TDMS

The TDMS system has been on the market since 2003 and is now successfully used by hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of specialists. Over the years, TDMS has proven itself as an effective tool for the comprehensive automation of all planning processes and operational management of project-oriented enterprises.

Project production management systems built on the TDMS platform address the entire range of tasks related to the development, approval, release, and maintenance of design products, submission of documentation for state review, customer approval, and supervision and subcontracting.

The TDMS platform supports systems for geographically distributed organizations used to manage technical data at customer sites, general contractor sites, construction management sites, and design organizations.

The TDMS system is designed to manage information flows and electronic documentation for design, engineering, manufacturing organizations, and any other enterprises that use technical data and the documents generated from it, such as drawings, plans, diagrams, specifications, statements, etc.

TDMS has been on the market since 2003 and is now successfully used by hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of professionals. Over the years, TDMS has proven itself as an effective tool for the comprehensive automation of all planning processes and operational management of project-oriented enterprises.

Project production management systems built on the TDMS platform address the entire range of tasks related to the development, approval, release, and maintenance of design products, submission of documentation for state review, customer approval, and supervision and subcontracting.

The TDMS platform implements systems for geographically distributed organizations used to manage technical data at the client's, general contractor's, construction management, and design organizations' sites.

Tasks Solved by the Technical Data Management System on the TDMS Platform

System-Wide Tasks

• Creation of a unified system for information support of construction processes, including investment justification, surveys, design, internal and external assessments, and the production and maintenance of design, estimate, and accompanying documentation at construction sites.
• Ensuring geographically distributed work with project documentation, taking into account access control for all organizations participating in the workflow.
• Ensuring search for technical documents and related information by any set of properties and file contents, and generating reports of any complexity.
• Ensuring legally binding electronic document management through the use of TDMS digital signatures and qualified electronic signatures.
• Increased information availability for specialists through integrated reference books of regulatory and technical documentation, universal project solutions, a database of material and technical resources, and other sources of recommended and updated information.

Project Management

• Development and uploading of calendar and network schedules, project management with operational resource planning, and other capabilities.
• Process management using modeling, simulation, and adaptation of various tasks using BPMN notation.
• Automated creation of a project structure for different stages based on various standards with a high degree of variability, the ability to involve various groups of specialists in development, and the ability to copy parts of the structure and financial and economic indicators from previously completed projects.
• Automated documentation upload in a structured form in various customizable formats for transmission to state expert review bodies and customer information systems, with or without accompanying documentation.
• Automated interaction with external contractors by providing them with web access to the system's external server, enabling them to hold electronic meetings, exchange messages, receive assignments, and manually and automatically enter and verify completed work results.
• Monitoring compliance with design and implementation deadlines, using proven and effective project management methods.

Documentation Development

• Coordination using mechanisms for parallel processing of comments and document revisions.
• Automated creation of names and codes for various document types, generated based on system directories, project attributes, corporate, industry, and government standards.
• Amendments to various document types, taking into account their versioning and lifecycle management processes.
• Improving the quality of design products through the use of quality protocols (so-called checklists) at various stages of control.
• Automation of design product release using functions for generating consolidated documents in PDF format, sequential numbering, and barcoding. Scanning with format and page number recognition, etc.
• Technical document review, including automated verification of their compliance with design requirements, regulatory, technical, and organizational/mandatory documents.
• Integration with CAD systems, text and spreadsheet editors, and corporate system and application software.

TDMS 7.0 Advantages

TDMS provides comprehensive capabilities for building corporate engineering data management information systems:

• A multi-platform server environment that allows the use of alternative operating systems such as Linux;
• Support for the free PostgreSQL DBMS, Postgres Pro DBMS, the latest versions of Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle;
• An open API that enables the engagement of third-party specialists for system adaptation, integration, data exchange, etc., and also allows the integration of TDMS-based systems into the enterprise's information infrastructure;
• a unified server application environment, enabling collaborative development of services and browser-based web applications for working with TDMS platform data;
• high-speed processing of large volumes of information;
• an ergonomic, individually customizable interface adapted for modern large-diameter, high-resolution monitors;
• the ability to build a distributed technical data and document management system for large, multi-branch design and engineering companies.

TDMS AddIns for Microsoft Office is a suite of software add-ins for integrating office documents with the TDMS technical document management system. It is used by design organizations, engineering offices, and companies working with a shared electronic archive.

TDMS 7.x AddIns for Microsoft Office is listed in the official commercial product range. Detailed descriptions of individual interfaces are available on the official TDMS website.

Working with Microsoft Word

The add-in adds commands to Word for interacting with TDMS objects. Users can work with documents in a familiar text editor while maintaining their connection to the corporate system.

• Automatically populate document fields with TDMS attributes.
• Insert document names, statuses, and dates.
• Use calculated values and tables.
• Save changes while maintaining links to TDMS objects.
• Track changes to linked documents.

The developer also describes document comparison and merging tools used in collaborative workflows.

Working with Microsoft Excel

Similar integration is available for Excel. System and custom TDMS attributes can be transferred to spreadsheet cells.

This allows users to automatically populate information about projects, documents, and their statuses, and use corporate system data in calculation and record-keeping spreadsheets.

Earlier versions of the add-in suite also included Microsoft Outlook integration for correspondence management. The contents of the current 7.x package must be confirmed.

Collaboration

The add-ins are intended for use with the TDMS platform. They integrate office applications with the document repository but do not replace the server components of the technical data management system.

For TDMS 7.0, the developer specifies Microsoft Word and Excel versions 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.

CAD.kz can help select TDMS components and arrange system implementation.

TDMS Application Server is a server component of the TDMS technical data management platform. It is designed to run server applications, process business logic, and integrate the system with corporate IT infrastructure.

TDMS 7.x Application Server is listed in the official commercial product range. The component is used to build electronic archives, project document management systems, and distributed collaboration environments.

Server Architecture

TDMS Application Server operates between user applications and the database server. This architecture allows some data processing tasks to be moved from client computers to the server environment.

• Execute server commands and business logic.
• Process requests from client applications.
• Host integration services.
• Coordinate distributed systems.
• Manage TDMS server processes.

Server components help organizations build systems that support remote workstations and controlled access to corporate data.

Integration with Corporate Systems

The developer describes the creation of server applications and services using Microsoft .NET. Microsoft Visual Studio and C# are used to develop extensions.

Server components can be used to exchange data with external information systems, synchronize objects, and automate enterprise processes.

Development of web services and integration with corporate applications through the TDMS programming interface are supported.

Distributed Operations

The TDMS platform supports a distributed architecture in which application servers can operate in different network segments.

The documentation describes mechanisms for data synchronization, reducing the volume of data exchanged between remote departments, and controlling access for external users.

The TDMS server architecture also uses specialized components for web access and file storage. The need for separate licenses depends on the system configuration.

Version and Licensing

For TDMS 7.x, the official product range includes an Application Server network license for the first user seat. A separate annual update subscription is available.

TDMS 7.0 supports various database management systems, including Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL. The developer also specifies the possibility of deploying server systems on Linux.

CAD.kz can help select the server architecture and licenses and arrange implementation.

TDMS Client is a client application for the TDMS technical data management system. It is intended for engineers, designers, project managers, and other employees working with the company's electronic archive and technical documentation.

TDMS 7.0 is listed on the official website. The software provides access to the corporate database and allows users to work with documents, tasks, and information objects according to their assigned permissions.

Document Management

In TDMS Client, documents are organized as information objects. Each object can contain files, attributes, change history, links to other objects, and information about project participants.

• Create and edit document objects.
• Search documents by attributes and content.
• View and edit files through associated applications.
• Create document versions while retaining history.
• Work with classification systems and project structures.

The system allows users to link documents, organize document sets, and track changes throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaboration and Approvals

TDMS Client supports access permissions based on users, roles, and document statuses. When an object is being edited, the system can prevent other employees from modifying it.

Built-in mail, messaging, task management, and document approval features are available. Specific workflows and operations depend on the TDMS configuration used by the organization.

TDMS 7.0 Interface

Version 7 introduced a multi-window interface. Users can open several object properties dialogs, dock them in the main window, or position them independently.

The software remembers filter settings, highlights updated query results, and supports quick information searches. Data can be exported to Microsoft Excel, while reports are generated using configured templates.

Compatibility and Licensing

For TDMS Client 7.0, the developer specifies Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is recommended for Windows 10/11.

The official product range includes network licenses for the first and additional user seats. Add-ins for AutoCAD, nanoCAD, and Microsoft Office are licensed separately.

CAD.kz can help select client licenses and arrange implementation and employee training.

TDMS Developer is a specialized workspace for developers, system architects, and administrators of the TDMS platform. It is used to build corporate information systems, customize existing solutions, and configure technical document management processes.

TDMS Developer 7.x is listed in the official product range. The software extends the capabilities of the client workspace with configuration design and programming tools.

Data Structure Design

TDMS Developer allows users to create custom information object types and define their properties, relationships, and processing rules. This is necessary to adapt the system to a particular company's documentation structure and business processes.

• Create object types and their attributes.
• Configure relationships between information objects.
• Develop classification systems and queries.
• Define user roles and access permissions.
• Configure document processing rules.

User Interface Development

The environment includes visual editors for data entry forms. Configuration developers can place attribute fields, tables, buttons, images, and other controls on forms.

Separate forms can be created for viewing, editing, and searching information associated with different object types. Interfaces can be customized to employees' responsibilities and the organization's data structure.

Programming and Automation

TDMS includes a code editor for defining object processing rules, system events, and user commands. The official TDMS 7.0 API documentation confirms support for VBScript and .NET programming languages.

The programming interface enables developers to create specialized commands, automate document operations, and build integration mechanisms for corporate systems.

Business Process Management

TDMS includes tools for organizing workflow-based and process-based data handling. Developers can configure operation sequences, approval rules, object statuses, and user actions.

The environment allows configurations to be modified in a running system. However, deploying changes requires compatibility checks and measures to preserve corporate data integrity.

Licensing

TDMS Developer 7.x is available with a standalone license, a network license for the first user seat, and an additional network seat.

CAD.kz can help determine the required license configuration and arrange platform implementation.

TDMS File Server is a server component of the TDMS technical data management platform. It is designed to store, manage, and transfer technical documentation files in corporate information systems.

TDMS File Server 7.x is listed in the official product range. The component is used by design organizations, engineering offices, and geographically distributed enterprises working with large volumes of files.

Distributed File Storage

TDMS supports several file storage methods: directly in the database, on dedicated file servers, and as links to external resources.

TDMS File Server allows files to be stored on separate storage devices while maintaining document management through a unified information system.

• Store files on dedicated servers.
• Use multiple file repositories.
• Provide access according to assigned user permissions.
• Manage files regardless of their physical location.
• Work with large technical documents.

Distributed Department Operations

For organizations with branches, file servers can be located in different segments of the corporate network.

Employees can retrieve files from an available repository closer to their workplace. This reduces the transfer of large drawings and models over remote network connections.

The system maintains a unified archive view for users, regardless of where files are physically stored.

Data Caching

TDMS supports file caching. When an unchanged file is accessed again, it can be loaded from a local cache instead of the central repository.

Official documentation distinguishes between file servers used as primary storage and cache servers containing copies of files.

Caching helps reduce the load on the database management system and speeds up repeated document access.

Management and Security

File servers operate as part of the TDMS architecture. Information about documents, their attributes, and access permissions remains under system management.

Primary file repositories require backup and recovery procedures that account for the distributed architecture.

The developer notes that distributed storage requires additional measures to maintain file integrity and synchronize backup copies.

Licensing

The official product range includes TDMS File Server 7.x network licenses for the first and additional user seats.

CAD.kz can help design the storage architecture and select the required server licenses.

The TDMS system has been on the market since 2003 and is now successfully used by hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of professionals. Over the years, TDMS has proven itself as an effective tool for comprehensively automating all planning and operational management processes in project-oriented enterprises.

Project management systems built on the TDMS platform address a full range of tasks related to the development, approval, release, and maintenance of project products, submission of documentation for state review, customer approval, and supervision and subcontracting.

The TDMS platform implements systems for geographically distributed organizations used to manage technical data at customer sites, general contractors, construction management, and design organizations.

The TDMS system is designed to manage information flows and electronic documentation for design, engineering, manufacturing organizations, and any other enterprises that utilize technical data and documents created based on it: drawings, plans, diagrams, specifications, statements, etc.

The TDMS system has been on the market since 2003 and is now successfully used by hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of professionals. Over the years, TDMS has proven itself as an effective tool for comprehensively automating all planning and operational management processes in project-oriented enterprises.

Project management systems built on the TDMS platform address a full range of tasks related to the development, approval, release, and maintenance of project products, submission of documentation for state review, customer approval, and supervision and subcontracting.

The TDMS platform implements systems for geographically distributed organizations used to manage technical data at customer sites, general contractors, construction management, and design organizations.

Tasks solved by the technical data management system on the TDMS platform

System-wide tasks

• Creation of a unified system for information support of construction processes, including the stages of investment justification, surveys, design, internal and external assessments, and the production and maintenance of design, estimate, and accompanying documentation at construction sites.
• Ensuring geographically distributed work with project documentation, taking into account access restrictions for all organizations participating in the work processes.
• Providing searches for technical documents and related information based on any set of file properties and contents, and obtaining reports of any complexity.
• Ensuring legally significant electronic document management through the use of TDMS digital signatures and qualified electronic signatures.
• Improving the informational support of specialists through integrated reference books of regulatory and technical documentation, universal design solutions, a database of material and technical resources, and other sources of recommended and updated information.

Project management

• Development and uploading of calendar and network schedules, project management with the ability to quickly plan resources, and other capabilities.
• Process management using the functions of modeling, simulation and adaptation of various tasks using BPMN notation.
• Automated creation of project structures for different stages based on various standards with a high degree of variability, the ability to engage various groups of specialists in development, and the ability to copy parts of the structure and financial and economic indicators from previously completed projects.
• Automate the upload of structured documentation in various customizable formats for transmission to government review bodies and customer information systems, with or without accompanying documentation.
• Automation of interaction with external contractors by providing them with web access to the system's external server, enabling them to hold meetings electronically, exchange messages, receive assignments, and manually and automatically enter and verify the results of completed work.
• Monitoring compliance with design and implementation deadlines for projects, using proven and effective project management methods.

Development of documentation

• Conducting coordination using mechanisms for parallel work with comments and document revision.
• Automated creation of names and codes for various types of documents, generated based on system directories, project attributes, corporate, industry, and government standards.
• Making changes to various types of documents, taking into account their versioning and lifecycle management processes.
• Improving the quality of design products through the use of quality protocols (so-called checklists) at various stages of control.
• Automate the release of design products using functions for generating summary documents in PDF format, continuous numbering and barcoding, scanning with format and page number recognition, and more.
• Conducting an examination of technical documents, including automated verification of their compliance with design requirements, regulatory, technical, and organizational documents.
• Integration with computer-aided design systems, text and spreadsheet editors, corporate system and application software.

Benefits of TDMS 7.0

TDMS provides comprehensive capabilities for building corporate information systems for engineering data management:

• a multi-platform server environment that allows the use of alternative operating systems such as Linux;
• support for free Postgre SQL DBMS, Postgres Pro DBMS, the latest versions of Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle;
• an open software interface that allows for the involvement of third-party specialists to adapt the system, solve integration problems, exchange data, etc., and also allows for the integration of systems on the TDMS platform into the enterprise's information infrastructure;
• a unified environment for server applications, the ability to collectively develop services and browser-based web applications for working with TDMS platform data;
• high speed of working with large volumes of information;
• an ergonomic, individually customizable interface, adapted to modern large-diameter, high-resolution monitors;
• the possibility of building a distributed system for managing technical data and documents in large multi-branch design and engineering companies.

TDMS WebDeveloper is a licensed component of the TDMS platform for developing web applications that work with corporate technical data and documentation. It is intended for developers and integrators building specialized TDMS web interfaces and server extensions.

TDMS WebDeveloper 7.x is listed in the official commercial product range. The product belongs to the development infrastructure of the TDMS 7.0 platform.

Web Application Development

The TDMS platform supports the creation of browser-based applications for accessing corporate databases. Server APIs can be used to implement specialized interfaces tailored to the needs of different user groups.

• Develop web interfaces for working with TDMS data.
• Create specialized user workflows.
• Enable interactions with information objects.
• Use server-side authentication and access control mechanisms.

The exact tools included in the WebDeveloper license must be confirmed against the technical specification.

Server Services and Integration

TDMS 7.0 provides an open programming interface and a unified environment for server applications. Developers can use this infrastructure to integrate TDMS with other corporate systems.

Official documentation describes developing server services in C# using Microsoft Visual Studio, as well as the ability to execute VBScript code. The TDMS API, including REST API, is used to exchange data with external applications.

Services operate within the platform's server architecture. The permissions granted by a specific WebDeveloper license must be confirmed separately.

Difference from TDMS WebClient

TDMS WebClient is intended for end users who need browser-based access to documents and tasks.

TDMS WebDeveloper focuses on creating and extending web solutions. Both components are listed as separately licensed products in the official range.

Licensing

TDMS WebDeveloper 7.x offers network licenses for the first and additional user seats. A one-year update subscription is purchased separately.

CAD.kz can help determine the required TDMS components and arrange implementation.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS AddIns for AutoCAD. It is intended for licensed users of the add-in that integrates AutoCAD with the TDMS system. Updates are provided according to the terms of the active subscription.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS AddIns for Microsoft Office. It is intended for licensed users of the add-ins and provides access to updates during the subscription period. Activation terms for an existing license are confirmed when ordering.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS AddIns for nanoCAD. It is intended for users of the corresponding TDMS add-in and provides access to updates during the subscription period. Activation terms must be confirmed for the nanoCAD version in use.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS Application Server. It is intended for holders of an existing server component license and grants the right to receive updates during the subscription period. Renewal terms depend on the server configuration in use.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS Client. It is intended for existing license holders and grants the right to receive client application updates during the subscription period. Reinstatement terms after a subscription lapse are confirmed when ordering.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS Developer. It is intended for holders of a development environment license and grants the right to receive software component updates during the subscription period. Renewal terms depend on the existing license.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS File Server. It is intended for holders of an existing server component license and grants the right to receive updates during the subscription period. Activation and renewal terms must be agreed upon for the specific server configuration.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS Professional. It is intended for users with an existing license for the professional edition of TDMS and provides access to updates during the subscription period. Activation and renewal terms must be confirmed for the specific license.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS Viewer. It is intended for users with an existing license for the viewing component and grants the right to receive updates during the subscription period. Renewal terms must be confirmed before ordering.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS WebClient. It is intended for users with an existing web client license and grants the right to receive updates during the subscription period. Renewal terms and applicability to the specific server configuration must be confirmed.

A one-year update subscription for TDMS WebDeveloper. It is intended for holders of a web development component license and grants the right to receive updates during the subscription period. Activation and reinstatement terms after a lapse must be confirmed when ordering.