PDMWorks set-up 4

[janandk]

We have just purchased Solidworks and PDMWorks software. The PDMWorks standalone client is installed on my computer. When I try to access it, it is asking for a vault computer. I dont think anything is setup yet as a vault computer. We have no help here from a programming stand point to set that up. All our systems administrator did was install the software on all the machines. I dont think anything else was set up. I am a Mechanical engineer with no programming background. Do you think I will be able to set up the vault computer and set up user information and stuff with my background. If not, who should I contact to get some help. Thank you.

 

[rporter]

Don't delay stop what your doing and call your VAR for this!!

 

[Standing]

You can do it yourself, but I do agree with rporter. Your VAR will save you a lot of trouble down the line. Just setting up revisions can be over whelming. Plus that is part of what you are paying your VAR for.

Bradley

 

[PDMAdmin]

I agree 100%. If you start down the wrong path now, it will become increasingly difficult to change things as time marches on and files start going into the vault. Your VAR can help you get it set up the right way.

 

[ctopher]

I believe that is part of the purchase, VAR sets it up for you. Call and schedule for them to come in. There should also be a 1 day training class for you with your VAR.
Assign 2 users to be the PDMWorks Administrator and get training.
Before your VAR sets you up, write down your documentation processes/steps so PDMWorks can be setup close to how you want it. Your PDMW Admin will fine tune it later.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[Standing]

One of the things we did, I regret. Was our controller at the time required us to check in a new screw made from Tool Box for each new screw. Don’t get me wrong, Tool Box is a great tool. All we use Tool Box for, is creating the screw. We did not use Tool Box the way it was intended. We have 1,000’s of screws in our assemblies now. If we replace a 10-32 X ½” long screw with a 10-32 X ¾” long screw we must correct our mates for each screw replaced. What we should have done was made one 10-32 X 1/4” long screw and copied that one and changed the length and title. Now it is to late for us but not for others just starting out.

Bradley

 

[rgrayclamps]

Hi, Bradley:

You better stop that practice right now. It is not to late. I am surprised that your controller required you to check in new screws made from Tool Box for each new screw. What a waste of human resources!

I am glad that you realize that you did not use Tool Box the way it was intended. But it sounds like you are going to continue generating and checking your "custom screws".

Alex

 

[Standing]

Hi Alex,
I am sorry we ever went down that path. The person that was in charge (controller) is no longer with us. We have just about every screw, nut and bolt that we would ever need into the PDM and attached to hundreds, if not thousands of assemblies. We have not had the need to generate a new screw for months now. Fixing the screws to be right and then re-mating them in the assemblies would takes 1,000’s of hours.
This all started because the person assigned to the Tool Box program in the beginning (We only had one license), his elevator did not go to the top flour. I did not have a license and my job in the beginning was getting the templates and properties to be automated.


Bradley

 

[J-C]

I thought even though each is a new file, that each one is created off the same template and so the face names should match meaning no mate errors.

I would create a second library and and use two until you get stuff revised over.

Jason