5 Replies Latest reply on May 26, 2015 8:44 AM by Brian McEwen

Newbie Question. Multiple Work Flows

Frederic Hodshon May 22, 2015 9:55 AM

I have been tasked with administering a yet to be launched EPDM system - Build Number: 15.2 (B840).

currently doing the shared network drive thing.

i need to get a work flow up and running NOW. i'm a long-in-the-tooth PTC guy - Windchill, Creo...

i really like EPDM - i've had some run-ins with Workgroup PDM (or whatever it's called).

question (first among many to come - no holiday this year):

if you have multiple workflows, how does EPDM know which to use?

i'm sure this is an embarrassing question... i'm getting the hang of States and Transitions and Notifications...

there are some really great youtube vids that have gotten me started. if the group could recommend any

comprehensive resources to learn the finer points of EPDM, i will be forever grateful.

Have a great holiday weekend, eat a weenie for me!

fred hodshon

irvine, ca

Re: Newbie Question. Multiple Work Flows

Steven Richmond May 22, 2015 10:05 AM (in response to Frederic Hodshon)

Frederick, use the Workflow Properties dialog box (right click on the workflow then select properties) to specify the workflow name and description, and to define what files can enter the workflow. See help link below.

2015 SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM Help - Workflow Properties Dialog Box
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
- Re: Newbie Question. Multiple Work Flows
  
  Frederic Hodshon May 22, 2015 10:22 AM (in response to Steven Richmond)
  
  wow! this group is the best out there.
  
  AND all of you are correct and FAST too.
  
  yes, this is a purchased EPDM system. i have the Administering Training Guide.
  
  and, duh, the actual Administration Guide is in the help. sorry, just a bit overwhelmed.
  
  fun weekend ahead.
  
  thanks a million! doubt i will be going anywhere.
  fred
  
  Like Show 0 Likes(0)
  
  Actions
Re: Newbie Question. Multiple Work Flows

Jim Sculley May 22, 2015 10:06 AM (in response to Frederic Hodshon)

In the properties of a workflow (right click the workflow and select 'Properties'), you set conditions that control what workflow a file will be put in the first time it is checked in. If you have more than one workflow, the conditions that control which workflow a file enters must be mutually exclusive. If a file meets the conditions of multiple workflows, EPDM will simply pick one and put the file in it. This is never a good idea.

If you are in a hurry to create a workflow, less is more. You can have a single workflow with a single state (Work In Progress) that everything goes into until you have time to fully flesh out the details. You can always move files between workflows (using Workflow Links) if you determine that you need multiple workflows.

If you have purchased EPDM, get a copy of the Administration Guide. It covers everything in great detail.

Jim S.
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions
- Re: Newbie Question. Multiple Work Flows
  
  Martin Solem May 22, 2015 10:11 AM (in response to Jim Sculley)
  
  Jim Sculley wrote:
  If you have purchased EPDM, get a copy of the Administration Guide. It covers everything in great detail.
  
  Little push in the right direction:
  
  Open EPDM Administration, go to the Help menu, open Administration Guide.
  or browse to
  (C:\Program Files\SolidWorks Enterprise PDM\Lang\GB)
  
  Like Show 0 Likes(0)
  
  Actions
Re: Newbie Question. Multiple Work Flows

Brian McEwen May 26, 2015 8:44 AM (in response to Frederic Hodshon)

I have not watched the whole thing, but this video seems relevant to your current situation.
SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management - Data Migration from Windows Folders to EPDM: The Basics | SOLIDWORKS Tutorials

Good luck. Finer points of EPDM mostly come from testing your system, as you learn the weird things you must do to get the functions you want. So make sure to run some test files through a test vault. Keep workflow and automation simple to start out.
Like Show 0 Likes(0)

Actions

Go to original post