Zero-IT PDM: What Onboarding and Support Actually Look Like

Q: What does Zero-IT really mean?

Zero-IT means that you do not need a dedicated IT department or specialized IT skills to implement, manage, or maintain the PDM system. The provider handles all infrastructure, security, and maintenance.

Q: Who handles software updates with a Zero-IT PDM?

The PDM provider handles all software updates automatically. The system is updated in the background with no downtime or manual intervention required from the user.

An in-depth look at how modern cloud-native PDM systems eliminate the need for internal IT involvement, from onboarding to ongoing support.

Christina Rebel

Jan 26, 2026

Cloud PDM

Zero-IT PDM: What Onboarding and Support Actually Look Like

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Traditional PDM Model: IT-Dependent by Design

Onboarding with On-Premise PDM

Support with On-Premise PDM

The Zero-IT PDM Model: Cloud-Native and Self-Service

Onboarding with Zero-IT PDM

Support with Zero-IT PDM

Conclusion: Empowering Engineers, Not Burdening IT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the decision to adopt a Product Data Management (PDM) system is often blocked by one critical question: "Do we need a dedicated IT department to run this?" The answer, traditionally, has been a resounding yes. On-premise PDM systems have long been the domain of companies with the resources to manage servers, databases, and complex software installations.

However, the rise of modern cloud-native PDM has created a new category: the "Zero-IT" PDM. This article explores what onboarding and customer support actually look like for these systems, and how they differ from the IT-heavy requirements of their on-premise counterparts.

The Traditional PDM Model: IT-Dependent by Design

On-premise PDM systems were designed for an era when software was installed on local servers and managed by an in-house IT team. This model places a significant burden on the organization's IT resources, both during and after implementation.

An in-depth look at how modern cloud-native PDM systems eliminate the need for internal IT involvement, from onboarding to ongoing support.

Onboarding with On-Premise PDM

The onboarding process for a traditional PDM system is a multi-stage project that requires deep IT involvement:

Infrastructure Setup: The IT department is responsible for procuring, installing, and configuring a dedicated server. This includes managing the operating system, network settings, and security protocols.

Database Management: An IT administrator must install and maintain the SQL database that powers the PDM system. This involves regular backups, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

Software Installation: The PDM server and client software must be installed on the server and every user's workstation. This is a time-consuming process that often requires manual configuration on each machine.

User and Permissions Management: The IT team is typically responsible for creating user accounts, defining access permissions, and managing security groups within the PDM system.

Support with On-Premise PDM

Ongoing support for an on-premise PDM system is a shared responsibility between the PDM reseller and the internal IT team. When an issue arises, the first line of defense is often the internal IT helpdesk. If the issue cannot be resolved internally, it is escalated to the reseller's technical support team. This can lead to delays as the two teams coordinate to diagnose the problem.

Support Task	On-Premise PDM Responsibility
Server Maintenance	Internal IT Team
Database Backups	Internal IT Team
Software Updates	Internal IT Team (with reseller guidance)
User Account Issues	Internal IT Team
Workflow Problems	Reseller Support
Application Errors	Reseller Support

The Zero-IT PDM Model: Cloud-Native and Self-Service

Modern cloud-native PDM solutions are designed to eliminate the need for internal IT involvement. The entire infrastructure is managed by the provider, allowing engineering teams to onboard and manage the system themselves.

Onboarding with Zero-IT PDM

The onboarding process for a Zero-IT PDM system is designed to be as simple and intuitive as signing up for a new web service:

Account Creation: The team lead or manager creates an account online. There is no software to install on a server and no database to configure.

Team Invitation: Team members are invited via email. They create their own accounts and install a desktop application that syncs files to their local machine.

Self-Service Data Migration: The team can migrate their existing CAD data by simply dragging and dropping their project folders into the PDM application. The system automatically handles the rest.

Immediate Access: The team can start working with the new PDM system within hours, not weeks. The intuitive interface means that formal training is often not required.

Support with Zero-IT PDM

With a Zero-IT PDM, the provider is responsible for all aspects of the system's infrastructure and maintenance. This means that when an issue arises, there is a single point of contact for support. The provider's support team has access to the entire system, allowing them to diagnose and resolve issues quickly.

Support Task	Zero-IT PDM Responsibility
Server Maintenance	PDM Provider
Database Backups	PDM Provider
Software Updates	PDM Provider (automatic)
User Account Issues	PDM Provider Support
Workflow Problems	PDM Provider Support
Application Errors	PDM Provider Support

Conclusion: Empowering Engineers, Not Burdening IT

The Zero-IT PDM model represents a fundamental shift in how product data management is delivered. By abstracting away the complexity of IT infrastructure, modern cloud-native PDM solutions empower engineering teams to take control of their own data management tools.

For SMEs without a dedicated IT department, the Zero-IT PDM is a game-changer. It provides access to powerful PDM capabilities without the overhead and expense of traditional on-premise systems. Even for companies with an IT department, the Zero-IT model frees up valuable IT resources to focus on other strategic initiatives.

When evaluating PDM solutions, it is crucial to look beyond the software features and consider the total cost of ownership, including the hidden costs of IT involvement. For most SMEs, a Zero-IT PDM like CAD ROOMS offers a more agile, cost-effective, and empowering solution.

Ready to experience a PDM that doesn't require an IT department? Learn more about CAD ROOMS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does "Zero-IT" really mean?

A: "Zero-IT" means that you do not need a dedicated IT department or specialized IT skills to implement, manage, or maintain the PDM system. The provider handles all infrastructure, security, and maintenance.

Q2: Who handles software updates with a Zero-IT PDM?

A: The PDM provider regularly releases new features and improvements. To stay on the latest version, the customer simply clicks “Update” in the app, and the system syncs to the newest release with minimal effort.

Q3: What kind of support can I expect from a Zero-IT PDM provider?

A: You can expect comprehensive support that covers all aspects of the system, from user account questions to technical issues. Because the provider manages the entire infrastructure, they can resolve issues more quickly and efficiently.

Q4: Is a Zero-IT PDM secure?

A: Yes. Reputable cloud PDM providers invest heavily in security and compliance. They typically offer enterprise-grade security features, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.

Q5: Can I still customize a Zero-IT PDM?

A: While Zero-IT PDM systems are designed to be simple and self-service, they often offer configuration options for things like user roles, permissions, and approval workflows. However, they typically do not require the deep customization of traditional on-premise systems.