book

SolidWorks® Administration Bible

Name: SolidWorks® Administration Bible
Author: Matt Lombard
ISBN: 9780470537268

by Matt Lombard

November 2009

Beginner to intermediate

600 pages

15h 47m

English

Wiley

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Copyright
About the Author
Credits
Acknowledgments
Introduction
About This BookHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: Preparing for SolidWorksPart II: Installing SolidWorksPart III: Maintaining SolidWorksPart IV: SolidWorks Workgroup PDMPart V: AppendixesIcons Used in This BookTerminologyContacting the Author
I. Preparing for SolidWorks
1. Defining CAD Administration
1.1. Introducing CAD Administration1.1.1. Defining CAD Administration1.1.2. Comparing SolidWorks Administration to AutoCAD Administration1.1.2.1. Comparing project physical scale1.1.2.2. Managing file data1.1.2.3. Process-based1.2. Playing the Part: More CAD or Administration?1.2.1. Distinguishing between CAD and design1.2.2. Including Information Technology1.2.3. Finding a balance1.3. Defining Your Role1.3.1. Establishing yourself as an expert user1.3.2. Becoming a CAD mentor1.3.2.1. Being a leader versus manager1.3.2.2. Mentoring through leadership1.3.2.3. Administering efficiently1.3.2.3.1. Spending subscription money wisely1.3.2.3.2. Training and efficiency1.3.2.4. Building a team1.4. Summary
2. Preparing Information Technology
2.1. Selecting Hardware2.1.1. Building your own computers2.1.1.1. Understanding the associated risks2.1.1.2. Understanding CAD requirements2.1.2. Selecting processors2.1.3. Specifying memory and operating system2.1.4. Selecting a video card2.1.5. Picking a hard drive2.1.6. Selecting monitors2.1.7. Selecting a laptop2.1.7.1. Selecting the processor2.1.7.2. Deciding on a video card2.1.7.3. Considering power2.1.7.4. Choosing RAM2.1.7.5. Picking your operating system2.1.7.6. Selecting hard drives2.1.7.7. Specifying a display2.1.7.8. Touch and multi-touch screens2.2. Understanding Network Requirements2.2.1. Balancing network load and capacity2.2.2. Understanding local and wide area networks2.2.3. Building file storage2.3. Creating a Backup Plan2.3.1. Selecting a backup mechanism2.3.2. Establishing a retrieval procedure2.3.3. Securing data off-site2.3.4. Imaging drives2.4. Working with Antivirus Applications2.4.1. Benefiting from antivirus software2.4.2. Shortcoming in using antivirus software2.5. Setting Up a CAD Workspace2.5.1. Understanding ergonomics2.5.2. Personalizing a workspace2.6. Summary
3. Preparing Document Management
3.1. Naming Conventions3.1.1. Choosing between intelligent and sequential conventions3.1.1.1. Advantages of intelligent part numbering3.1.1.2. Disadvantages of intelligent part numbering3.1.1.2.1. The Dewey Decimal System3.1.1.2.2. The circuit board example3.1.1.3. Advantages and disadvantages of sequential part numbers3.1.2. Comparing part numbers, document numbers, and filenames3.1.2.1. Creating a hybrid intelligent-sequential system3.1.2.2. Adding filenames to the mix3.1.3. Using a descriptive naming convention3.1.3.1. Using metadata3.1.3.2. Metadata possibilities in PDM3.2. Organizing Files3.2.1. Creating libraries3.2.2. Avoiding common mistakes3.2.2.1. Suggesting options3.2.2.2. Breaking references3.2.3. Understanding SolidWorks document relationships3.2.4. Organizing subassemblies3.2.5. Using SolidWorks Explorer and SolidWorks or Windows Search3.3. Controlling Revisions3.3.1. Revisioning schemes3.3.1.1. Revising models versus revising documents3.3.1.2. Using different revisioning schemes for models and drawings3.3.2. Storing revisions3.3.2.1. Tracking revisions of models and documents3.3.2.2. Changing revision levels for documents3.3.3. Updating stored revisions3.3.4. Putting revision levels in filenames or metadata3.3.4.1. Revision levels in filenames3.3.4.2. Revision levels in folder names3.3.4.3. Mixing methods3.3.5. Retrieving old revisions3.4. Using Configurations to Store Revisions3.5. Summary
4. Operating System Tools You Need to Know
4.1. Managing Your Computer4.1.1. Using the Task Scheduler4.1.1.1. Using available triggers4.1.1.2. Using available actions4.1.1.3. Using the Create a Basic Task Wizard4.1.2. Reading the Event Viewer4.1.3. Sharing folders4.1.4. Setting up Local Users and Groups4.1.5. Monitoring Reliability and Performance4.1.5.1. Performance4.1.5.2. Reliability4.1.6. Using the Device Manager4.1.7. Managing storage4.1.8. Services and Applications4.1.9. Using the Windows Backup & Recovery tools4.1.9.1. Backing up files4.1.9.2. Back up computer4.1.9.3. Using recovery tools4.1.9.4. Using System protection and System Restore4.1.9.5. Recommending Backup and recovery options4.1.10. Understanding the BIOS4.2. Working with the Windows Registry4.3. Using Msconfig4.3.1. Using the Startup tab4.3.2. The Services tab4.3.3. The Boot tab4.3.4. Using the Tools tab4.3.4.1. About Windows4.3.4.2. System Information4.3.4.3. Remote Assistance4.3.4.4. System restore4.3.4.5. Programs4.3.4.6. Windows Security Center4.3.4.7. System Properties4.3.4.8. Internet Options4.3.4.9. Internet Protocol Configuration4.3.4.10. Performance Monitor4.3.4.11. Task Manager4.3.4.12. Disable UAC4.3.4.13. Enable UAC4.3.4.14. Command Prompt4.3.4.15. Registry Editor4.4. Employing the 3 Gig Switch4.4.1. Setting the 3 Gig Switch in XP4.4.2. Setting the 3 Gig Switch in Vista4.5. Performing System Maintenance4.5.1. Doing and not doing4.5.2. Maintaining drivers4.5.3. Cleaning Windows4.5.4. Using antivirus software4.5.5. Running disk checking and defragmenting4.5.6. Microsoft Update4.6. Using the SolidWorks Network Monitor for Distributed Computing4.6.1. Setting up the Network Monitor4.6.2. Running tasks on the Network Monitor4.7. Summary

5. Training Users
5.1. Establishing Training and Evaluation Criteria5.1.1. Using outside trainers5.1.2. Training in-house5.1.2.1. Using resellers for free in-house training5.1.2.2. Using books as learning materials5.1.2.3. Training on DVDs5.1.2.4. Setting up CAD Administrator led training5.2. Mentoring Power Users5.2.1. Recognizing the type5.2.2. Mentoring your protégé5.3. Identifying Sources of Learning5.3.1. Using online forums5.3.1.1. Getting the most out of the forums5.3.1.2. Addressing confidentiality5.3.2. Getting value from live user groups5.4. Summary
II. Installing SolidWorks
6. Installing the Software
6.1. Selecting an Installation Method6.1.1. Introducing the SolidWorks Installation Manager6.1.2. Installing SolidWorks from downloaded data6.1.2.1. Installing SolidWorks manually6.1.2.2. Installing using the SWIM from downloaded data6.1.3. Installing from the DVD6.1.4. Installing from an Administrative Image6.1.4.1. Welcome to SWIM6.1.4.2. Using the Administrative Image Option Editor6.1.4.3. Deploying and installing from the Administrative Image6.1.4.4. Installing an Administrative Image from the command line6.1.4.5. Using Microsoft Active Directory6.2. Installing Multiple Versions6.3. Installing the SolidNetWork License Manager6.4. Uninstalling SolidWorks Software6.5. Summary
7. Licensing
7.1. Selecting the Version of SolidWorks7.1.1. Understanding your CAD needs7.1.2. Matching needs to capabilities7.2. Tracking Serial Numbers7.2.1. Identifying types of serial numbers7.2.2. Using the Customer Portal to manage assets7.3. Activating and Transferring Licenses7.3.1. Activating a license7.3.1.1. Working in spite of an activation error7.3.1.2. Identifying where licenses are used7.3.1.3. Troubleshooting license problems7.3.2. Administering floating licenses7.3.2.1. Using license management software7.3.2.2. Using dongles7.4. Installing Floating Licenses7.5. Developing a Home Use License Policy7.5.1. Weighing advantages and disadvantages of home use7.5.2. Identifying who is eligible7.5.3. Obtaining home use licenses for SNL users7.6. Summary
8. Standardizing Settings
8.1. Standardizing System Options8.1.1. Identifying the need for standardization of settings8.1.2. Selecting settings to standardize8.1.2.1. Standardizing colors8.1.2.2. Standardizing Sketch settings8.1.2.3. Standardizing Performance settings8.1.2.4. Controlling External References8.1.2.4.1. Open Referenced Documents with Read-Only Access8.1.2.4.2. Don't Prompt to Save Read-Only Referenced Documents8.1.2.4.3. Allow Multiple Contexts8.1.2.4.4. Search File Locations for Referenced Documents8.1.2.4.5. Update Out-of-date Linked Design Tables8.1.2.4.6. Automatically Generate Names for Referenced Geometry8.1.2.4.7. Update Component Names when Documents are Replaced8.1.2.4.8. Do Not Create References External to the Model8.1.2.5. Using Default Templates8.1.2.6. Specifying file locations8.1.2.7. Collaborating8.2. Standardizing Modeling Practice8.2.1. Standardizing for productivity8.2.2. Establishing a best practice modeling standard8.2.2.1. Relating the first feature to the part origin8.2.2.2. Creating symmetry8.2.2.3. Making relations to stable references8.2.2.4. Putting fillets at the bottom of the tree8.2.2.5. Using Verification on Rebuild8.2.2.6. Fixing rebuild errors8.2.2.7. Modeling detail8.2.2.8. Creating simplified configurations8.2.3. Standardizing assembly modeling8.2.3.1. Using subassemblies8.2.3.2. Limiting flexible subassemblies8.2.3.3. Mating to in-context features8.2.3.4. Limiting in-context modeling8.3. Summary
9. Maximizing Your Use of Templates
9.1. Creating Part Templates9.1.1. Identifying the most important settings9.1.1.1. Drafting Standard9.1.1.2. Selecting settings in the Grid/Snap page9.1.1.3. Units9.1.1.4. Detailing settings9.1.1.5. Controlling document specific colors9.1.1.6. Image quality controls display accuracy9.1.1.7. Controlling plane display parameters9.1.2. Using custom properties9.1.3. Finding hidden settings in part templates9.1.3.1. Link values and global variables9.1.3.2. Adding reference geometry9.1.3.3. Including sketch settings9.1.3.4. Set configuration properties in your templates9.2. Creating Assembly Templates9.2.1. Drafting standard9.2.2. Setting detailing options for assembly templates9.2.3. Establishing image quality settings for assembly templates9.3. Establishing Drawing Templates9.3.1. Understanding the difference between drawing templates and sheet formats9.3.2. Identifying settings to control with drawing templates9.3.2.1. Drafting standard9.3.2.1.1. Establishing template font settings9.3.2.1.2. Setting up detailing options for drawing templates9.3.2.2. Setting units for drawing templates9.3.2.3. Establishing line font settings for drawing templates9.3.2.4. Establishing line style settings for drawing templates9.3.2.5. Line thickness9.3.2.6. Controlling image quality9.3.2.7. Standardizing sheet metal settings for drawing templates9.3.3. Putting views on the template9.3.3.1. Using predefined views9.3.3.2. Projecting predefined views9.3.4. Polishing your templates and formats9.4. Establishing Standardized Sheet Formats9.4.1. Creating a new format9.4.2. Placing table anchors in the format9.4.3. Using multiple sheet formats9.4.4. Changing the size or format of a drawing9.5. Standardizing Other Types of Templates in SolidWorks9.6. Summary
10. Implementing Toolbox
10.1. Understanding Toolbox10.1.1. Understanding how a default Toolbox installation works10.1.1.1. The Toolbox default install10.1.1.2. The Toolbox database10.1.1.3. The part library10.1.1.4. Program files10.1.2. Managing Toolbox data10.1.2.1. Underlying basic flaw in Toolbox10.1.2.2. Configuring a multi-user installation10.1.2.3. Combining libraries10.2. Administering Toolbox10.2.1. Installing Toolbox10.2.1.1. Installing a shared Toolbox10.2.1.2. Creating a shared Toolbox from an existing installation10.2.1.2.1. Combining configurations from multiple parts10.2.1.2.2. Setting up the moved Toolbox10.2.2. Upgrading Toolbox10.2.3. Dealing with version incompatibility in Toolbox10.2.4. Upgrading and keeping both versions10.3. Configuring Toolbox10.3.1. Starting Toolbox10.3.2. Setting up Toolbox10.3.2.1. Selecting your hardware — Step 110.3.2.2. Customizing hardware — Step 210.3.2.2.1. Custom Properties10.3.2.2.2. Part number and description10.3.2.3. Creating parts or configurations10.3.2.4. User Settings — Step 310.3.2.4.1. Parts or Configurations10.3.2.4.2. Read-only settings10.3.2.5. Permissions — Step 410.3.2.6. Smart Fasteners — Step 510.3.3. Adding user parts to the Toolbox library10.3.4. File management and Toolbox10.4. Alternatives to Toolbox10.5. Summary
11. Establishing Libraries
11.1. Creating Library Parts11.1.1. Adding parts to the Design Library11.1.2. Using Mate References11.1.3. Including metadata in libraries11.1.4. Custom properties and tags11.2. Using Library Features11.3. Accessing SolidWorks Content and 3D Content Central11.3.1. Examine a Routing library component11.3.2. Adding to the Weldments library11.4. Using Dissection Results11.4.1. SolidWorks Search11.4.2. Windows Desktop Search11.5. Summary
III. Maintaining SolidWorks
12. Writing a SolidWorks Standard
12.1. Defining a SolidWorks Standard12.1.1. Putting together a 2D standard12.1.2. Putting together a 3D standard12.2. Enforcing Standards12.3. Summary
13. Using Custom Properties
13.1. Establishing the Need for Custom Properties13.1.1. Using custom properties in the BOM13.1.2. Using custom properties in the title block13.1.2.1. Establishing linked notes13.1.2.2. Establishing the Title Block13.2. Building Custom Property Tabs13.3. Creating the Forms13.4. Using Configurations with Custom Properties13.5. Summary
14. Establishing Best Practice Rules
14.1. Understanding the Concept of Best Practice14.1.1. Defining what best practice is14.1.2. Identifying what best practice is not14.1.3. Adjusting your expectations to reality14.2. Establishing Best Practice for Sketching14.2.1. Handling sketch relations14.2.1.1. Choosing between brevity and longevity14.2.1.2. Using sketch Contours14.2.1.3. Using underdefined sketches14.2.2. Choosing between features and sketches14.2.3. Using layout sketches14.2.3.1. Layout sketch14.2.3.2. Understanding Horizontal Modeling14.3. Determining Best Practice for Features14.3.1. Selecting feature types wisely14.3.2. Using Dome versus Shape versus Freeform14.3.3. Selecting Rib feature versus Thin feature14.3.4. Pattern/mirror features, faces or bodies14.3.5. Sketch on a plane or on a face14.3.6. Edit or delete14.3.7. Selecting a draft technique14.3.8. Deciding to use many or few features14.4. Employing Best Practice in Assemblies14.4.1. Using layout sketches in assemblies14.4.2. Organizing assemblies14.4.2.1. Using virtual components14.4.2.2. Reorganizing assemblies with in-context references14.4.3. Mating with best practice14.4.3.1. Mating for position14.4.3.2. Analyzing degrees of freedom14.4.3.3. Mating for motion14.4.3.4. General mating standards suggestions14.5. Standardizing Best Practice for In-Context Modeling14.5.1. Understanding how in-context and external references work14.5.2. Using file management techniques with in-context features14.6. Summary
15. Automating Tasks with the API
15.1. Recording Macros15.1.1. Recording a rectangle sketching macro15.1.1.1. Recording the macro15.1.1.2. Taking advantage of journal files15.1.2. Replaying the macro15.1.2.1. Storing your macro15.1.2.2. Connecting to a hotkey15.1.2.3. Connecting to a custom toolbar button15.2. Creating a Macro with a User Form15.3. Building the Form15.4. Finding Macro Help15.5. Summary
16. Supporting SolidWorks Users
16.1. Providing Support through an External Organization16.1.1. Using the SolidWorks Forums16.1.2. Using other social media16.1.3. Going beyond technical support16.2. Providing Your Own Tech Support16.2.1. Troubleshooting hardware and software16.2.1.1. Eliminating PEBCAK errors16.2.1.2. Determining software bug or data corruption16.2.1.3. Distinguishing between hardware failure and setting problem16.2.2. Troubleshooting with SolidWorks Rx16.2.2.1. Using Problem Capture16.2.2.2. Diagnosing with Rx Diagnostics16.2.2.3. Troubleshooting your system16.2.2.4. Performing regular system maintenance16.2.2.5. Understanding Files & Logs16.2.2.6. Transferring data to SolidWorks16.2.3. Looking past the obvious for solutions16.3. Finding Answers to User Questions16.4. Summary
17. Collaboration
17.1. Sharing Data17.1.1. Using the settings17.1.1.1. Enable multi-user environment17.1.1.2. Add shortcut menu items for multi-user environment17.2. Making It Work17.2.1. Using Selective Open17.2.2. Using Lightweight as a collaboration option17.3. Summary
18. Managing Change
18.1. Evaluating Your Situation Honestly18.1.1. Acting on things you learn18.1.2. Thinking like a manager18.2. Choosing Your Battles18.3. Encouraging Reluctant Users18.4. Summary
19. Rolling out New Service Packs
19.1. Deciding When or If to Update19.1.1. Calculating return on investment19.1.2. Making an intuitive decision19.1.3. Considering Early Visibility testing19.2. Installing a Service Pack19.2.1. Applying a service pack to software installed from DVD or download19.2.2. Applying a service pack to an Administrative Image19.2.3. Applying service packs in SolidWorks 201019.3. Rolling Back a Service Pack19.4. Summary
20. Rolling out New Versions
20.1. Deciding When to Upgrade20.1.1. Weighing software maintenance costs20.1.2. Evaluating a new version20.1.2.1. Upgrading as an option20.1.2.2. Taking into account third-party issues20.1.3. Implementing a new version20.1.3.1. Going Cold Turkey20.1.3.2. Phasing in by group20.1.3.3. Phasing in by project20.1.3.4. Failed implementations20.1.3.5. Training20.1.3.6. Installing20.1.3.7. Working with upgraded installations where Toolbox already exists20.1.3.8. Other libraries20.2. Getting a Fresh Install20.2.1. Taking care of activations20.2.2. Uninstalling SolidWorks20.2.3. Wiping the SolidWorks registry20.2.4. Using Ccleaner20.3. Summary
IV. SolidWorks Workgroup PDM
21. Introducing SolidWorks Workgroup PDM
21.1. You Need Product Data Management21.1.1. PDM is not the solution to everything21.1.2. Discovering how PDM works21.1.3. The vault21.1.4. Organizing data into folders with PDM21.2. Implementing Workgroup PDM21.2.1. Implementing general PDM21.2.2. Mapping the road ahead21.2.2.1. File naming non-negotiable21.2.2.2. Using installation best practice21.2.2.3. Attempting unsupported cross-platform installations21.2.3. Planning for the Workgroup PDM Viewer21.3. Preparing for Vault and Client Maintenance21.3.1. Utilizing your backup plan21.3.2. Performing vault maintenance21.3.2.1. Service pack updates21.3.2.2. Major version upgrades21.3.3. Moving the vault21.4. Summary
22. Installing and Configuring the Vault
22.1. Installing the Workgroup PDM Vault and VaultAdmin Tool22.2. Configuring the Vault22.2.1. Vault Settings22.2.1.1. Vault information22.2.1.2. Vault Lock22.2.1.3. Global settings22.2.1.4. Administrators22.2.1.5. On vault startup22.2.1.6. Viewing with eDrawings22.2.1.7. Delete, Rollback, Archive documents22.2.1.8. Vault Log22.2.1.9. Search22.2.1.10. Revision Scheme22.2.1.11. Revision Table22.2.1.12. Projects22.2.1.12.1. Archive22.2.1.12.2. Bulk Check In22.2.1.13. Lifecycle22.2.1.14. Properties22.2.1.15. Standard Libraries22.2.1.15.1. Using vaulted libraries22.2.1.15.2. Setting up Toolbox Multi-user Network Installation22.2.1.15.3. IsFastener and IsToolbox properties22.2.1.16. Triggers22.3. Summary
23. Establishing Permissions and Managing Toolbox
23.1. Assigning Users and Groups23.1.1. Assigning users23.1.2. Assigning groups23.2. Establishing a Project Folder Scheme23.2.1. Recognizing limits23.2.2. Looking to future development23.3. Using Lifecycle23.4. Assigning Permissions23.5. Using Toolbox with Workgroup PDM23.5.1. Handling configurations in Workgroup PDM23.5.2. Recognizing Toolbox parts23.5.3. Using the IsFastener and IsToolbox properties23.6. Establishing Libraries inside the Workgroup PDM Vault23.7. Summary
24. Establishing Client Best Practice
24.1. Accessing the Workgroup PDM User Interface24.1.1. Using SolidWorks Explorer24.1.2. Using the SolidWorks add-in client24.2. Establishing Workgroup PDM Client Options24.2.1. The Local tab24.2.2. The References/Where Used tab24.2.3. The Vault tab24.2.4. The Command Defaults tab24.2.5. The Folders tab24.2.6. The Labels tab24.2.7. Using the Right Mouse Button menu24.2.8. Searching in Workgroup PDM24.2.9. Running reports in Workgroup PDM24.2.10. Checking in associated documents24.2.11. Creating attachments24.2.12. Collaborating with other users24.2.13. Using Lifecycle settings24.2.14. Distilling recommended SolidWorks settings24.2.15. Getting the most from the software through general options24.3. Summary
V. Appendixes
A. Online Help Resources
A.1. Accessing the SolidWorks Customer PortalA.2. Getting Information from SolidWorks User BlogsA.3. Accessing Help on Non-SolidWorks CAD Administration BlogsA.4. Using Social Media Sites to ConnectA.4.1. TwitterA.4.2. FacebookA.4.3. LinkedInA.4.4. Design World
B. Sources for Standards
B.1. General Services AdministrationB.2. American Society of Mechanical EngineersB.3. American National Standards InstituteB.4. American Society of Testing and MaterialsB.5. Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)B.6. International Organization for StandardizationB.7. Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)B.8. National Institute of Standards and TestingB.9. Society of Automotive Engineers InternationalB.10. Concerning ASME or Other StandardsB.11. Establishing the Need for Standards
C. Tools, Options, Menu Settings
C.1. System OptionsC.1.1. General SettingsC.1.2. DrawingsC.1.2.1. Display StyleC.1.2.2. Area Hatch/FillC.1.3. ColorsC.1.4. SketchC.1.5. Relations/SnapsC.1.6. Display/SelectionC.1.7. PerformanceC.1.8. AssembliesC.1.9. External ReferencesC.1.10. Default templatesC.1.11. File LocationsC.1.12. FeatureManagerC.1.13. Spin Box IncrementsC.1.14. ViewC.1.15. Backup/RecoverC.1.16. Hole Wizard/ToolboxC.1.17. File ExplorerC.1.18. SearchC.1.18.1. Indexing performanceC.1.18.2. DissectionC.1.19. CollaborationC.1.20. AdvancedC.2. Document PropertiesC.2.1. Drafting standardC.2.1.1. AnnotationsC.2.1.2. DimensionsC.2.1.3. Centerlines/Center marksC.2.1.4. DimXpertC.2.1.5. TablesC.2.1.6. View LabelsC.2.1.7. Virtual SharpsC.2.2. DetailingC.2.2.1. Display filterC.2.2.2. Text scaleC.2.2.3. Always display text at the same sizeC.2.2.4. Display items only in the view in which they are createdC.2.2.5. Use assembly setting for all componentsC.2.2.6. Hide dangling dimensions and annotationsC.2.3. Grid/SnapC.2.4. UnitsC.2.5. FractionsC.2.6. Line fontC.2.7. Line styleC.2.8. Line thicknessC.2.9. ColorsC.2.9.1. CurvatureC.2.9.2. Apply same color to wireframe, HLR, and shadedC.2.9.3. Ignore feature colorsC.2.10. Image qualityC.2.10.1. DeviationC.2.10.2. Optimize edge lengthC.2.10.3. Apply to all referenced part documentsC.2.10.4. Save tessellation with part documentC.2.10.5. Wireframe and high quality HLR/HLV resolutionC.2.11. Plane displayC.2.12. Sheet metal

Content preview from SolidWorks® Administration Bible

Chapter 3. Preparing Document Management

The interrelationships between part, assembly, and drawing documents in SolidWorks need to be managed more carefully than a system of flat files. SolidWorks and all 3D parametric modelers have some special needs when it comes to file management. If you follow some simple rules, you can manage the files successfully.

However, taking many shortcuts with file management may leave you with a set of disassociated documents if you do not understand and follow the document management rules and handle files according to those rules. The better you understand the rules, the more you can bend and even break them, but trying to break rules without a complete understanding of the rules and consequences is risky.

If you or your company is new to SolidWorks, it is important to get your document management process figured out as early as you can. How painful making changes to an existing system will be depends on how entrenched the system is, and how many changes you have to make. You have many important choices before you, and it is not easy to change your decisions later on if you discover a flaw in your reasoning or execution. You have to understand the issues completely right up front and make good decisions right away that you will live with for the life of your document management system. While ...

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SolidWorks® Administration Bible

by Matt Lombard

Chapter 3. Preparing Document Management

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