Autodesk Vault Features

Powerful Engineering Data Management and Automation

Autodesk Vault provides a centralised Product Data Management (PDM) solution for managing CAD files, engineering documentation, and design workflows. Integrated with Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and other design applications, Vault helps teams maintain accurate information, control revisions, and automate repetitive processes throughout the engineering lifecycle.

Key Features

• Centralised CAD Management – Securely organise and manage engineering files, drawings, assemblies, and documentation.
• Version Control – Track design changes, maintain file history, and retrieve previous versions.
• CAD Reference Management – Maintain relationships between parts, assemblies, drawings, and external references.
• Advanced Search – Quickly locate files using properties, metadata, and saved searches.
• Concurrent Engineering – Enable multiple designers to collaborate while controlling file modifications.
• Design Reuse – Copy existing designs and reuse components without manually rebuilding file relationships.
• Lifecycle and Revision Management – Control design approvals, releases, and revisions with Vault Professional.
• Job Processing and Automation – Automate publishing and background processing with Vault Professional and optional JP Pro enhancements.
• ERP and PLM Integration – Connect Vault Professional with manufacturing, business, and product lifecycle management systems.

Benefits of Autodesk Vault

Improve Productivity, Collaboration and Design Accuracy

Autodesk Vault helps engineering and manufacturing organisations reduce administrative overhead, minimise errors, and improve collaboration. By replacing manual file management with structured processes, teams spend less time managing documents and more time designing, innovating, and delivering projects.

Key Benefits

• Increased Productivity – Reduce time spent searching, copying, renaming, and managing CAD files.
• Reduced Design Errors – Minimise accidental overwrites, missing references, and outdated drawings.
• Improved Collaboration – Provide engineering teams with controlled access to shared design information.
• Greater Data Integrity – Maintain accurate file relationships, revision histories, and engineering records.
• Faster Design Reuse – Find and repurpose existing designs instead of recreating components.
• Standardised Processes – Establish consistent engineering workflows, file management, and approval procedures.
• Scalable Data Management – Grow from Vault Basic to Vault Professional, Cloud, ERP, and PLM solutions.

Challenges Without Autodesk Vault

Is Manual CAD File Management Costing Your Business Time and Money?

Managing engineering files through Windows Explorer, network drives, or general-purpose cloud storage can introduce significant inefficiencies. As projects grow, maintaining file references, tracking revisions, and coordinating multiple designers becomes increasingly complex, increasing the risk of costly errors and rework.

Common Engineering Data Management Challenges

• Lost or Missing Files – Difficulty locating drawings, assemblies, and supporting documents across complex folder structures.
• Broken CAD References – Moving or renaming files can disrupt relationships between models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Duplicate and Outdated Files – Multiple copies make identifying the latest approved design difficult.
• Accidental Overwrites – Designers risk overwriting colleagues' changes without controlled file management.
• Manual Revision Tracking – Tracking changes through filenames, spreadsheets, or folder structures is inefficient.
• Limited Design Visibility – Teams struggle to identify file relationships, ownership, and project status.
• Repetitive Administrative Tasks – Manual file publishing, renaming, and documentation consume valuable engineering time.
• Disconnected Business Systems – Engineering data may require manual re-entry into ERP, manufacturing, and PLM systems.

Autodesk Vault PDM, ERP and PLM Solutions

Autodesk Vault provides a scalable foundation for managing engineering data, connecting design workflows with business operations and product lifecycle management. From traditional Product Data Management (PDM) to integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Design Consulting delivers solutions that connect engineering, manufacturing and business teams.

Product Data Management (PDM)

Centralise engineering files, manage revisions, control design changes and streamline collaboration with Autodesk Vault Basic and Professional. Maintain accurate CAD data, automate workflows and improve productivity throughout the design process.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Extend Autodesk Vault Professional with integrated ERP capabilities to connect engineering with inventory, purchasing, manufacturing, sales, finance and project management. Synchronise engineering data and bills of materials to reduce manual entry and streamline business operations.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Combine Autodesk Vault Professional with Autodesk Fusion Manage to connect engineering data with cloud-based PLM workflows. Manage product development, engineering changes, approvals, quality processes and supplier collaboration throughout the product lifecycle.

Integrated PDM, ERP and PLM

Unify Autodesk Vault Professional, ERP and Fusion Manage (PLM) into a connected engineering and business management platform. Integrate CAD data, manufacturing operations, business processes and product lifecycle workflows to improve visibility, collaboration and efficiency across the organisation.

Compare Autodesk Vault On-Premise Vs Vault Cloud

Vault On-Premise (Vault Basic and Professional) is installed and managed on your own servers, giving you full control over data security, custom workflows, and integration with local infrastructure. In contrast, Vault Cloud is a fully hosted SaaS solution provided by DC, that eliminates hardware maintenance, provides automatic updates, and enables seamless collaboration across distributed teams without the need for on-site IT management. 

Autodesk Vault Training Courses

Develop your skills with Autodesk Vault training courses designed for engineering and manufacturing professionals. From Vault Basic fundamentals to advanced Vault Professional administration, lifecycle management, revision control, and Job Processor automation, our practical courses help users and administrators streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and maximise productivity. Available through flexible online, remote, and instructor-led training options.