Hello
My problem is that the users do not check-in files in the vault. Sick, forget vacancy ... . It is imperative for us to find an automatic check in solution. We do not use the review system .I thought about that ( 3 solutions) :
1) The best would be that the file check in when we closing it in Solidworks.
2 ) Check in all files at 17h daily
3 ) Check in at each record
Or do you have another solution? Could you help me ?
We only use PDM for Solidworks files
Hi Sebastien,
Sounds like you are about to embark on a fantastic journey into uncharted waters!! This is a common process problem not a technology problem, so your solution needs to be a process solution not a technology solution. This will take some work on your part but it is worth it. Sure, a program for auto-check in is an easy quick fix, but I urge you NOT to take that route and I think the other EPDM gurus on this forum will also recommend the same. You need to get to the root cause and give your users the benefit of the doubt while you are at it.
First, I would not recommend dealing with a process problem of this magnitude by introducing a technology solution, it will only further "enable" the behavior. Especially without knowing what is driving this behavior.
Second, maybe it's just a training thing? Can they get training on how to check files in? Would some tutorial videos on your own private company YouTube channel library help?
Third, I'm sure you have evaluated whether or not the system performance is the underlying root cause, right? Maybe they aren't checking in files due to the perceived lag time? Is it a time thing?
Fourth, they need to have skin in the game. Period. Don't baby them, give them accountability and hold them to it. You have accountability as the admin, right? Who do you answer to if you don't follow procedure? Same question for them.
Fifth, has leadership adopted the stance that PDM "is" the solution the company "will" use? Do they talk about it often? Do they bring it up in meetings?
Giving your users the benefit of the doubt, users usually just need to realize they *really* need to adopt the technology "the company adopted and paid for" because without it, they will cost your company money if something happens to any of their computers (hard drive crash, CPU crash, motherboard crash, etc.) while there are files checked out on them. Besides, how do they collaborate with each other if files are never checked in? How do they work with the right versions on assemblies? How do their drawings update? The questions can go on and on.
Lastly, know the difference between CAN, WILL, CAN'T, & WON'T. http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/attitude-cant-or-wont.html
As a side note, you need to ask yourself where you, as an admin being paid by your company to be an admin, will draw the line and say "enough is enough, they have to use the system the company paid for!" Even on a basic level, I mean checking files in...wow. Not rocket science and doesn't take long. Again, how does anybody work together if they don't?
Thermo 101: A work input is required to offset chaos. It will take a little work to keep order and use a "system", chaos is easy.
My recommendation is to offer 2 solutions:
The end result needs to be "files will be checked in", you just need to determine how often. Maybe you or someone in leadership can begin championing the PDM solution, develop a campaign to work with them, introduce a new video each week, blog about it, see if you can foster change in a tough environment. This is your time to shine.
Hope this helps,
Tim CEPAhttp://www.equivaq.com
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