Configuring Collaborative Spaces in 3DEXPERIENCE for Large Teams

In large organizations, effective collaboration is critical. 3DEXPERIENCE provides Collaborative Spaces, enabling teams to work concurrently on designs, manage data securely, and maintain version control. Proper configuration ensures efficiency, security, and traceability, even with dozens or hundreds of users.

This article outlines best practices for setting up Collaborative Spaces for large teams.

Understand Collaborative Spaces

A Collaborative Space in 3DEXPERIENCE is a virtual workspace where users can:

• Store and manage parts, assemblies, and drawings
• Control lifecycle states and revisions
• Collaborate in real time with team members

For large teams, Collaborative Spaces are central hubs, ensuring that everyone works with up to date, validated data.

Define Roles and Permissions

Large teams need clear responsibilities. In 3DEXPERIENCE, roles control access, edit rights, and lifecycle actions.

Best practices:

• Assign Designers full access to in-progress models.
• Assign Reviewers/Managers read or approval permissions.
• Use Observers for stakeholders who need visibility without editing rights.

This prevents accidental modifications and maintains data integrity.

Organize Work by Project or Product

For large teams, structure matters. Create Collaborative Spaces based on:

• Project (e.g., “Electric Vehicle Chassis”)
• Product line (e.g., “Engine Components”)

Within each space, you can further organize by functional areas (mechanical, electrical, or design phases). A clear hierarchy reduces confusion and improves data retrieval.

Use Lifecycle and Revision Control

Lifecycle management ensures that data moves from work-in-progress to released status in a controlled manner.

Tips:

• Set In Work → Frozen → Released states for parts and assemblies.
• Implement Change Actions for post-release modifications.
• Track revisions carefully to ensure traceability and accountability.

Proper lifecycle configuration prevents errors and ensures compliance across teams.

Enable Real-Time Collaboration

For large teams, simultaneous work is key. Use 3DEXPERIENCE features like:

• Locking objects during editing to avoid conflicts
• Real-time comments and markups for design reviews
• Dashboards to monitor team activity and pending approvals

This keeps everyone aligned and reduces redundant work.

Implement Naming and Data Standards

Consistency reduces confusion in large teams. Define:

• Standardized file and part naming conventions
• Metadata rules for parts (material, size, function)
• Templates and master assemblies for recurring designs

These standards make searching, reporting, and collaboration seamless.

Monitor and Audit Spaces Regularly

For teams of 20+ designers, periodic auditing is essential:

• Review access and permissions
• Validate data integrity and lifecycle compliance
• Archive obsolete or inactive projects

This keeps Collaborative Spaces organized and ensures long-term usability.

Conclusion

Configuring Collaborative Spaces in 3DEXPERIENCE properly is essential for large teams to collaborate efficiently and safely. Clear roles, structured workspaces, lifecycle management, and standardized data practices enable teams to deliver high-quality designs faster, reduce errors, and maintain compliance.