DESY and ILC EDMS: Engineering data management for large scientific projects

DESY is using an engineering data management system (EDMS) for supporting the XFEL and PETRA III projects by e.g. enabling 3D CAD design collaboration, managing planning documents, supporting the manufacturing processes of components and providing general project documentation. The EDMS is currently adopted by the ILC global design effort for the preparation of the engineering design report. The DESY and ILC EDMS is based on a commercial system which has been customized to the specific needs of large scientific projects. They include, in addition to general engineering requirements, the support of ad-hoc teamwork and powerful yet easy-to-use web frontends. The paper gives an overview of the EDMS capabilities and describes experience and benefits of using the EDMS.