Document Vault

Document Vault is the logical capability of securely storing engineering files (CAD models, drawings, simulation results, technical publications) with check-in/check-out, revision control, role-based access, and audit logging. It is the file-management substrate underneath every PLM system — usually backed by an object store, a relational metadata index, and full-text search.

What it covers

• Check-in / check-out and concurrent-edit prevention.
• Versioning and revisions — major/minor revision schemes, branching for variants.
• Access control with role, project, and partition-based permissions.
• Replication and caching for global engineering teams (FCC, FSC).
• Search and reuse across structured metadata and full-text indexing.

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Synonym of the broader Document Management capability; the KB scopes Document Vault as the storage substrate and Document Management as the surrounding lifecycle practice.
• Supports the Release Management and Supplier Development processes.
• Implemented by PLM platforms including Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, and Aras Innovator.