We have a large number of Solidworks models and assemblies drawings in a network folder.
Now since the company has been aquired we have implemented EPDM.
The files which are in the network location, approximatly 5000, all have a revision after the part number.
ex: A5011-G
Is there a easy method to:
- put these files into the vault
- remove the revision off the file name
- update the file revisions to the current released drawing revision
- maintain references?
I realize all of these things cannot be accomplished at once, removing the revision off the file name and updating the files (model and/or assembly and drawing) to the correct drawing revision are the two things that are important at this point.
I have created a quick workflow to update the file revisions to match the drawing revision although each file has to be manually updated a number of times to get the correct revision after the name has been changed.
Then after using this workflow can I get the files into the standard CAD workflow while maintaining the updates?
The reason for the new workflow is the standard CAD workflow requires more actions to update each revision.
This appears to be a long project so any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Doug
Hi Doug!
I'm actually at a very very similar point right now. I'm getting ready to start moving my files into the vault and the file names also have the revision in them. I'm still puzzling through some of this, but maybe you'll get a direction from my thoughts.
The most obvious answer is to write an API to re name the files and update the revisions, but I personally don't program very well so that is a less likely option for me.
Because of the issues caused by trying to keep the model revisions the same as the drawing revisions, we stopped reving the models and now rely on the drawing to keep track of the prototype and release revisions. EPDM will track the changes to a part by using versions. Every time a part is updated, the version count bumbs up one and the drawing updates and revs based on how I have the engineering change workflow set up. EPDM will always show you the latest version of the model, but you can go back and look at previous versions like a snap shot, this holds true for drawings too I do believe (the old revision prints can still be looked at). So its like you have a mini file cabinent in each file. This has been my experience so far with versions. There might be more benefits or sink holes, but it saved me the hassle of having to input all the model revisions.
If you are set on having the revisions match, on page 234 of the admin guide, Setting revision numbers manually, will direct you to the Enterprise PDM Help and Item Explorer Help. if you have the pdf, I believe the links are embedded (my guide was printed out or else I could tell you more).
For renaming a file, you could create a task through dispatch I think. This is the thread I was looking at earlier https://forum.solidworks.com/message/210357#210357 , half way down Joy has a tutorial bit on how to work with dispatch that I'm finding helpful.
So if I understand correctly, you want to be able to keep changing the revision as necesary right? Are you familiar with how to link workflows? You can treat your revision process as a subroutine for the CAD workflow where when the file needs revisioned, you can submit it into the revision workflow which will eventually spit it back into your CAD workflow. If I have it wrong, I think I'd need more inforation on how your setup works.
Phew! I hope this helps at least a little! And you are so right, this is a long project, a HUGE project. These forums have been a lifesaver for me over the past few months. Let's keep the dialogue going! I'm always looking to learn something new!
Cheers!
Allie