Graphics Systems SolidNotes

How to Create a New Vault View for EPDM

How can users get started viewing an EPDM Vault?   First, they need to have a local vault view set up on their system!   Here is how to do it:

Go to Start - All Programs - SolidWorks EPDM - View Setup.  

 

Next, a wizard will begin to guide you through the process. Click Next to get started.

 

First, you will need to tell it what server contains the vault that you would like to view.  Select the server if it is already in the list by checking the box next to its name and selecting Next.  If it's not in the list, you can use the "Add" button and manually type in the server name to locate the vault server.

 

Next, you will tell it which vault on that server you would like to connect to.  Check the box next to the desired vault and click Next.

A few more questions... and we are almost there.  

You need to tell the wizard where you would like to place the local copy of the vault files, and who should be able to see it.  *Please note that if you create a folder - it will place the vault icon inside the folder.   This is why it is recommended to create the vault at the root of a drive with plenty of space on it.   Then the vault icon (or "blueberry" as some call it) will be placed at the root of the drive for easy viewing.   You can also restrict this view to yourself or let others see it.   (Either way, you have to log in to be able to gain access!)  Click Next after making your selections.

 

Take a quick look to make sure the settings all seem correct on the next screen. Now you should be able to click Finish and the Vault will be created!

 

 Click Close to Confirm that the wizard has done its job.

 

Just to double-check...  Open windows explorer and make sure the new vault view is displayed in your list of folders, just as you selected.   If you double-click it to access the vault, you will need to log on for the first time.  You are then all set with your new vault view!

 

Happy Vaulting! 

Reporting on Time in a Workflow State

When using workflows, I often get asked is there a way to see how long a file has been in a certain state.

Enterprise PDM can have workflows created that represent internal approval or release processes that are used within your company. Using workflow capabilities to automate a manual or paper-based process; notify users of the document status and also control user or group access to files are great features to have implemented.  Now, fast forward after implementation, a customer has these features implemented and is using workflows, but what happens after you submit that document for approval?  Here is where the questions about time a file resides in a certain state and the ability to set a reminder if there is no activity within EPDM start to crop up.

With the new task functionality that became available in EPDM 2010, you can now write a task add-in to schedule a check for the number of days a group of files, or an individual file, has been in a selected workflow state and send a message to a selected individuals or groups for any files that have been in that state beyond a set number of days.  Perfect, this is exactly what the EPDM administrator is looking for right?

Now, creating a task involves the API and those not familiar with API may not be comfortable with writing the add-in.  There is another way to accomplish this using the EPDM report generator and it may be a bit  more palatable.  With the report generator you can create a report that will query the database and return a list of files that have been in a workflow state longer then the specified amount of time.   Excellent, you now have a report of the information, but to get this report, someone has to log into the vault and run it.  This obviously leads up to another question, “So now how do I automate this report?”

Using the SQL Server Reporting Services you can create a report using the same query mentioned above. Once this report has been configured a user can subscribe to this report and have it e-mailed to them on a scheduled basis; for example, every Monday morning. Now each Monday the user will get an e-mail containing a list of files that have been in a workflow state longer than the set amount of days.

There is a query to run on the EPDM database that will poll that information.  You will need to have a basic understanding of T-SQL to create the reports. If you are comfortable with T-SQL, listed below is the SQL query needed to get the info:

-- SQL Query to return files in specified workflow state over set amount of days

SELECT Distinct D.Filename As [File Name],

CONVERT(VarChar, TH.Date, 101) AS [Entered State],

DATEDIFF (dd, TH.Date, GETUTCDATE()) as [Days In State]

FROM Status AS S

INNER JOIN Documents AS D ON S.StatusID = D.CurrentStatusID

Join TransitionHistory AS TH ON D.DocumentID = TH.DocumentID

Where S.Name = 'Work in Progress' --<<>

and DATEDIFF (dd, TH.Date, GETUTCDATE()) > '5' --<<>

Order By DATEDIFF (dd, TH.Date, GETUTCDATE()) DESC

Upgrading the Workgroup PDM Vault Server

You can upgrade the Workgroup PDM Vault Server using one of the following:

• SolidWorks Check for Updates
• SolidWorks installation DVD
• Workgroup PDM upgrade file manually downloaded to a local folder.

NOTE: You can install only one version of Workgroup PDM Vault Server!

Main Steps to Upgrade the Vault Server:

1. Ask all users to log out of the Workgroup PDM vault and then lock it.

2. Backup the vault data.

3. Use Microsoft Windows Control Panel Add/Remove Programs to remove the current version of Workgroup PDM Server.

 

4. Install the new version of Workgroup PDM Server using ONE of these three methods:

 

To use SolidWorks Check for Updates:

1. In Windows, click Start > All Programs > SolidWorks Installation Manager> Check for Updates.

 

    2.   In the Newer Versions Available dialog box, select Download and install a new version, select the version to install, and then click Next. The new version of SolidWorks Installation Manager downloads and runs.

  

 To use a SolidWorks installation DVD:

    1. Insert the DVD into the drive and follow the SolidWorks Installation Manager instructions.

 

To use the manually downloaded Workgroup PDM installation file (pdmwserver.exe):

1. Double-click the file and then follow the instructions to upgrade the Workgroup PDM Server.
2. Use SolidWorks Task Scheduler to update the Workgroup PDM files in the vault.
3. Unlock the vault and then notify users that they can return to using it.

 

Upgrading Workgroup PDM Clients:

Clients are prompted to update the first time they log in after the vault is updated.  No service pack is required for client updates.

To the Cloud: What is n!Fuze?

N!Fuze is a new offering from SolidWorks that will offer online, subscription-based collaboration for smaller organizations who may not have formal Product Data Management or the resources to support a formal PDM system.  It is available as a SolidWorks add-in, or as a web client for non-SolidWorks users.

SolidWorks Add-in:

 

Web client:

 

Key benefits of n!Fuze:

1. It allows for online collaboration by sharing “Workspaces”.  It also allows access to your files from any and all locations as long as you have internet access.
2. Functionality is provided so that your invited guests (up to 5 free per account) can download your files or provide comments.
3. Versioning is supported.
4. Dependencies are also supported in workspaces. 

What other details should I know about n!Fuse?

• There is a free 30-day trial, and subscriptions can be purchased quarterly or annually from the DS store online (release dates to be announced).
• All support is community-based.
• Any data uploaded lives on the web, up to 15GB of storage is included in the subscription, with more space available for an additional charge.
• You can invite up to 5 guests free of charge per subscription, they can download and comment on files in your workspace.
• There is an n!Fuze app for the iPad!

 You can view a video on n!Fuze in action from SolidWorks World below, thanks to Deelip.com!

3DVIA Composer support for EPDM 2011

In my last post, I gave a view of the new interface for 2011.  Today, I would like to preview some more improvements.  In SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2011, we now have the ability to view 3DVIA Composer files directly inside the preview tab in Windows Explorer and in the search interface.  SolidWorks Enterprise PDM now recognizes the 3DVIA Composer file formats .smg and .smgxml.

Users can preview embedded 3DVIA Composer files if the 3DVIA Composer Player is installed.  As with other previews, you can use the 3DVIA Composer Player tools to manipulate the model.

The 3DVIA Composer Player is available as a free download from http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/downloads.htm, on the 3DVIA Composer tab.

 

Adding EPDM Vault View Folders as Favorites Links in Windows 7/Vista

Since Enterprise PDM uses Windows Explorer as part of its user interface, Windows Explorer provides us the ability to create Favorite Links to our Vault View Folders.*

1. Create a normal local (yellow) folder and add it to Favorites
 

2. Right-click on your (yellow) folder within your Favorites, select Properties
 

3. Update the Target Path with the path to your vault folder
 

This results in having a Vault View Folder as part of your Windows Explorer Favorites Links.
 

 

*Windows Vista® or Windows® 7

Enterprise PDM 2011: The New Interface

The new user interface in SolidWorks Enterprise PDM 2011 is getting some much needed improvement and organization.

 
All Enterprise PDM commands are now grouped into four menus that appear just above the file view pane in SolidWorks and Windows Explorer.  The advantage of this change is that the shortcut menu (RMB click) is now somewhat shorter.  The most frequently used commands are still available in the shortcut menu.  Hopefully, this menu reorganization will help clean up the quite lengthy shortcut menu of the previous Enterprise PDM versions.

 
For example, Check in and Check out functions are now available within the Actions pull-down menu, yet are still also available in the shortcut menu.   More flexibility to get to the actions you need easier!

 
The new pull-down menus and the shortcut menus are still context sensitive, in that the commands which are available still depend on user selection.  Selections will be greyed out for easier identification of the menu picks to use.

These are just a few of the new features and improvements to EPDM 2011.

SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Tips and Tricks - Faster Browsing with a Preview

How can you make EPDM (SolidWorks Enterprise PDM) browsing seem faster?  Simple, just turn on the bitmap preview for SolidWorks files. Why would you do this? You still want to be able to zoom and rotate in the preview (eDrawings), and you’re not about to give that up right?  Here’s the good news you don’t have to give up your full eDrawing preview.  All you need to do is click on the bitmap preview and wait a few seconds for eDrawings to load.  When you enable bitmap preview for SolidWorks it is much faster than having the eDrawings preview because every time you change the selected file a new eDrawing doesn’t have to load inthe preview window(assuming you have the preview tab selected).  This means that you can now flip through dozens of SolidWorks files in seconds see a quick preview of each one, and then when you find the one you want, just click on it wait a few seconds and there’s your eDrawing ready for you to zoom, pan and rotate to your heart's content.

To enable this option  you will need to right click in the explorer window’s right pane(not the folder view) and you must not be right clicking on a file either.  The white space below the files is good or in the checked out by column is also a good option.  Find “View” in the list and as you guessed make sure “Show bitmap for SolidWorks files.” is checked.

While we’re at it, a few more suggestions are to enable the same option for dwg files and also to enable the full eDrawings UI… if you’ve been using enterprise for a long time don’t worry the UI buttons in the preview are really tiny now not like older versions so they are actually very useful. 

One other minor detail to this trick it must be done per computer per user.  There is no global place to set this by default.  It is a viewing option and each person has to decide if it is right for them.

My Favorite Features & Benifits of EPDM

Secure Access
 
Secures your product design data with managed access to authorized individuals over a network or via the web.

Revision Control & Full Document Preview
Ensures your design team avoids overwriting files. EPDM can assist purchasing and manufacturing to order and produce the correct parts. Provides the capability to view or print over 250 different file types. This includes SolidWorks, PDF, Microsoft Office, images, animations, movie files and 2D CAD files.

Built as a Shell Extension of Windows Explorer
Supports common Windows commands such as rename, copy, and paste.

Find & Reuse Design Data
Locates documents quickly by predefining, saving and sharing searches. Find documents based on their name, contained data, workflow state, and many other parameters.

Customizable & Scalable
Configures to work effectively by applying your business rules for your unique team structure, design process, and industry. EPDM easily expands as your design organization grows to ensure you will work with the same high level of speed.

Distributed Design Teams
Supports document vault replication for multisite environments. This makes current design information immediately available wherever needed.

Process Automation
Customizable workflow diagrams allow you to model the path which product design-related information must follow through. EPDM’s built-in notifications guarantee that the right personnel review and approve product designs, changes, and production releases.

Audit Trail
Quickly obtain product development history to meet internal and external compliance reporting requirements such as ISO and FDA requirements. Highlight process issues and drive continual improvement to maintain a competitive advantage.
 

SolidWorks Workgroup PDM: “Yellow” Warning Sign

Suddenly your local view displays a warning icon. What does this indicator mean? Workgroup PDM is letting you know that the document in the vault was modified by another user and this document should not be checked in. This warning is initiated when two users “open” the same document. Remember Workgroup PDM will not allow two users to “check-out” the same document.

For example, let’s say my co-worker Matt and I are using Workgroup PDM. I find a part that is located in the vault. It is also in my working directory and I release ownership. I open the part file and save it in SolidWorks. When I look at my local view I notice a green up arrow icon next to the part. Matt opens the same part file from his computer, saves the part in SolidWorks, and he also notices a green up arrow icon in his local view. Matt then "checks-in" the part to the vault as the next revision. I will now see from my local view a yellow warning icon.