BOM with non-driven columns ? 3

[DMichaels]

Is it possible to insert a BOM in which the columns are not driven from a variable, but can simply be edited manually ? I have created such a BOM spreadsheet that inserts just fine and allows editing. However, after entering the text in the cells and closing the edit window, all of the rows disappear, leaving only the column headers visable.

 

[SBaugh]

If you don't want a BOM to have any association with the model then just insert an object (Excel Workbook).

NOTE: By doing this you are defeating the purpose of using SW. Scott Baugh, CSWP
credence69@REMOVEhotmail.com

http://members.sigecom.net/sbaugh/

 

[DMichaels]

Yes, you are right. That works well. Thank you.

 

[DMichaels]

Scott;
Why use a non-driven BOM ?
Some of my users want to have a BOM with stock sizes that are different than the finished part sizes used in the model, as in weldments, etc.

 

[dogarila]

Probably you don't have a column labeled "partno" in your BOM template. Add that column and hide it. I suggest not to insert it at the end before the one labeled $$END but anywhere else. If you put it at the end the BOM in the drawing will have a small extra column. SW knows about this problem and there is no fix for it.

A better ideea is to have the stock sizes and any other information added to the parts as custom properties and link the fields in the BOM with them. When you edit the properties values the BOM will update automatically.

There are free VB programs available on the web that will allow you to edit the custom properties using a form. If you can't find one I will send you the one I am using and you can modify it as you need.

Hope this helps.

Andrew

 

[DMichaels]

Andrew;
That is a good idea to add a custom property for stock size. I will talk to the mechanical designers about that. I will also experiment with adding the 'partno' column back into the excel spreadsheet. I have created my own VB custom properies editor last week, but thanks for the offer.
Don.

 

[SBaugh]

Don,

Why don't you make Configs of the part that has both Finish and Stock Sizes? Then you could use the Custom Property but instead use the Configuration Specific Property. That would help alternate between the two Configurations.

Then at the BOM level you can call out the Configuration Specfic property per Config. I did something similar at my last job.

You can also Customize your BOM as you like. Just don't delete the $$END. If the columns that are already there don't fit your needs. Simply hide them and add more columns in front of $$END.

I hope that helps, Scott Baugh, CSWP
credence69@REMOVEhotmail.com

http://members.sigecom.net/sbaugh/

 

[DMichaels]

Scott;
Thanks.
Your suggestion with the configurations for finish and stock sizes is interesting. I am little concerned that it might add a lot of complexity to my VB custom properties editor. And I'm not sure if my users want to use configurations that much for simple parts. However, I will keep it in mind.

We have gone ahead and added a "Stock_size" custom property and I think that should work well.

Are you saying that the "partno" variable must be used in a BOM spreadsheet column in order for it to work properly ?

Don.

 

[DMichaels]

Scott;
Wow, that "partno" variable column is important. Thanks for the tip. I will add it back into my custom BOMs. Things just don't work right without it, for example the quantity doesn't work.
Don.

 

[dogarila]

Don,

it's actually my tip. Anyway..

Andrew

 

[DMichaels]

Andrew;
Sorry about that. GREAT TIP, ANDREW ! I put the "partno" hidden column to the right of the quantity column. Works great.
Thanks,Don.