What is Engineering Change Management Software?

In engineering, even small change can make big impact. Changing one part in design, or update in product requirement can affect cost, quality, and time. That’s why many companies now use engineering change management software to control changes in better way.

Engineering change management software is a tool that help teams to manage changes in product design, manufacturing process, and documents. It give a system where all team members can track what change happen, who approve it, and how it affect project.

This kind of software is very useful for companies in automotive, aerospace, electronics, machinery, and many other industries where products are complex and have many components.

Why Engineering Change Management is Important?

In engineering, change is normal. But if not managed properly, it create mistakes, delays, and extra cost. For example, if engineer change a design but forget to inform production team, wrong part may get manufactured. Or supplier use old drawing because update was not shared.

Using engineering change management software make sure that every change is documented, approved, and communicated to right people. It reduce risk and improve teamwork between design, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Benefits of Engineering Change Management Software

There are many benefits when company use engineering change management software. Some of them are:

1. Better Control of Changes

Every change is tracked in system with full history. Who request it, who approve it, and when it is implemented – all is visible.

2. Reduce Errors and Rework

When changes are not tracked properly, it leads to wrong production or incorrect documents. Software help avoid this.

3. Faster Approvals

No need to send emails or wait for paper forms. Approvals can happen inside the software, with automatic notifications.

4. Improved Collaboration

Engineering, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers can all see the same information. No confusion about latest design or change status.

5. Compliance and Audit Ready

In many industries, it’s important to follow standards (like ISO or FDA). Software help to keep full audit trail for every change.

Top Features of Engineering Change Management Software

When selecting a good engineering change management software, there are some important features to look for:

1. Change Request and Change Order System

Ability to submit, review, and approve Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Engineering Change Orders (ECO).

2. Workflow Automation

Software should support custom workflow – for example: request → review → approval → release.

3. Document Management

Manage and version control of CAD files, drawings, specs, and BOMs (bill of materials).

4. Notification and Alerts

System should notify team members when change is waiting for approval or ready for review.

5. Impact Analysis

See how change will affect cost, delivery time, parts, or other documents before approval.

6. Integration with CAD and PLM

Many tools connect with CAD software (like SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

7. Reporting and Dashboards

Track how many changes are pending, approved, delayed etc. Good for project planning and manager reports.

These features help teams to manage engineering change in structured and safe way.

Popular Engineering Change Management Software

Many good tools are available in market. Companies choose based on size, industry, and budget. Below are some popular engineering change management software used by real companies:

1. PTC Windchill

Powerful PLM software with strong change management. Used in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

2. Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle

Cloud-based PLM tool with good engineering change management. Good integration with Autodesk CAD tools.

3. Siemens Teamcenter

Very strong in large enterprise. Support full product lifecycle and deep change management functions.

4. Arena PLM

Popular cloud software, easy to use. Many electronics and medical device companies use it.

5. SolidWorks PDM

If company use SolidWorks CAD, then this is good choice. Handle design data and change workflow inside engineering team.

6. Upchain

Cloud PLM that focus on easy use and collaboration. Support engineering change process and BOM control.

7. Jama Connect

Focus more on requirements and traceability, but also support engineering change tracking. Used in complex systems.

Each engineering change management software has different strength. Some are better for small teams, some for large global companies. It is important to test demo and see what fit best for your engineering process.

Who Uses Engineering Change Management Software?

This kind of software is used by many people in engineering company:

• Design Engineers: to submit and manage changes in product design

• Project Managers: to plan changes and check approval status

• Manufacturing Team: to follow latest design and production instructions

• Quality Engineers: to make sure change meet standards

• Supply Chain: to update suppliers with correct parts and specs

• Document Control: to update all technical files and drawings

Because change affect all areas, this software help make sure everyone stay on same page.

Final Words

In engineering world, change is always happening. But to avoid mistake, waste, and confusion, companies need strong system. That’s why engineering change management software is so useful.

It help teams to manage product changes in safe, fast, and clear way. With features like workflows, document control, and approval system, it save time and reduce cost.

If your company still use Excel or email for engineering change, maybe it’s time to move to modern tool. Many good engineering change management software options are available. Try demo, talk to vendors, and choose what is best for your process.