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Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

(OP)
OK, I am trying to formalize an SOP for publishing Operation & Maintenance manuals for our mechanical products.  The current problem is that we do not have consistency in our Word forms that are used for making manuals.  I know that SW can link information with both MS Word & Excel but which is the best to use if you are trying to make a product manual.  Currently we use Word as the manual base and insert graphs from Excel, Metafiles from CAD, images (gif, jpg, tiff, etc.).  Unforunately we really have no consistency between the different manuals.  Each person here has there "own" way of putting them together.  I guess what I am looking for are suggestions on how to overhaul our manual making progress to make it efficient, productive, and consistent while using SW to the fullest for the automatic updating capabilities.  Sorry this question is kind of all over the place, probably a good indication of the confusion I am expereincing with this procedure.

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

Standardizing with Word docs is not a problem. Setup a template and have the company follow it.
I do not understand exactly what SolidWorks "updating capabilities" you are looking for.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP1.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

(OP)
From what I was told, SW can import or link to objects in Word and Excel.  For example, if I export a 2D drawing image of a part with dimensions into a Word form, I need the exported image dimensions to update if the model updates.  At least this is what our VAR said we should be able to do.  Hope this is true.  Another example would be if I created a chart in SW and then exported the chart to a word document I would like it to update as well.  If someone believes this is not possible please let me know.
Thanks

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

We are doing a similar thing for our ISO Requirements on procedures, work instructions....

We have decided to allow everyone to draft thier documents as they wish but then they are being submitted to clerk for formatting and standardizing.  The submitter holds the rights of approval but the document ends up standard and controlled.  What software is used makes little difference, what the end result is makes a huge difference.  We had department leaders sketch on notepads their requirements and software was determined on an as needed basis.  People were much more flexible when they didn't have to type things themselves.

Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches.

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

Quote:

I need the exported image dimensions to update if the model updates.  At least this is what our VAR said we should be able to do.  Hope this is true.
Yes ... this is true ... but it is not dynamic, you have to save the SW document & then "refresh" or update the link ... F9 I believe ... or Edit > Update link.


Making the best use of this Forum.  FAQ559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions.  FAQ559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of.  FAQ559-520

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

CBL is correct. I do not do links like this because Word docs and SW files are in separate servers and maintained by different areas of the dept. Can be a headache to stay updated. Maybe the Word docs can be saved in the Design Binder of the drawing file?

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP1.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

(OP)
What is a "Design Binder" in the drawing file?  We have SW 2004.  Is this a 2005 option?
Thanks

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

Yes it's a SW2005 option.

Chris ... Does the Design Binder contain the actual document or does it create a link?
If it actually contains the document, that could drastically affect the SW file size .


Making the best use of this Forum.  FAQ559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions.  FAQ559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of.  FAQ559-520

RE: Desktop Publishing & Solidworks Questions

CBL, You can do both.
cygnas, sorry ... 2005. In the feature manager there is an option called "Design Binder" that is a Word doc that you can add any info about the design you want. I add links to vendor web sites, material info, design notes, photos, similar designs, etc. I have SolidWorks procedures in another server that I sometimes add link to. It is a very good tool.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP1.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

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