How can we efficiently manage a 3D CAD file without using PDM?

Hello , I ususally keep multiple versions of my CAD data as I build a3D model for a product or assembly. This helps me have an overview, trace problems or simply get back to earlier stages whenever I need to.

Look at it as a "revision1,2,3,..etc" but with a slight difference: I personally don't use parametric modeling so my solid models are free form (built directly from geometry, boolean operations or surfaces). When I reach a certain stage , I copy everything into a new level and do more work, then I copy everything into another level and continue, on and on until I reach a final one.

If I ever need to modify something , then I can simply trace it to an earlier stage and start from there. You may also want to export models at different stages, this helps too.

But finally, I am not sure if this approach works with parametric modelers like Solidworks, CATIA , Inventor or ProE .. All of them are sketch based (parametrics). I personally use Kubotek KeyCreator for14 years now and it works just fine for me.

Best luck and I hope I helped answer your question 

Fadi