Jeff is the VP for Windchill Digital Thread. His team leads Navigate, Visualization, Windchill UI and Digital Product Traceability. Prior to joining PTC, Jeff spent 16 years implementing and using PLM, CAD and CAE at Industrial, High Tech & Consumer Products companies including leading the first Windchill PDMLink implementation in 2002. He was active in the PTC/USER community serving as Chair for the Windchill Solutions committee and on the Board of Directors for PTC/USER helping to bring voice of customer input together and create a community where people could network for tools and processes. Jeff attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Lehigh University.
Meet Patrick Williams, Chair of the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee
Ever wonder who’s helping shape the future of Windchill on the customer side? That would be the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee, led by Patrick Williams - longtime PLM pro, former Steelcase boomerang and current chair of the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee. He’s got a knack for solving enterprise-wide problems, a soft spot for smallmouth bass, and a passion for helping companies unlock the full value of their digital thread.
We caught up with Patrick for a quick-fire Q&A to learn what makes the committee tick, why it’s worth joining and what happens when you mix PLM with a rocky wade into Lake Michigan.
Q: So what’s your day job?
I’m a Solution Architect at Element Consulting. Before that, I spent years at Steelcase (worked for them twice) and Raytheon, working across PLM, CAD and enterprise systems. I’ve always been drawn to solving business problems - not just technical ones - and helping companies connect the dots across their digital ecosystem.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that’s not work-related.
Every May, I wade 300 yards into Lake Michigan to catch smallmouth bass. They come each year to spawn. It’s freezing, rocky and absolutely stunning. A bit like the Caribbean, but with chest-deep icy water and bronze-backed bass. My biggest catch has been a six-pound bass, and no, I don’t eat them. They’re like little pets.
Q: What’s the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee all about?
We’re a group of Windchill customers from different industries and backgrounds so it’s a great means of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Windchill solutions Technical Committee focuses on enterprise PLM, not just Windchill, and how data and processes span across systems. The scope includes helping businesses realize from design all the way through execution, where conversations can range from technical administration to business processes. And yes, we dive deep into change management too. Because let’s face it, the hardest part of any transformation is getting people on board.
Q: How did you get involved?
Back in 2004, I was obsessed with the Creo Toolkit API and started answering questions on the old email exploder. That led to chairing the Customization Technical Committee. Fast forward to 2024, I stepped in to help the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee when the previous chair moved on. I was all in!
Q: What’s the value of joining? Why should other Windchill customers get involved?
It’s the relationships. You learn from peers, share real-world challenges and build direct lines to PTC product managers. Whether you’re sketching data models on a hotel window (true story) or swapping ideas in a hallway, those moments stick and they shape how the product evolves.
Q: Does the committee really influence Windchill product development?
Definitely. The technical committee community gets insight into PTC’s vision, while providing feedback. The BOM Transformer’s mass transformation capabilities have been driven by direct input from us as a group. We’ve helped prioritize features, shared use cases and fed back directly to PTC product managers who take our input on board.
Q: So how exactly do you measure success?
Not by numbers. Success is when someone learns something new or teaches something valuable. It’s about meaningful conversations, not metrics. It’s also about having a positive influence on the direction of the product for the benefit of other customers out there.
Q: What’s the commitment? Most people are pretty busy.
You can be as involved or uninvolved as you like. We aim for monthly virtual meetings, plus one or two in-person gatherings each year. We also host topic-specific sessions when needed. It’s flexible, collaborative and always evolving. We’re a friendly, welcoming group.
Final pitch - why should someone join?
Because isolation doesn’t help anyone. If you want to grow, solve problems and be part of something bigger than your own inbox, this is the place. Yes, it’s a bit nerdy. But it’s also energizing, insightful and full of people who care deeply about making Windchill better.
Ready to wade in?
Whether you’re a Windchill veteran or just dipping your toes, the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee is your chance to shape the future of enterprise PLM. Bring your questions, your curiosity and maybe a pair of waders. We’ll meet you at the shoreline.
Join or learn more here
From Bass to BOMs:
Meet Patrick Williams, Chair of the Windchill Solutions Technical Committee.
Join a Technical Committee Here