Solidworks to AS-400 BOM automation

[gbernwanger]

Hello! We use Solidworks to design mostly laser cut/break press bent parts. We use AS-400 as our releasing system. I've got 2 questions: 1. how do people keep track of blanks, formed parts, and final parts in their Solidworks setup? We are using separate configurations for the blank, formed part and final painted part, 2. We are working to reduce manual data entry so we can improve our release accuracy. Has anyone done any automation between Solidworks to AS-400 with their BOM info? Thanks in advance for your help!!

George

 

[3DDave]

How does the AS/400 system get information right now? There is usually a bulk data loader to populate the database; your AS/400 system operator should know how to do that.

 

[gbernwanger]

3DDave - thanks for the response! Currently we are manually entering our BOM and other info into AS-400, which obviously is resulting in a lot of manual entry errors. We do have an IT expert who knows AS-400 very well. Our biggest issue right now is how our data is stored in Solidworks as we are storing different parts in the configurations (flat, form, etc.). If this isn't clear, I can try to get a screen shot to explain. If we had an assembly with simple components it wouldn't be too difficult to develop macros to transfer this to AS-400, but it is the configurations that are causing us trouble. thanks!

 

[3DDave]

Seems like you need a better description of the way the data is stored.

It sounds like you want the AS/400 system to be able to take a demand for a finished part and generate demands for all the intermediate steps as if each piece at each step is simply raw material for the next step.

Seems like an Excel spreadsheet sent to the IT guy would avoid the manual entry problem; simply use a naming convention so that the sheet matches the Solidworks models. AS/400 won't be drawing CAD data anyway.

 

[SBaugh]

Maybe use a design table in your SM parts. I don't usually use one in our SM parts. We just use the Default and Default Derived Flatten Configuration for all our parts.

I have no clue what AS-400 is, but would or do you use any PDM? I know that SW PDM Pro can connect to other ERP systems.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
CAD Systems Manager
Dapco, INC

http://www.dapcoinc.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[3DDave]

AS/400 is an IBM computer architecture.

https://www.sikich.com/insight/as400-migration-to-modernized-erp/

I have no idea what ERP system the OP is interacting with.

 

[drawoh]

gbernwanger,

If you have to separately track blanks, formed parts, and final parts, then each must have its own part number. You need to construct your Solidworks models accordingly. You can use a design table to manage sheet metal in its flattened and in its bent state. I recommend a separate paint model and drawing with a BOM. A specific blank may get more than one paint finish.

--
JHG

 

[jassco]

Hi, gbernwanger:

You need a PDM system to do this. PDM system keep relationship between blanks, formed parts and painted parts.

Please keep in mind that BOMs in AS/400 are not always same as those on Solidworks prints or models. BOMs in AS/400 are for manufacturing while BOMs on prints are for design.

You can make them (blanked, formed and painted) related. But you have to make each of them independent (called "normalization in Database"). If you don't do normalization, your relations would soon be falling apart.

Best regards,

Alex