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PDMWorks Example Process

PDMWorks Example Process

PDMWorks Example Process

(OP)
Our company has been using PDMWorks for a few years and we're trying to improve our use of the software. Right now we've got about 10 PDM users in our Engineering department and of that only 5 use the Solidworks software. We've also got 2 PDM users in our Purchasing department who as well don't use Solidworks. Our process right now is when a user is finished a SW drawing and has the paper copy signed by the manager, they place all of the files associated with that drawing in a folder on out Network drive and send me, the admin, an email telling me a drawing ready to be checked into PDM. (I'm the only one with rights to do so). I open the file on my computer and check the naming of all the parts and assemblies so they do not conflict with that which is in the vault. (We have lots of similar parts & assemblies that have minor differences and could easily be called the same name) I make a pdf of the drawing file and check in the SW drawing to the correct project and set the lifecycle to 'Issued for Manufacturing'. I then add the pdf as an attachment to the drawing. The users in the Purchasing department and the Engineering department have RO access to files in this lifecycle. If an Engineer wants to do a revision, they open a copy of the file on their local hardrive and change the lifecycle status the 'Revision in Progress'. Users in the Purchasing department have no access to files in this lifecycle but can still see them so they know the file is being revised. After the engineer has the revision approved they follow the same procedure as the new drawing. This whole process seems to be working but it's starting to get to be a lot of unnecessary work on my part, especially since our users keep increasing. Does anyone have any suggestions or examples of our their company uses PDM? Thanks.

Sean
Carmanah Design and Manufacturing
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.carmanahdesign.com

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

The only way I know, with min errors, is to have a deticated employee that knows configuration management track the rev's and check in the files.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 3.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

I have a few suggestions but they are based on the case that all users are allowed to check into PDMWorks as intended. (Unless I misunderstood where you said "ready to be checked into PDM. (I'm the only one with rights to do so)". If you're the only one who is able to checkin, I don't understand why you're using PDMWorks at all. Why not just stick with network folders with permissions?

Anyway....
You could create a new project named "ECO WIP" where all the work is done. When ready for release, all you would have to do is change the status. This assumes you are using the lifecycle functionality in PDMWorks.

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

(OP)
I would definitely rather have users checking files into the vault themselves.

I just wanted to get input as to how other companies use PDMWorks such as how a drawing goes about the steps from starting to being checked in and how revisions are handled.

Sean
Carmanah Design and Manufacturing
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.carmanahdesign.com

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

Might I also suggest that you begin looking into PLM's.  You've already listed more than enough people that would be able to use a PLM to organize your workflow more efficiently that the manual system you described, imo.

Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

(OP)
PLM?

Sean
Carmanah Design and Manufacturing
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.carmanahdesign.com

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

Sean,

   Read the whats new document from SolidWorks for 2008.  New automated PDF functionality is incorporated into PDMWorks.  Upon check-in, a pdf file can be automatically created.  The Whats New pdf has been made public, so I can mention this.  

http://files.solidworks.com/supportfiles/Whats_new/2008/English/whatsnew.pdf

This could help ease some of the time you spend...

Pete

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

PLM = Product Lifecycle Manager.  Enterprise wide applications that link up change control, document control, etc onto one system.

Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

(OP)
Oh yeah I did read into that.

Sean
Carmanah Design and Manufacturing
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.carmanahdesign.com

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

We have users checking in their own files in to our Vault...when you do that however you have to train all the users and establish firm rules for rev tracking, how properties are filled out etc.  It's better to have a single (or small number) of people at least looking at what goes in to the Vault before it goes to manufacturing, to ensure consistency.

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

Matt, can you recommend any PLM systems for a small engineering/machine shop? (< 20 users, likely)

RE: PDMWorks Example Process

MattBD,

I can't recommend.  There's a ton of them out there, many taylored for specific industries.  I have experience with Agile, but it's more for mid-size companies (100+); not because the software itself, but because of their fee structure.  

Have you looked into PDMWorks Enterprise to see if that will cover your needs?


Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group

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