How can you use PLM APIs and SDKs to customize your PLM functionality?

1 What are PLM APIs and SDKs?

PLM APIs are application programming interfaces that allow you to access and manipulate data and functions of your PLM software from other applications or systems. PLM SDKs are software development kits that provide you with tools and libraries to create custom applications or integrations that leverage your PLM software. PLM APIs and SDKs enable you to extend your PLM functionality beyond the standard features and workflows.

2 Why use PLM APIs and SDKs?

PLM APIs and SDKs offer ways to customize your PLM functionality, such as automating tasks and processes that are repetitive or time-consuming, integrating with other systems, enhancing the user interface and user experience, adding new features or capabilities, and optimizing data management or architecture for improved performance, security, or scalability.

3 How to use PLM APIs and SDKs?

The way to use PLM APIs and SDKs varies depending on the type and version of your PLM software, as well as the scope and complexity of your customization project. To begin, identify your PLM customization goals and requirements, such as what data or functions you want to access or modify, what applications or systems you want to integrate with, or what features or capabilities you want to add. Then, review the documentation and resources of your PLM software to find out what APIs and SDKs are available, what they can do, and how to use them. After that, choose the appropriate APIs and SDKs for your project based on your technical skills, preferred programming languages, and compatibility with your PLM software. Develop, test, and deploy your custom applications or integrations using the APIs and SDKs following the best practices and guidelines of your PLM software. Lastly, monitor and maintain your custom applications or integrations ensuring that they work properly and securely with your PLM software and other systems.

4 Examples of PLM APIs and SDKs

If you're looking for ways to use PLM APIs and SDKs, here are some popular customization projects to consider. For example, you could use the REST API of Windchill from PTC to create a web application that displays product change requests. Additionally, the Java API of Teamcenter from Siemens could be used to synchronize product data and documents with an ERP system. Additionally, the .NET SDK of Vault from Autodesk could be used to create a custom plugin that adds a new menu item and command to the Vault client. Finally, you could use the Python API of Aras Innovator from Aras to create a script that automates the creation and update of product structures and bills of materials.

5 Tips and tricks for PLM APIs and SDKs

When customizing your PLM functionality with APIs and SDKs, it's important to plan and document your project carefully, defining your scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones. Additionally, you should follow the standards and conventions of your PLM software and programming languages in order to ensure that your code is readable, maintainable, and reusable. Thoroughly test your custom applications or integrations for errors, bugs, or compatibility issues. It's also important to back up your PLM data and configuration regularly to protect them from accidental or malicious changes. Lastly, update your custom applications or integrations regularly to keep them in sync with your PLM software and other systems.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?