When it comes to managing SOLIDWORKS toolbox files in PDM there are 2 aspects to consider. Should I use SOLIDWORKS PDM to manage my toolbox files? How do I set up SOLIDWORKS PDM to manage my toolbox files? Let’s start with the first question. Some of the reasons you would want to manage your toolbox files in PDM: The need for all SOLIDWORKS users to access the same toolbox data instead of each user having their own, separate, toolbox. Capturing additional metadata, such as custom part numbers or manufacturer information. The need to limit who can modify toolbox information, as well as record who made changes. Performance improvement over […]
GET VERSION DIALOG VS GET LATEST VERSION DIALOG IN SOLIDWORKS PDM
Those of you who use SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional or Standard with the ability to get previous versions are likely already aware that there is functionality which allows you to get specific versions of files that you are interested in. This is available from a few different places within PDM, but most commonly accessed from the Actions menu within Windows Explorer. Under this menu there are two options. One is “Get Latest Version” and the other is “Get Version” which allows you to pick a specific version of the file you want to see. What you may not know is that the resulting reference file dialog box defaults to different options […]
Export Search Results from Embedded Search – #SW2018
New in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2018, you now can export search results from the Embedded Search Window. Prior to 2018, this capability was only available in the Dedicated Search Tool which opened in a separate window. Additionally, because PDM Standard does not provide access to the Dedicated Search Tool, that meant that you could not export search results from PDM Standard. So an added benefit is that you can now export search results from PDM Standard searches. There are two new buttons\options displayed within the search interface embedded within Windows Explorer which allow you to export search results. Selecting the first of these two new buttons (Open search results) will open […]
SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4 support information release
An important issue was identified in the SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4 release. The problem reported is that with SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4 Closing files in SOLIDWORKS with the SOLIDWORKS PDM Client add-in enabled may cause SOLIDWORKS to become unresponsive. This problem affects the SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4 software used in conjunction with SOLIDWORKS PDM 2017 SP0 – SP4. The workarounds available for this problem are: If you have not already, Do NOT install SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4 Do not use the SOLIDWORKS PDM Client add-in within SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4. Uninstall SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP4 and reinstall SOLIDWORKS 2017 SP3 or earlier. SOLIDWORKS PDM 2017 SP4 does not need to be uninstalled since the root […]
SOLIDWORKS 2017 What’s New – PDM Task Enhancements: Generate MBD 3D PDFs, DXF to PDF & MS Office to PDF Conversions – #SW2017
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional 2017 introduces a number of new enhancements in the tasks for converting various file types. The first being a new output format for SOLIDWORKS files. For SOLIDWORKS MBD users, the Convert task in PDM Professional can be set up to automatically generate SOLIDWORKS MBD 3D PDFs. To set this up, in the properties of the Convert task select the ‘Conversion Settings.’ Then set the Output file format to ‘3D PDF – MBD.’ Once set, you can then select the themes to use for Parts and Assemblies (if the theme is in your PDM Professional vault, it must be cached before task execution) and which views to publish. […]
SOLIDWORKS PDM 2017 What’s New – Latest Version Overwrite – #SW2017
In PDM 2017 there is a new feature that is as powerful and potentially risky as the “Rollback” function. “Latest Version Overwrite” gives a user the ability to overwrite the latest version of the file with the most current version of a file. If data storage is a worry for your company, “Latest Version Overwrite” may be the simple solution it needs. File cleanup can be automated through workflows or allowed per user’s discretion. In normal PDM function, a new version of a file is created EVERY time a file or its corresponding metadata is altered and checked back in. In the archive server each version is a separate file […]
SOLIDWORKS PDM – Wildcards in Search Cards and How to Tame Them
The search cards in PDM allow you to refine your search using a number of parameters: file name, description, file owner, workflow state, and so on. But, what if you don’t know exactly what words you’re searching for? Enter wildcards. Wildcards are nothing new in searching, but this article will help explain how they are used in PDM. Typing in a single word will act with “implied” wildcards – one at the beginning of the word and one at the end. Thus, searching my vault for “pin” yields many results, mostly with “pin” somewhere in the middle of the word. What may be unexpected is that, when a standard […]
WHAT’S NEW SOLIDWORKS ENTERPRISE PDM 2014
A summary of the exciting new features! • Automated Cache Management : New options for managing user and group caches are available. Clear the cache on logout and refresh on login (Get Latest Version on folder contents) provide often requested functionality. • Consolidated Delayed in State Notifications: Files set to notify when “delayed in state” for a specified period of time are now consolidated into a single summary notification. Previously each file had a notification email which could be overwhelming in heavy traffic environments. • Dynamic Notification Recipients Filter: When specifying dynamic notification recipients now, a filter field to eliminate long scrolling sessions for large user bases is provided. • […]