Model->Drawing->PDM? 1

[behindpropellers]

I have searched and read a lot on these topics but I am still a bit confused. Maybe somebody can clarify this or tell me it is not possible:

How do I set the properties up so I do not have to change each item in my drawings. My var said all of the properties are controlled by the model.

So essentially I want to have my list of properties in my model, make my drawing, and then be able to change those properties in my drawing and model through PDM. I am asking this question because I want to be able to input my signoff signature and final signature along with the dates in pdm, once this is done I think I should be able to print the drawing for our hard copy.

Please excuse me if this question is not clear, just trying to set up my PDM and Drawing formats so that everything flows smoothly.

Maybe some small business PDM admins could shed some advice on how they run their PDM along with their drawings and models.

Thanks
Tim

 

[dezignstuff]

Model properties that are shown on the drawing can only be changed from the model. They do not become drawing properties even though they are shown on the drawing. From the way that I understand your question, if you have a property shown on your drawing, you would have to change it in the model. The drawing will not be updated until it is opened with the model open also.

If this is not what you want then there are two options:

1) make all of your properties in the drawing.

2) use a macro to copy part props to the drawing.

Still, #2 won't make things easier inside of PDMW, because there is no way for the model prop to propagate over to the drawing, so you're better off with #1.

In the end, you have to decide what is the driving document, the model or the drawing. Most places it's the drawing, and the model is used for reference.

Other considerations that might go along with this are that you might think about forcing users to up-rev docs to change properties, and put the model rev in a block on the drawing. Make sure you also know the difference between the "as built" and "latest version" switches. This way you would have traceability on all of your drawing note / property changes.

 

[ctopher]

dezignstuff is correct.
Part/Dwg props can not be changed in PDMW.
Enhancement request.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[behindpropellers]

I have been changing the properties in PDM, there is a check box on the admin that lets you change the document properties.

Thanks
Tim

 

[dezignstuff]

Right, you can allow users to change the properties, but if a part property is shown on the drawing, it has to be changed in the part, and won't show up on the drawing unless you get both the drawing and the part. View only, detached and lightweight drawings need to have the parts loaded to see the change.

If you put the property in the drawing itself rather than referencing the part properties, changes are more accessible.

 

[behindpropellers]

Thanks. Im figuring that out. I don't understand why solidworks will not just put a simple flow chart together for this kind of stuff.

Tim