4 Replies Latest reply on Oct 8, 2015 5:21 AM by Arie Van Gelderen

How do I keep Dispatch from erroring out when it tries to check in a file that has reference files checked out by someone else?

Joshua Linn Oct 6, 2014 4:31 PM

For instance, say I'm doing ECN work on one of our assemblies, but someone else is doing unrelated work on a part used in that assembly. I run a Dispatch script that checks my assembly out, makes some variable changes, and checks it back in. Because someone else has one of the child files checked out, Dispatch won't check my file back in, but just gives me this error: "Error checking in file. The file isn't checked out by you, which is required by the operation."

Perhaps this is because when you go to check a file in manually, EPDM automatically selects any checked out child files - which you can then de-select in the Check In dialog box (but you don't get this option in Dispatch, so it assumes you mean to check in those child files as well). As such, is there any way to keep EPDM from selecting those child files? I know you can choose whether you want EPDM to select reference files during check out, but I've never seen a similar option for check in.

Re: How do I keep Dispatch from erroring out when it tries to check in a file that has reference files checked out by someone else?

Tim Webb Oct 7, 2014 1:08 PM (in response to Joshua Linn)

Joshua,

My first recommendation is to avoid using Dispatch this way. Consider converting those variables into version free variables. However this approach may cause issues if the variables that need updating are mapped to SW properties because version free variables can't be mapped to SW properties.

My second recommendation is to use an EPDM add-in to run the transition and variable update. This add-in would check to ensure all referenced files are checked in and in the correct state before allowing the top level assembly to transition through your ECN transition.

I may have missed your point and I'm sure there are easier ways to accomplish this but this is how I've handled it in the past.

Best,
Tim CEPA
http://www.equivaq.com
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- Re: How do I keep Dispatch from erroring out when it tries to check in a file that has reference files checked out by someone else?
  
  Joshua Linn Oct 7, 2014 7:29 PM (in response to Tim Webb)
  
  Tim,
  Thanks for the feedback; this jives with the info I've been able uncover thus far - no easy fix in place to just knock out the issue. And I was prepared to look silly because there was a really obvious answer!
  I hadn't considered version free variables, but unfortunately in this case, the variables do need to be mapped to SolidWorks properties. An add-in might work, though - I will certainly look into that. Thanks again!
  Josh
  
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  - Re: How do I keep Dispatch from erroring out when it tries to check in a file that has reference files checked out by someone else?
    
    Tim Webb Oct 8, 2014 11:32 AM (in response to Joshua Linn)
    
    Ok, let me know how it goes.
    
    Tim CEPA
    http://www.equivaq.com
    
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Re: How do I keep Dispatch from erroring out when it tries to check in a file that has reference files checked out by someone else?

Arie Van Gelderen Oct 8, 2015 5:21 AM (in response to Joshua Linn)

Joshua,

I've had the same problem. The problem is that EPDM always tries to check in all of the referenced files when a file is checked in. When working with structures with many levels, this is not desirable. There should be an option in the administration tool like 'Try to check in all referenced files when the referencing file is checked in.' Just like there is for 'check out' and 'change state'.

So, I've submitted an enhancement request to make automatic check in of referenced files optional. Solidworks attached my ER to existing SPR 579788 'EPDM Check-in options.' To speed this up, you can call your VAR and have your company attached to this SPR.

Arie
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