Document Management, Sharing and PDM Merge in the Cloud

Kenesto’s file synchronization utility allows users to synchronize documents between their desktop device and Kenesto. The utility supports documents that have been shared across and entire virtual team – both inside and outside your company – all while maintaining complete document security, automated file version management and update locking. Image courtesy of Kenesto Corp.

Kenesto offers users a subscription-based cloud-resident alternative to in-house PDM (product data management) and PLM (product lifecycle management) systems as well as the expense and IT infrastructure to support them. Capabilities include cross-company partner collaboration, file sharing, task execution, workflow process and project management, CAD file and document data management and change management. Users can create custom forms and reports.

Kenesto provides users the ability to upload, manage, update, version, share, and discuss CAD models, Microsoft Office documents and similar materials. Documents can be included on item, part and BOM records as well as attached to tasks, workflow processes and customizable forms and data types. Image courtesy of Kenesto Corp.

To help improve project throughput and collaboration, Kenesto also offers the ability to view more than 250 CAD, Microsoft Office and other document formats, including measurement and mark-ups. Users can also drag and drop documents from their desktop or device directly to Kenesto as well as edit documents in the cloud with the 2010 or above version of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel.

Kenesto’s workflow engine allows users to set up pre-defined as well as ad-hoc workflows for capturing and managing such business processes as change management and bid management with collaborators both inside and outside a company. Image courtesy of Kenesto Corp.

The Kenesto user interface has a customizable dashboard that provides users with quick access to documents and information. From the dashboard, users can generate reports that can help them see where projects, documents and work items are and determine what needs to be done. Kenesto’s workflow engine allows users to set up pre-defined as well as ad-hoc workflows for capturing and managing such business processes as requests for proposals/requests for quotes (RFPs/RFQs) among others both inside and outside their company.

Kenesto’s new vaulting feature merges the document check-in and check-out functionality with the ability to synchronize documents between a user’s desktop device and Kenesto. File synchronization supports documents that have been shared across an entire virtual team. This functionality maintains document security, provides automated file version management and supports update locking. The company adds that the vaulting and file synchronization services take into account the access rights assigned to users of shared documents and folders. Access rights are multi-level; e.g., read-only or read/write.

Kenesto’s customizable dashboards and reports help users see where things are and what needs to be done. From the dashboard, users have quick access to documents and information. Image courtesy of Kenesto Corp.

How it works is that the software determines a document’s vaulted status and whether it is eligible for synchronization, says the company. If it is, then Kenesto automatically determines the extent of each participant’s rights to make updates. After the document updates, the system automatically performs the necessary version management, notifies participants, and executes file synchronization to and from the cloud service for all others who have access and who have chosen to synchronize the documents or folders. Kenesto also maintains a complete audit trail of who made what updates when.

Kenesto’s new capabilities include connecting with shared network drives and remote vault folders. This, the company says, gives users an appropriate level of security while not overburdening them with undue application bureaucracy.

Kenesto provides users the ability to view over 250 CAD, Microsoft Office and other document formats, which can improve project throughput and collaboration. Image courtesy of Kenesto Corp.

Kenesto’s added capabilities are also compatible with design tools such as PTC Creo, Solid Edge, SolidWorks and Revit, enabling file management and sharing across design workflows. This also ensures proper handling of updates to component and assembly models connected to items as well as BOMs (bills of materials).

Pricing for Kenesto begins at $249 per month for a 10-user package. For more information on Kenesto as well as its new vaulting and desktop file synchronization enhancements, visit Kenesto Corp.

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Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.