped start two software companies. One was Cambridge Interactive Systems, known for its Medusa CAD system. The other was Smallworld, which made a mapping system called GIS.

His brother, Martin Newell, also did important work with 3D computer models. He helped create PostScript, which is used for printing documents.

Changes Over Time

The UK government created another company called Compeda Ltd. This company was meant to sell and support software developed by the government, including PDMS. CADCentre kept developing the software, with money from Compeda.

Later, the government decided to sell off companies it owned. Compeda Ltd was sold to a company called Prime Computer Inc. Prime Computer thought PDMS was not valuable. So, they gave the rights to sell PDMS back to CADCentre.

CADCentre itself was later sold and became a private company. In 2001, CADCentre changed its name to AVEVA.

Newer Versions

As of March 2021, the latest version of the original PDMS was AVEVA PDMS 12.1.SP5.

AVEVA has also introduced a newer version of PDMS called AVEVA Everything 3D, or E3D. This new program has a fresh look and more advanced features. It makes designing even easier and faster for users. The current version of AVEVA Everything 3D is 2.1.

People Who Use PDMS

Online Communities

Many engineers and designers who use PDMS like to connect online. They share tips, ask questions, and help each other. These groups are called "user groups." Some of these groups are still active today.

For example, the AVEVA World Forum started in 2006 and has many members. There are also other websites like 3D Cad PDMS: PDMS Tutorials, which began in 2016. These online communities help people learn more about using the software.

Some older user groups are no longer active. But the idea of sharing knowledge among users remains very important.

See also

• MPDS4