BOM - Creative way to add 'invisible' column/property?

[brrian]

In each of my part files, there are some common properties (Part Number, Description, Material) and some custom properties (Standard, Item Group)that are neccesary for import into our ERP system. The method of import is a comma delimited file; the easy way to create that file is by saving the BOM from the drawing as CSV.

Currently the BOM I use is the SolidWorks version, NOT the Excel version. Although it's less powerful, it's easier to use. In order for the custom properties (mentioned above) to be included in the CSV file, they have to be a part of the BOM. Trouble is, I don't want those columns/properties displayed on the drawing.

There doesn't appear to be a way to include those properties in the BOM and hide them from display on the drawing. I'm looking for some creative ways to get those into the BOM for export to CSV, but not have them show up on the drawing.

I looked for a way to hide colums in the SW BOM; there doesn't appear to be one. I then tried to adjust the column's width to a very small value, but it won't allow you to go smaller than the text width. I thought about adding a second BOM from a template that included those properties, but I worry about having to update information in two places (items added directly to the BOM).

Any ideas? Thanks in advance...

Brian

 

[rockguy]

Try placing the the colunms you don't want to see on their own layer and then hiding the layer.

 

[brrian]

It doesn't appear that you can place individual columns on different layers... I just tried it. Unless I'm doing something wrong?

Brian

 

[TheTick]

Once again, I find myself referring someone to Lenny's website. <

http://webpages.charter.net/mkikstra/SolidWorks.html>

There is an assembly BOM macro that may be of use.

 

[SBaugh]

Check faq559-520 - Its there!

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

For all Newbie's - Welcome to the nerd herd!

faq731-376