Anyone using Driveworks? 1

[magineer]

Is anyone using Driveworks (xPress or full version)? I have a need to build cable assemblies. I think these are a good candidate for Rule Based Engineering (RBE) because it involves "building blocks" (e.g. connectors, cables, shring tubing, sleeving, etc.).

I'm interested in any feedback on actual experience using Driveworks (or its competitors) to build assemblies.

 

[josephv]

Hello,

We have used both, and like them very much.

Xpress is great, but one huge advantage of the full version is that it uses lookup tables, which is great for many engineering applications. Also, you can design a more elaborate user interface with the full version. Finally, since they use Excel formulas for the rules, they are both relatively easy to learn.

BTW some VARs have a program where you can take a DriveWorks course and get a temporary license. You can then build a sample application for your company as part of your evaluation. I took this course with my local VAR and it was really good.

Pls don't hesitate to ask more questions.

cheers,

 

[magineer]

Josephv,

Thanks for the info. When you say "used both" I'm assuming that's Driveworks and DriveworksXpress, not some similar package like Rule Stream. Did you use/evaluate anything else? Do you know if Driveworks can tie into other add-ins like PDMWorks or the SW Routing package? Do you have DW Engineer, team or enterprise?


Magineer

 

[josephv]

Hello Magineer,

Yes, we have used DriveWorks Engineer and DriveWorksXpress. We haven't used Rule Stream.

We did not evaluate other products. However, one option was to use the API and develop a custom .Net solution. The fact that we don't have internal resources to support an API/ .Net solution made DriveWorks attractive.

Although, we don't have PDM or Routing, my understanding is that DriveWorks (full version) can tie in to these add-ins.

We have used both DW Engineer and DriveWorksXpress, but haven't used team and enterprise (at least not yet).

One tip: a big part of the KBE process is to really understand your design process and document it, before you get to the software part.

Good luck, and as always keep us posted