Autodesk Vault has long been the backbone of engineering data management, helping teams securely store, organize, and control design files. But as organizations scale, managing just the CAD data is no longer enough. To stay competitive, manufacturers need a connected approach to product lifecycle management (PLM)—and that’s where Autodesk Fusion Manage comes in.
Moving Beyond File Management
Vault ensures version control, secure storage, and streamlined collaboration across engineering teams. It reduces the chaos of file duplication and design errors, but it’s primarily focused on CAD and engineering data. Fusion Manage extends these capabilities by connecting data, people, and processes across the entire enterprise—not just engineering.
With Fusion Manage, manufacturers can:
- Centralize product data across departments, from engineering to quality to supply chain.
- Standardize processes such as engineering change management (ECOs/ECNs), new product introduction (NPI), and supplier collaboration.
- Enable enterprise-wide visibility so stakeholders outside of engineering—operations, procurement, and quality—can access accurate, real-time data.
Why Manufacturers Need PLM
As product lines expand and supply chains globalize, the risks of miscommunication, delayed approvals, and poor visibility increase dramatically. A PLM solution like Fusion Manage addresses these challenges by:
- Accelerating Time-to-Market: Automating workflows and streamlining approvals reduces bottlenecks.
- Improving Quality: Closed-loop quality management ensures that issues are captured, tracked, and resolved quickly.
- Enhancing Collaboration: Cloud-based access allows internal teams and suppliers to work together in real time.
- Driving Scalability: Unlike file-based systems, PLM grows with your business, supporting multi-site operations and distributed teams.
Vault + Fusion Manage: Better Together
This isn’t about replacing Vault—it’s about extending its value. Vault remains the foundation for managing engineering data. By integrating with Fusion Manage, manufacturers gain enterprise-level PLM capabilities without disrupting existing workflows. The result is a single source of truth that connects engineering with business systems and processes, creating a seamless digital thread from concept to customer delivery.
The Business Case
Expanding from Vault to Fusion Manage is more than a technology decision—it’s a business strategy. Companies adopting PLM solutions report:
- Up to 50% faster engineering change cycle times
- 30% fewer quality-related issues
- Improved on-time delivery and customer satisfaction
For manufacturers looking to modernize operations, increase agility, and gain a competitive edge, the next step beyond Vault is clear: Fusion Manage.
Discover how Fusion Manage integrates with Vault to streamline change management, supplier collaboration, and quality control.
