Considering switching from Smarteam to Adept or Activault, advice or comments?

We are considering switching from Smarteam to Adept or Activault for
our SW file mgt.
Anyone have any advice or comments on switching to one of those
packages??

BACKGROUND INFO:
===================================================================
We are a current Smarteam user with Solidworks. We have decided to
replace Smarteam.

We have also reviewed Product Center, PDM Works, Conisio.
Product Center -- felt too much like Smarteam
PDM Works -- we liked the interface a lot, but we need remote access,
and were nervous about potential problems with: the number of users we
have, complexity of our models, volume of data we have to manage
Conisio -- it seemed too new, we did not have any luck getting
references through our VAR, foreign company (i.e., potential support
issues -- like Smarteam), it's more than what we need

Company info:
12-15 designers/eng's using Solidworks
Additional 20+ need to view drawings
Machine design and mfg company (seafood processing, typical 500 unique
parts in a model, 1000-2000 total parts)

Main requirements for SW PDM:
Vault
Revision control
Assist with multiple users working on the same model
Other requirements:
Non-proprietary database for exporting info to inventory mgt program
Need remote access -- viewing and check in/release
Needs to be easy to use, easy to learn, low training costs
Minimal bugs/problem
Easy annual upgrades
Minimal/no need for consultants
Good support from manufacturer, fast response to bugs/issues

 

You should look at DBWorks... It handles everything in the above and can
import your smarteam data!

 

We're looking to add a PDM system this year. I'm curious as to why
you're switching away from Smarteam? What's the problem with it?

Thanks,
Christine

 

"I'm curious as to why you're switching away from Smarteam? What's the
problem with it?"

- Many issues/problems over the past 5 yrs
- Not user friendly
- To many workarounds to get something to work right
- Expensive - purchase/maintain/upgrade/customize
- We only use about 20% of what the software can do
- Poor support
- To many middle men (Support Consultant->Reseller->Smarteam)

 

We used Activault until Manufacturing decided that they wanted more of a PLM
system and switched to ProductCenter. We didn't need remote access, so I
don't know how well Activault handles it, if at all. We're a smaller
company, only three designers at the time, so there could be some issues
with size, but I kind of doubt it. SolidPartners is also a pretty small
company, which has its upside and downside. Other than that, I would say
that Activault should fulfill your other requirements.

Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems
"take the garbage out, dear"

 

We have tested all of the above and were in the same boat with
SmarTeam. We struggled with SmarTeam for almost 4 years. Two months
ago, we made a switch to an awesome system (which you have mentioned
above) after testing them all. Email me if you would like some details.