In EPDM, our model and drawing variables are set such that when you create a drawing from a model the variables from the model are carried over to the drawing.
But it only, automatically populates "@" tab on the data card of the drawing. The sheet 1 Tab gets only the file name and other variables are empty.
The "update all configurations" is checked for each of these variables.
SW 2012 sp3 and EPDM 2012
The variables in the sheet tabs will only be populated if you enter the information in the data card itself. Unlike SolidWorks parts and assemblies which have custom (shown on the "@" tab) and configuration properties, SolidWorks drawings only have custom properties.
Michael is correct (again)
If you open a drawing in SolidWorks and you look at the properties it only has the facility to enter Custom properties.
Looking at a part, you will see that it has the facility to enter Custom or Configuration specific properties.
Thanks Joy and Michael for clarifying this.
I've been going through the initial configuration that my VAR setup for me and I noticed that data can be entered differently on each sheet vs. the @ tab. So what is the point of entering data on the sheet tabs? All I really care about is entering the general custom property data (on the @ tab), but I don't seem to have a choice or a way to prevent users from entering data on each of the sheet tabs.
Tom,
Your choices are-
Michael,
I can't count on users to do the right thing here. Sure, 89-90% of the time they will, but it requires extra training and discipline. I have a hard enough time trying to get them to simple little things correctly in drawings.
Setting the controls to update all "configurations" conflicts with how my model files are done. I would have to have a separate workflow for drawings and models, so that's not an option. Plus, I think it just too much of a chance of something going out of sync.
I was exploring the options to either hide or disable the controls, but I couldn't find a solid way of referencing some property in the drawing file that would be different from custom properties and the sheet tabs. I'm looking for something that is inherently in the SolidWorks files, without user custom properties. Currently, I have a checkbox tied to a variable that controls the visibility of tabs, but it requires the user to set that variable. Again, it relies on user training & discipline. I also tried setting default values and ommitting the @ config. That kind of works for models, but not at all for drawings.
There must have been some reason for different data on each sheet and the @ tab of a drawing. I also wonder why the same is true for models.
Michael, I'm interested in how you can "hide" control. Is there a way to hide the sheet tabs? Thanks.Michael Dekoning
One major issue I find is that "old" data likes to stay on there (sheet tabs) and can rear its ugly head on different exports or bills over time.
Your explanation is just that. It is not the answer. The answer is for SW to make the needed changes so that the sheet tabs DO get populated from the "@" tab.
David,
It is the best "answer" I could give since I do not work for SolidWorks . If you want to see this implemented, then put in an enhancement request with SW.
Michael,
I know. But I find it frustrating that we don't have an answer and neither does SW at this time. There is an existing SPR in place related to this problem and also several records in the knowledge base but it still lingers.
David,
Why do you want to populate the sheet tabs? Even if it is automatic, all you are doing is duplicating the data input effort and creating more opportunities for more errors or inconsistent data.
Tom,
PDM pulls data from last active tab/configuration on the data card to show on the file list columns. It's either a feature or a dumb mistake.
That's one reason you need to populate all sheet tabs so that the list shows correct description (either with a dispatch code or 'upgrade all configs' during manual entry).
Edit 4/27/2018: As for the description in the file list you can specify which configuration to pull from in the admin tool. see below. but then it applies to all files with that variable.
We are experiencing these same problems with SW drawing cards. The @ tabs are typically correct, but the Sheet tabs conflict sometimes. The data in our data cards is driven by the Custom Properties in the SW drawings, so we've chosen to set the data fields in our cards to Read Only. This means users cannot modify the data on the Sheet tabs if it's incorrect. Can the Sheet tabs on the data cards, for SW drawings, be hidden?
Unfortunately this is currently not possible.
Correct, Michael, but you can hide the controls with an extra variable on the data card, and tying a tab control to it.
Correct me if I"m wrong, but hiding it this way won't solve any issues with "old" or conflicting data, you are just hiding it from view correct? not getting rid of it or it's properties?
Uh, yes, but you could create a dispatch script or workflow transition (or both) to clean that up.
Holy cow, Ctm Pdm Admin ! How did I not see your reply until a year later?
The funny (odd) thing about PDM vs. Solidworks is that PDM adds sheet tabs to the data card as though the SolidWorks drawing has different custom properties for each sheet (like a part or model file has configuration-specific custom properties). But, the reality is, SolidWorks drawings only have general properties, and those are shown in the "@" tab of the data card. The sheet tabs IMHO are completely useless, and cause more problems. It is far better to have all sheets (on the face of the drawing) read from the general properties, and disable display of variables in for all sheets of the data card, and only show the properties on the "@" tab. You also eliminate repeated/redundant data entry.
To avoid any confusion about this and reduce data entry errors, I actually defined my .slddrw data cards to hide all data card controls for the sheet tabs by default. For each data card control, I also exclude writing to all 'configurations' except the "@" tab. Transitions that modify these variables also need to be directed to only the "@" configuration/general properties.
HI Tom, what do you mean by "Hide all data card controls for the sheet tabs"? Where is that setting? Thanks.
Having this issue now, The PDM still looks at the Sheet Tabs and it needs the info. Anybody figure out any more about this?
I'm thinking this thread to one I recently entered, The reason for my issue is linked to the sheet tabs not populating with my variable. %var_<VARIABLE>%
The variables in the sheet tabs will only be populated if you enter the information in the data card itself. Unlike SolidWorks parts and assemblies which have custom (shown on the "@" tab) and configuration properties, SolidWorks drawings only have custom properties.