Is SW on the right track?
Is SW on the right track?
(OP)
I’ll throw this out, hopefully for some constructive candid feedback.
I have been seeing a reoccurring theme since getting involved with SW (back in 2004), and have been receiving a good deal of feedback from some of my seasoned users that have made the same observation, since 1999. The observation is; each release of SW since 1999 has not significantly improved in stability and performance. Also, the Service Pack route has been netting the same type of results; they fix some bugs and cause new problems each time. We seem to have experienced an “excessive” amount of “bugs” and problems in SW 2007, more so than we were accustomed to seeing in SW 2004 and SW 2006 (SW 2005 was a nightmare for us). Maybe the odd numbered releases have more problems? ?
I attended a local User Group Mtg for the SW 2007 rollout and after seeing all the new “gee whiz” functions, I asked the SW Regional Sales Mgr “all the new features are great, however; could SW drive their next release solely towards stability, performance and making all existing functions work well?” I was in an audience of about 70 persons, and overall they reacted as a mob. I was very surprised how vocal the group was in agreeing with my sentiment. The Sales Mgr’s response was “we hear this all the time, and this is an argument that exists within SW…the fact is that new features sell well, and what would we say to new customers; “SW 200X, now our stuff works”, that wouldn’t sell”. I argued that they could easily sell this as “SW 200X, the most stable, best performing package on the market”. Another user spoke up and said “I’ve been on SW since 1997, and between 1997 and 1999; SW had the market for great performance and great stability. We bought SW based on word of mouth from other users that raved about performance and stability and you never hear of that anymore”. The Sales Mgr, had no real response to pacify the group.
We run a pretty tight ship in our company, being the CAD Manager; I have extensive data since SW 2004 on benchmarking our performance as well as Crash logs provided by my users. There is a definite downward trend that I have observed in stability and performance.
Does anyone have any other observations that can give perspective beyond these observations? BTW, I would like to keep this constructive and am not intending on moaning and complaining only. I AM a big fan of SW and want to see them succeed.
Cheers
I have been seeing a reoccurring theme since getting involved with SW (back in 2004), and have been receiving a good deal of feedback from some of my seasoned users that have made the same observation, since 1999. The observation is; each release of SW since 1999 has not significantly improved in stability and performance. Also, the Service Pack route has been netting the same type of results; they fix some bugs and cause new problems each time. We seem to have experienced an “excessive” amount of “bugs” and problems in SW 2007, more so than we were accustomed to seeing in SW 2004 and SW 2006 (SW 2005 was a nightmare for us). Maybe the odd numbered releases have more problems? ?
I attended a local User Group Mtg for the SW 2007 rollout and after seeing all the new “gee whiz” functions, I asked the SW Regional Sales Mgr “all the new features are great, however; could SW drive their next release solely towards stability, performance and making all existing functions work well?” I was in an audience of about 70 persons, and overall they reacted as a mob. I was very surprised how vocal the group was in agreeing with my sentiment. The Sales Mgr’s response was “we hear this all the time, and this is an argument that exists within SW…the fact is that new features sell well, and what would we say to new customers; “SW 200X, now our stuff works”, that wouldn’t sell”. I argued that they could easily sell this as “SW 200X, the most stable, best performing package on the market”. Another user spoke up and said “I’ve been on SW since 1997, and between 1997 and 1999; SW had the market for great performance and great stability. We bought SW based on word of mouth from other users that raved about performance and stability and you never hear of that anymore”. The Sales Mgr, had no real response to pacify the group.
We run a pretty tight ship in our company, being the CAD Manager; I have extensive data since SW 2004 on benchmarking our performance as well as Crash logs provided by my users. There is a definite downward trend that I have observed in stability and performance.
Does anyone have any other observations that can give perspective beyond these observations? BTW, I would like to keep this constructive and am not intending on moaning and complaining only. I AM a big fan of SW and want to see them succeed.
Cheers
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems






RE: Is SW on the right track?
Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 3.0 & Pro/E 2001
XP Pro SP2.0 P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I think that as the software becomes more powerful, it's simply sapping system resources in many cases. Add in improper drivers, poor networks and typical PC variables and you'll see such issues continue.
Do I think SW is perfect? No, not in the least. It definitely has it's share of glitches but, IMO, it's not the main culprit.
Just my 1/2 cent...
Great conversation starter
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I don't believe the powers-that-be will take too much notice of a few people deriding the software in forums like this, or even verbal outbursts at some seminars.
The majority of the "enhancements" are prompted by users. If, instead of submitting ERs for a shiny new function, users used the ER to request/demand improved stability and performance, maybe SW would listen ... especially if it is compared unfavourably to other systems. As the saying goes ... "Get it in writing".
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I agree with your observations on "network" related causes. I've been told countless times that SW does not recommend working live over a LAN. That is exactly our situation, however; my benchmarks have considered LAN operations as well as local stand alone operations and the data suggests the same conclusion. On LAN's; I think there is a fundamental if not philosophical error in judgment on SW's part by avoiding LAN operations. I say this as the performance gap between local operations and LAN operations (Client / Server ops) continues to close to where there si very little performance hits working live over a good LAN. Also, working in a LAN environment tends to be the "way of the future" as well as common for many other apps that don't suffer from it. Hmmm...
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Also, I hear the same things from users of other packages as well, it is common. Cor, your point seems valid; “how does one most effectively invoke positive change?".
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Then we ask ourselves are we demanding to much from our MCAD? I also run Pro/E 2001 on this machine with some very large assemblies and it is rock solid. But I don't have excel design tables, hole tables, word or any other stuff embedded into my MCAD dataa At that point we're at the mercy of how well those other embedded items play with SWx.
Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 3.0 & Pro/E 2001
XP Pro SP2.0 P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi
RE: Is SW on the right track?
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog
RE: Is SW on the right track?
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
RE: Is SW on the right track?
As one from the former colonies, you limeys and your fascination with royalty amaze me...
RE: Is SW on the right track?
It's the former colonist again...I have quoted you in the past without sending any royalties. If you ever get to North Carolina in the US, will you accept a beer or two on me and call it even?
debodine
RE: Is SW on the right track?
So thats why, IMO, we see big enhancements to "Realview" in 2008 and they make a big deal about it. There is some good stuff in there too so I think they try to balance it.
As for stability, I think it has gotten slight worse in the last few years in some situations. And as its been mentioned, its usually hardware, drivers, and network related. I think the problem is that hardware like video cards and their drivers, cpus, motherboards, etc, come out at a rapid pace and software becomes more and more dependent on it when it makes use of the new features this hardware provides. So many variables to program for and thus more room for something to go wrong. I think the older versions of Solidworks were less dependent on hardware and thus more stable.
Video cards and drivers are my guess for the main hardware culprit. I can usually prove it here where I work when we solve a crashing problem by running in software opengl mode.
There's a reason why gaming companies flock to the Playstation and xbox instead of PCs. Only one set of hardware to worry about and test against. Maybe Solidworks should write a version that will running on the Xbox 360.
Jason
SolidWorks 2007 SP4.0 on WinXP SP2
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Good point...
Jason
SolidWorks 2007 SP4.0 on WinXP SP2
RE: Is SW on the right track?
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I have read your posts before, and I realize you have your head on straight. I just didn't want to pass up the play on words of "royalties" vs "royalty". The fact that your screen name identifies you as CorBlimeyLimey just made the irony sweeter when teasing about "royalty".
At least it did for me because I liked my pun. However, it would not shock me one bit to discover that everyone on the forum got my pun but I am the only one who laughed. That is not all that unusual for my attempts at jokes. That is why I use the smiley face
But the offer of a beer or two is NO joke! That one you can bank on if you are ever in my territory.
debodine
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Gildashar,
I've heard many people that's been with SW since the late 90's blame much of the problem of SW's aggressive pursuit of more new features directly on the competition between SW & IV. It may not be limited to just these two players. The story I heard was SW responded with a commitment to providing 200+ new features each release when Autodesk put a "target" on SW's back. All that is great to talk about, but at the end of the day the problem still exists...
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I experience VERY FEW crashes. I don't remember the last time I truly crashed SolidWorks. However, that's not to say I don't find bugs all the time. (Animator IS a bug [but I've got work-arounds, as usual].)
I'm an industrial designer who really likes the shiny new features--particularly when dealing with surfacing, rendering, animating (yeah, IF it works), and lots of similar sorts of things that reduce my time for making plastic widgets or presentations and Hollywoods. But I'd have to say I'm near the tipping point of actually wanting less buggy software now. I can hardly keep up with the new features and still have 1,000 "old-school" ways of doing things from when I started teaching myself SW back in 1997. So I'm part gadget freak and part crotchety old guy (stay off the grass!) now.
It seems SW is running from an imaginary bear. Maybe it's not so imaginary, maybe it is. There's a fine line between attracting new business and keeping existing users/clients happy (I walk it all the time--and often fall off, I imagine). A tad slower would be best, methinks. Stabilize--if not entirely blowing a release on stability, at least start putting some resources toward it (like maybe 30% at first) and see how it goes.
New users who love the software are the ones who truly sell it. Back in '98 and '99 I must have sold five copies of software just by my immense performance numbers over other engineers (usually customers' in-house guys). Bad press does the opposite. Focus on the users and the marketing will start taking care of itself like ten years ago.
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Making a SW RX of the issue and getting that to your VAR is the best solution for helping SW to help with stability. You cannot expect a company to help you the customer, if you don't provide them with some thing for them to find the answer for. I myself recently have been battling an issue with my system… it looks like it’s the HDD… I didn’t think about that until I started researching the problem. If I was just an average user of computers, which a lot of users are they will always complain that SW is the problem, this is an example of not being the case. IT will never admit to their systems or skill being the problem either, so it makes SW the easiest one to blame, because they can’t defend themselves until you give them the right data to test.
Most people jump to conclusions that SW is always the problem… and sometimes it is, but I feel that most of the time its either the user jumping to a conclusion and blaming something other then themselves, PC or windows and accuse the software that gave them the error. SW runs on top of windows and if the foundation is not there what makes you think its going to support SW as it is a much heavier piece then the foundation in some instances?
I think people need to be more proactive on this subject and stop jumping to conclusions. I am not saying SW won’t crash and I am not saying that it doesn’t have its bugs, but these same conversations on crashing and stability are getting very old. If you don’t like something then be proactive about it and send in your problems to your VAR. If you’re VAR will not help you then take it over their head. They will get the point, but be nice about it. You will get a better response when the time comes to talk to your VAR.
In Conclusion be more proactive in telling SW and your VAR about issues… don’t just go rambling to this or other NG’s about stability… get your facts straight before you bring it out here to complain about something that is probably not SW fault to begin with.
This is not meant to be directed to anyone negative in this post… these are just my opinions and not opinions of the Company I work for.
Best Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
www.scottjbaugh.com
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I think you are hitting on something that is very difficult to establish, and that is "expectations". I don't think anyone would ever expect SW, as well as any other program, not to have hang ups and crashes, it's just difficult to establish "what is a reasonable set of expectations".
I agree with everything you said, and I intend on solving no problems within the contents of this thread. As I stated in my original thread, I am after some "constructive" input, not aimless complaining. I knew it would be easy to be perceived this way...
I am doing my best to gather as much information as possible, much as you suggest, and be active in seeking an ultimate, long term solution through SW. That is part of what I am intending via this thread, the seeking of confirmation that my problems are not unique.
I didn't hear in your response an answer to the original question; "do you think SW is heading in the right direction overall in their approach to developing their product?". If not, where could they do better?
I plan on spending time talking with the "power that be" within SW to constructively work with them on improving stability and performance. I actively participate in the Beta programs; submit SR's and ER's all the time. I keep an open dialogue with my VAR and have been somewhat successful in maintaining a dialogue with a number of individuals within SW. At this point, I feel I am working towards being constructive in helping solve problems with SW. This thread is not by any stretch of the imagination the only avenues I pursue, nor is it just empty venting.
Thanks for your thoughts Scott, I understand how sensitive this subject line can be.
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
We are still running SW2006 and it appears to be more stable than SW2004 (we skipped 2005), and SW2003. SW still crashes on occasion, but as others have mentioned user education and resolving hardware issues can eliminate a suprising % of stability issues.
SW's battle now is just to maintain stability while keeping up the torrid pace of new functionality. I think the SWIFT technology was a huge move in the right direction - building expert knowledge directly in to the software, and thereby reducing complexity. There are many untapped areas of the software where this could be beneficial.
I would like to see the day where SW is able to handle all errors, and if something goes wrong it's able to display a message box telling you "Wha' happened"...I don't know how realistic a goal that is...
SW has to make money just like everybody else, so they have to balance new functionality with the potential instability that new functionality introduces. SW just has to build the software so that it meets acceptable standards of stability - not bulletproof standards. I would love it if I never had to take my wicked-awesome '99 Mazda Protege in to the shop for maintenance, but what can ya do.
SW is creeping close to a case of "Feature-itis", but IMO it's not there yet...
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I know my post seemed like I was thinking you were complaining, but I it was intended for that... it was a general statement and was really meant for those that complain about everything and aimlessly [pint their fingers at SW, when they are not completely sure for themselves.
Cheers,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
www.scottjbaugh.com
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Is SW on the right track?
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Ed Danzer
www.danzcoinc.com
www.dehyds.com
RE: Is SW on the right track?
They have implemented many tools to help in the improvement of stability as well as maintaining customer enhancements. Along with the changing environment of Computers, technology and overall performance of the changing times.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
www.scottjbaugh.com
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Is SW on the right track?
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help
RE: Is SW on the right track?
If you want your voice heard then start on your own site a wish list... there used to be one and SW watched it... I don't know what ever happened to that site though.
Get your heads together put together a list of needed items and put the enhancement in. That's what you need to do.
Some people have SPR#'s that have not been fixed yet. Well the reason is, is its not effecting everyone and 2 they probably have a work around...
So IMO SW is heading in the right direction, you as a user must take some pro active steps and put in your ER's and if you have to get a few of you in a group or if you have a User group meetings in your area... then that is where you need to go and voice your opinions.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
www.scottjbaugh.com
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Heckler![[americanflag] americanflag](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/americanflag.gif)
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 4.0 & Pro/E 2001
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)
"Avoid the base hypocrisy of condemning in one man what you pass over in silence when committed by another." -- Theodor
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I also agree with you about all the ACAD improvements, however some of those have proved to beneficial. You might not see some of that, but from where I sit I use a few of those options. It helps with Customizing you SW, but without losing your standards.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
www.scottjbaugh.com
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Heckler![[americanflag] americanflag](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/americanflag.gif)
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 4.0 & Pro/E 2001
o
_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)
"Avoid the base hypocrisy of condemning in one man what you pass over in silence when committed by another." -- Theodor
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
www.scottjbaugh.com
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Is SW on the right track?
RE: Is SW on the right track?
RE: Is SW on the right track?
http://
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http://www.spec.org/gwpg/downloadindex.html
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If http:
If the basic Xbox has even lesser specs than the 360, I predict you will be very disappointed.
RE: Is SW on the right track?
There seems to be a lot of noise out there regarding the slight tweaks to the feature set--and resulting loss of flexibility (user interface) and options. I have to wonder what good it is to force changes involving less options to users? Why not leave the previous functionality alone while tweaking the features?
Contrary to my prior post, I am now getting crashing. However, I think this is something endemic to my system (Windows?) and not with SolidWorks--since I'm still running the same old SW 2007 I've been running. I'm eager to take 2008 for a spin except for all the lovely "feedback" I've been hearing about it.
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.
RE: Is SW on the right track?
My suggestion, based on the above observations by everyone, is that SolidWorks should be released on a 2 to 4 year cycle. This will give SW time to stablize each version the software. Under this scenario, bug fixes are available to everyone, and upgrades with new features can still be released to current subscribers, but they are optional, not mandatory. If someone comes across a model with a new feature that they didn’t install for yet, they can simply install that update module at that time. Only if that new feature used will an update be required. This will improve backward compatibility too since the software will remain relatively unchanged for a good period of time, with updates being optional.
A four year cycle should be used unless some revolutionary advancement happens in computers or software development, then they can reduce the period to 2 years for that instance.
Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I agree with you, though, to the extent that their releases and release cycle aren't outpaced and outdated by technological advances.
Dan
www.eltronresearch.com
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I have been sending ER's in for this. My VAR suggested it, actually.
BTW, it wouldn't mean free tech support. The subscription would still be yearly for the updates, tech support and other value added services.
Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Some bugs they will just never catch until some user stumbles upon it as its hard to test every conceivable variable, and every sequence of steps, not to mention all the different hardware the software has to run on.
Its the reason game devs like the Xbox and Playstation versus PC games. One set of hardware to program to.
Jason
SolidWorks 2007 SP5.0
SolidWorks 2008 SP0.1
WinXp sp2 (32 and 64 bit)
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I am afraid that I am a bit jaded at this point to answer the original poinient question. I am still recovering from a recent 2007 install. I do have a couple guys that have questionable vc's though. I am not admin, but am the co. cad guru through osmosis (and ENG_TIPS, I must say), so I am heavily relied upon to point out these hardware infractions when they occur. At this point I am bringing an old Pro E user into the wonderful world of Solidworks and have been somewhat surprised at how many work arounds that I really use.
Right direction? I thought that 2006 was supposed to address some performance issues? It seemed to come along o.k. I was crashing 5 or 6 times a day with v7sp4. I had my IT guy rev me to sp5 and have had fewer crashes. (BTW, the real reason that I got sp5 was to cover lost functionality with toolbox...just ask anyone who tried to rename a folder with sp4).
I would not (at this point) suggest that our company switch software. I do think SW is on the right track and also think that some of you guys have nailed down the underlying problems between marketing and manufacturing needs.
Let me end (please) with some water cooler type humor. My associate and I were discussing what this new tool was in SW 2007. A new tab appeared along the right side of our monitors called recovery or something. Don't get me wrong, I like the feature that saves my drawing / assembly after Iv'e crashed. My associate said that this feature would be like General Motors offering free wrecker service due to faulty engineering.
dsgnr1
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Everyone designs in many different ways. SW has the training to help users design the way the software was written. Some bugs I see are because the user is not using SW the way it was intended and SW should not fix something just because it does not work the way a user thinks it should. If your not doing it correctly then it’s you fault, not the Solidworks.
I find that 08 is more stable then any release to date. Hardest part about 08 is the install process it changed and everyone wigging out. It’s the same install process it’s just through the Install Manager now and you have to select the right options to get to the install your wanting.
I think SW is heading in the right the direction and I have for many years now. Despite all the threads that are posted like this one. SW has the performance logging to help with stability and over 80% of the people I talk to say they don't use it... why not? You are the guys that are complaining about stability, but yet you don't want to help with this process? You’re shooting yourself in your own foot.
If you want better stability Do the Beta testing, provide SW the needed information when you crash. Make SW RX's send them to your VAR's for help and bug reports... Software is not perfect and when you run a piece of software that is demanding on machine performance and constant maintenance your asking for trouble. Everyone install different and everyone’s machine is different. Yeah you can order the same machine from a single mfg like Dell... but those components were made separately and there could be a problem. Don't shoot your Tech support guy because he says it’s a VC, or HDD etc... It might be. We deal with this day in day out. Don’t rule out everything some one says… we handle these issues more often then “How do I build this?” Consider all the options and help your Tech guys to help you and the process is much easier and you will gain respect for it. Just complaining about the software to me goes in one ear and out the other… show me the complaint and have data to back it up… Then I have no problem sending it to SW… that is my job day in day out.
You as a user must look at the big picture and not see so narrow minded that Software should be flawless and be totally bug free. Sorry to tell you, but it’s never going to be... That's like saying your car will NEVER break down... whatever I have a truck sitting out back with a shot Transmission. Should I throw a complaint to Chevy for not making a transmission last the life of the Truck? It was expensive once... But when it broke when it was new it was covered for so many miles... now its just junk... but the engine runs and there are some good parts on it still. I am not going to complain because the Transmission is shot. Its just part of life and you have to expect some problems... if you think your crashing more often then others... then send it in and stop complaining... these threads are so old its sickening. Sorry to be a negative post tonight... but these threads have been here since 96 and there is always one guy to start the thread and every one just feeds into it.
Instead of being a complainer, be the guy that helps to solve the issues and work with your TS help desk... if you have a VAR you don't like, then either switch to another one or call SW directly that will get your VAR in gear. Just help with the situation instead of making it worse… IMO that’s 95% of the problems today in the world… everyone wants you to hand it to them instead of just getting up and making a difference. I go to work everyday… hoping that I might make a difference to some Engineer that is battling something in SW, whether its install, how do I do this, or just a simple a question that he has never done. I get that respect because there are many people that respect my opinion when they talk to me and I respect them for giving me the chance to help… its even better when they compliment me as well. I started helping people in this very NG back in 2001. Since then I found something that I like to do and something I am good at. Helping people. It’s not like a doctor helping people, but its form that users can’t live without. But to me it was important that I stayed in my career versus traveling outside it. I miss designing… but I know I would miss helping others more.
If we had more givers versus complainers it would be such a better place, both here in the SW Community and the world.. Be a part of the solution instead of the problem.
Sorry for the long winded reply.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policieswww.scottjbaugh.com
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Now thats ironic Scott! In a single breath you not only condemed what you have not clearly understood, but contributed to what you have professed to be sickened by. Ah, the duality of man...
It seems to me that nobody in this entire thread ever stated anything that leads anyone to believe that they refuse to participate in programs like the performance log, RX Reports, SPR's and such. The fact of the matter is, that the topic is a valid one, and I (the one who started it) did not simply go to the web and "complain" about SW, I took a very active approach and spoke dirrectly with PM's within SW about this topic. It was all very constructive, and contrary to what you might be leading us to believe, the people at SW that I spoke to professed to "really appreciate such candid feedback" and also commented "this is the exact type stuff we need to hear and consider" and most importantly of all "this has been an ongoing debate within our organization (SW) for quite a while now, and it's great to have some users weigh in on the topic". After my conversation with people within SW, I received several e-mails from them thanking me for my input and was also invited (and participated ) in several mini User Group meetings with them.
If threads like this sicken you, don't participate in them, and certainly don't kick the ones that do choose to participate in them for doing so. I know it must be important to you to give your 2 cent on every topic, and I deeply respect guys like yourself that put in so much effort giving your opinions, however; as you cleverly illuded to: these threads can become negative and sickening.
My final thought: I ask you this, "did your post contribute to the sickening negative side, or was it constructive, informative and positive?". I of course, don't need and answer, you need that answer for yourself.
No hard feelings Scott, just voicing MY 2 cents. Cheers my friend!
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
SolidWorks is very good, and in the right hands, can work beautifully. ALL PCs are different. SolidWorks is sensitive and can not keep up with all of the different configurations and tweaks that people change on their PCs. It is a medium range CAD software. Higher range CAD are more expensive and the companies that have them can afford to hire a CAD manager that can keep up with their tweaks. Lower range CAD can run on just about anything.
So, users have to be patient, follow the installation instructions, buy the proper hardware, get proper training, and be consistent throughout the company...and everything will work fine.
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 1.1
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 10-07-07)
ctopher's blog
RE: Is SW on the right track?
ctopher
"Higher range CAD are more expensive and the companies that have them can afford to hire a CAD manager that can keep up with their tweaks."
I'm 19 years in the industry and haven't worked with a CAD Manager yet. I must be working at the wrong companies.
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 1.1
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 10-07-07)
ctopher's blog
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Cheers all!
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I like Matt's idea about a 2-4 year development cycle it would take the stress out of getting the new release out in September verses making the current release stable. PTC does that for Pro/E and it works just fine....they have major and minor build releases.
Heckler![[americanflag] americanflag](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/americanflag.gif)
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 4.0 & Pro/E 2001
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_`\(,_
(_)/ (_)
This post contains no political overtones or undertones for that matter and in no way represents the poster's political agenda.
RE: Is SW on the right track?
I would rather see guys like you take their issues straight SW instead of posting them.
Best Regards
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policieswww.scottjbaugh.com
RE: Is SW on the right track?
While I completely agree with Scott and many of the group that mentioned that several of the issues we experience with SWX have to do with hardware, OS, networks, OLE, graphics drivers, installation problems and the keyboard user interface...
The truth is that SWX has bugs here and there. Yes, there will always be bugs. But, I don't think it is unreasonable for the customers to demand less bugs (better quality) and new functionality at the same time.
Further to this, I am not convinced that the quality of the software has necessarily gone down. But one thing I have noticed is that as users become more advanced and start using top down, equations, design tables ... they are more likely to find bugs.
Final note, yes I am a PITA customer... I want better quality (less bugs) and more functionality... and I want it now.
RE: Is SW on the right track?
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Obviously we both made posts at the same time.
"I would rather see guys like you take their issues straight SW instead of posting them."
I agree with you, that is more effective.
take care,
J
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group
RE: Is SW on the right track?
In most cases it is easier to blame SW or hardware or Windows than to accept your own
stupidityfault. Do your own installation properly, make sure AV is disabled, use the latest certified drivers by SW, use recommended hardware (this is a big one, people try to cut corners using cheap hardware and when they have problems geuss whose fault it is again?), don't overload your computer. Don't trust IT, they have no finesse in installing SW and most of the time they are too arrogant to listen to good advice. Listen to Scott because he knows what he's talking about. Just my 5 cents..RE: Is SW on the right track?
I do have to say that since I created this thread, I have completely reformatted my users Workstations and installed everything from scratch and have seen a difference. Stability is better than it has ever been as well as performance. However; I was not seeking to simply solve my current random stability and performance issues per say, I was seeking opinions on weather other people are satisfied in SW's current balance of "new functionality vs improved performance / stability". I haven't heard anyone say they think SW has hit the perfect bulls eye yet on their balance of efforts.
In closing, I very much appreciate all the feedback and contributions everyone has put into this thread and guys like Scott and his disciples have a VERY valid point that in "no way is complaining on the web going to solve any problems". However, just in this thread alone, I have received constructive feedback that I have implemented into my installations that have made improvements. I also provided the contents of this thread to SW reps and they seemed very much appreciative (the active approach, if you will).
Cheers all and thanks for the input!!!
That Phadreus person...
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
As I was one of the users that had this conversation with a number of people with SW including Jeff, I am now very encouraged with SW. Now if they do what they say (and there is no reason to believe they won’t), we should be seeing some impressive performance with SW 09. Just as much as the promise of improved performance and stability, I am thrilled to see how much SW is paying attention to their users and the user’s needs. This is how it is supposed to work!
M.B. Price CSWP
www.assembly-testww.com
Automated Assembly & Test Systems
RE: Is SW on the right track?
Also from my own point of view, every time I run a new version of any cad software I always try running it to the tipping point.
* rendering at super hi-res/shadow settings
* adding as many parts and tables to a part
Basically giving the software a run for it's money. I think that SW works in a fine balance of providing new features with an acceptable stability level.
I think if you used SW 2008 with the same modeling/system limitations we had in SW 2000 we wouldn't have any crashes. So I think a bit of the blame has to do with what we ask SW to do, as we're always pushing it's limits.
60% of the time, it works every time.