Newbie file management
Newbie file management
(OP)
New to SolidWorks, and find managing three sets of files (parts, assemblies, and drawings) cumbersome.
Does anyone have any successful strategies for this? Do you just keep all files in the same directory, or split them into 3 separate subs, or ???
Does anyone have any successful strategies for this? Do you just keep all files in the same directory, or split them into 3 separate subs, or ???






RE: Newbie file management
I highly suggest getting something like PDMWorks. Keeping them all in the same dir or separate dir both have negatives, especially if a user moves a file.
RE: Newbie file management
A seperate standard parts, or library of parts should be maintained, either within the SW structure or your own.
What were you using before SW?
RE: Newbie file management
How many SolidWorks users do you have?
Go with what ctopher says and get SolidWorks Professional with PDM/Works.
Bradley
RE: Newbie file management
Flores
RE: Newbie file management
I agree with ctopher and bredley and go with some kind of PDM system. The question other asked are good, because if you are the only one using the files you can get a system and make it work for you, but if you get 2 or more users, just try to explain YOUR system to them and have them all be happy and not try to change things.
Think about the questions the others asked before creating your own system.
Good luck.
ChadN
SolidWorks and SmarTeam user/Administrator
RE: Newbie file management
We currently only have two SW users, but would like to build an extensible system. Seems to me like all files in one directory is the way to go. Can then sort by name or type or date or whatever. Haven't yet looked into PDMWorks or SW Explorer - guess I need to do that and see what they have to offer.
Thanks for all the observations and questions to ponder.
RE: Newbie file management
PDMworks will fix all your issues with Data mangement.
At an old job I worked for a few years ago. They had their own part system. When it came to file management with SW it was a nightmare. And to the day I'm sure it still is. They had all of these certain types of files, with a certain part number, and that part number fell under this certain folder. Same fro assemblies and drawings. If you had to open a large assembly, it took awhile because the tree paths were so huge.
So I suggest projects all one folder or the better suggestion of getting PDMworks.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
For all Newbie's - Welcome to the nerd herd!
FAQ731-376
RE: Newbie file management
RE: Newbie file management
Configuration Control is not a problem.