Dumb File Numbers

[daveparkinson]

Apologies to all for bringing the subject of file management and dumb file numbers up again, I promise I'll be quick.

I have chosen to use a dumb file numbering system for all of my SolidWorks files, after reading all of the advice on these forums and other sites.

My question is, how do I assign a new number to each file?

A. Do I look at the number of my last file and increment each time?

B. Is there some kind of macro, or function in SolidWorks that I can use that assigns a number?

This is probably a simple task, I just can't find much information on how to do it.


Cheers, and sorry once again for bringing up file management

 

[TheTick]

In most places, part numbers are generated from a master list or database. For sequential numbering system, take the next number on the list.

It is possible to create a macro to consult a common part list. The list could be an Excel sheet or a database file.

 

[MadMango]

We simply create a list of sequential numbers in Excel, which is controlled by Document Control. They give each group/person responsible for creating new parts a block of 100 new part numbers. When the list is exhausted, it is turned in to Doc Control and a new block of numbers is issued.

Entry of the part number into the custom props of a SW file is a manual operation here.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[ctopher]

I agree with TheTick and MadMango.
Add the Excel file on a shared server for users to access and pull numbers.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated Jul 13, 2008)

 

[DesignerGuy16]

We're currently using an access database where we have to fill in basic info on the part (description, etc). As it stands now it's a lot of extra work with no real gain. (We never go BACK to this database, so it's only real purpose is a placeholder for part numbers. So there's a disconnect from our MRP system and database.

Future we'll have a SQL database that is linked to our custom property macro. So on a new part you can just fill in all of the info minus part number, hit a button and it will auto fill in the next sequential part number and populate the database with the other properties.

This will save a few keystrokes and duplication of data entry.



James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP