Open Microsoft Office docs as read-only by default?

We are using EPDM to store CAD (obviously) and are trying to figure out the best way to integrate other documents, especially MS Office into EPDM. I found http://office2pdm.com/ which adds a lot of functionality at a price, but honestly I would be happy if Office docs would open read only by default unless you have them checked out. Right now it is too easy to check something out that you just want to read. Is there something basic that I'm missing in the workflow setup?

-Simon

SolidworksSolidworks Pdm enterprise Pdm