What are the starting steps to using PDMWorks for the first time?

[cadguy13]

Hi Guys,
We just down loaded the 30 day demo for PDMWorks and I would like to find out what would be the starting steps (or procedure) to using this in a testing stage. We have printed all the help file, but there is no real procedure to speak of. Any info would be helpful at this point. Would like to learn the correct way from the start.
Thanks,
Cadguy13

 

[MadMango]

I haven't used PDMworks, but all have a common element.
The 1st step in any PDM program is to ensure your data is clean. This includes file naming conventions, and proper model/bom structure, having a procedure for modifying models that current works.

MadMango
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[Standing]

cadguy13,
MadMango is right, clean is good.
Put in only models that do not have rebuild errors, although this is not a requirement.
If you have a clean assembly with hardware, check in that drawing and all parts.
Put all your nuts, bolts and screws in a hardware folder. Side Bar: If you are just starting SolidWorks built your first screw and copy that to the next and modify that one for next size. Then replacing a model will be easier on re-mating.

First install the vault. Give it a cool name like Athena.
Set Vault settings. We have checked Hide projects with no access and Allow revision bumping and Allow change document properties and for Delete Documents Admin only.
Setup users with read/write access. Set admin rights to test rights.
Setup project folders and settings.
Create some revision scheme.
Forget lifecycle for your testing.
Add in a couple of Custom Properties.
If you use toolbox set that up also. We do not use it.

PDM Rules to Live by:

1. Get latest parts from PDM.
2. Work only within your PDM working directory.
3. Keep your working directory clean.
4. Take ownership as soon as you know you are going to change, if an ECN is required keep ownership until you give it to Documentation.
5. Do not check out or take ownership unless you are going to change it.
6. Do not take ownership of an assembly and all children.
7. Upon check-in, add short note as to what you did.
8. Release Ownership (if applicable) during check-in not afterwards.
9. Do not add suffices and prefixes to SKU parts being checked-in to PDM.
10. Do not check-in junk names; get a SKU if it needs to be in PDM.
11. If you are working on projects that are not ready for PDM, create a sub-directory within your working directory for those models. Remember rule number 2.
12. Clean C:\swSolidWorksBackups directory; defrag your C:\ drive as often as needed.
13. Do not delete relationships and external references.


Bradley

 

[badboggs]

I have been administrating a PDMWorks system for the last 2 months. I'm not sure exactly what you are asking for here. If you are trying to figure out how the system works I would recommend making yourself a simple block part with a hole in it. Then make a drawing of the part. Check both of the files into the vault and play around with how the vault keeps track of the history and what happens when you modify and part and not a drawing or vice versa.

The real trick to PDMWorks is making sure you have your part properties set up correctly. For instance are you tracking your drawing revisions, materials, descriptions, ect with your part and having that information displayed in the drawing(see thread559-61350)? You really have to figure out what you are going to name your properties before you start entering data. I highly recommend you use the standard solidworks names for properties if it isn't too late.

If you decide to buy the product it will take some time to get all of the information into the vault. You will have to massage the properties and names until you get them the way you want them.

Feel free to ask if you have any more specific quesions.

Boggs

 

[NathanN]

My company is just about to implement PDMWorks. What MadMango said is true, but I think that you should spend quite a bit of time fiddling with PDMWorks first. PDM programs can produce tons of little issues if you don't know what you're doing. More so, if you want to use configurations and external references a lot. I think it's best to sit down and try out every conceivable situation so that you can come up with, just to get a feel for how the software operates. Also, a 30 day evaluation probably isn't long enough. Try to get a full version from your var and hang onto it for a while.