Product data management (PDM) is the name of a business function within product lifecycle management (PLM) that denotes the management and publication of product data.[1] In software engineering, this is known as version control. The goals of product data management include ensuring all stakeholders share a common understanding, that confusion during the execution of the processes is minimized, and that the highest standards of quality controls are maintained. PDM should not be confused with product information management (PIM).