I'm a new user to Solidworks and I use a single workstation connected to a server. What is the best way to manage all these parts, assemblies and drawings?
I'm a new user to Solidworks and I use a single workstation connected to a server. What is the best way to manage all these parts, assemblies and drawings?
You must do different work than I. I work for an OEM of many various product lines, 2 users, no PDM. Works fine.
I'm using Premium. I see that it has PDM. I noticed someone said it's better to keep things simple. We are debating over whether to store the files on my local HD and back them up daily to a remote server or do the check-in check-out method.
best off to run it on a remote server, and have that server backed up.
Don't use Lifecycle, that will complicate it.
With Premium, you already have PDMW so that's cool. Just make sure to use your VAR and let them know you want to set it up correctly. If they are a good VAR they should be willing to help!
Store the files on the network, and make sure you're the only person that has write access to the files. Set the permissions at the folder level. No need to complicate things with more software.
If you work with large part files or large assemblies, you will want to load them locally (to work with them in SW), then transfer them back to the network location.
I have to disagree Mark. I would use PDM because I want to, not because I have to.
Folders locations, permisions, read/write, IT involved only adds to the complexity.
PDMW is integrated, and if Brian already has Pro or Premium he has already paid for it.
Brian, have your VAR come in and give you a demonstration. In the end, you will be the one doing the work, so your workflow may sway you one way or another.
Keep asking questions, and we'll do our best to answer them so you have the information you need to make a good decision.
Thanks John! I'll contact our VAR and see how that goes. They seem responsive and supportive even though we only have one seat. I appreciate the advice. Mark, I see your point too. I'm used to doing things that way but I look back on all the time over the years with Autocad that I've spent managing files and revisions. I believe I should give PDM a try for a change.
No problem. Especially if you already have it, and it's no extra cost. Just get your VAR to help, and you'll never look back.
Some of the nice things about PDMW
Don't get me wrong, I know where Mark is coming from, but maintaining that world vs. PDMW is night and day for me. I've lived both, and won't look back.
I agree with John on this one. Doesn't matter how many people are using it.
What PDMW brings to the table over nothing at all is well worth it. Besides, if
you already have it well then it is an added bonus. Cant beat the rev control
and the means inwhich you are able to link both SW files and non-SW files
together and keep things organized. Hope it works out for you.
It can be done simply. If IT can't handle setting a few folder permissions, than you need new IT. I am lucky as engineering is allowed to manage our area on the network, IT stays out of it for the most part.
We use four seats of SW and have set up PDMW.
I am throwing my hat in with John's camp. If you already own it you are not far away from having it set up. Installation and setup really are straight forward.
You are going to have to set something up. If not PDM, then folder structure, permissions, revisioning methodology (not what you call your revisions, but how you manage the files resulting from them).
PDM will offer:
Secure controlled space to store your work
Automatic archiving of you entire model structure when you change revisions
File ownership / control already established IF/WHEN you add another seat of SW
SW file internal reference recognition
Some limited report capability on file usage.
You still work locally. When you check items out of the vault, they are copied to your local drive (or where ever you designate).
PDMW does have limitations. It is not EPDM! We have been using it since SW2005 and I can't image our workflow without a PDM product (although I think our process is begging to move to a more capable product (EPDM, Keytech, other)).
And don't forget this forum is a great resource for PDMW knowledge.
Daen
As a single seat user of SW in our company i can highly recommend PDM Workgroup. Pretty much echo what everyone else is saying regarding the benefits. Can be a little daunting at first to set up, I did a local installation first as a dummy/test to help me get to grips with how it behaves. Once i was happy with the set up I installed on our remote server and it's been plain sailing since then. Definately recommend it.
Jack
I realize this is an old post.
Should I use PDM with single user without a server? Running Solidworks and PDM on the same machine?
Frank
Frank Neufeld wrote:
I realize this is an old post.
Should I use PDM with single user without a server? Running Solidworks and PDM on the same machine?
Frank
I would still recommend using PDM - It is worth it even if you just want to control revisions and be able to quickly search through your files.
t
Hey Brian,
Even if I was all by myself like you, I would use PDM Workgroup. With that comes a few questions.
Do you have the base SolidWorks, or Professonal or Premium?
It's worth to upgrade to Pro if you plan on using it.
Regardless of what anyone tells you, but you can't manually do revision control.
There are too many benefits to a good PDMW vault over files left all over the place.