10 Solidworks PDM Best Practices

Solidworks PDM (Product Data Management) is a powerful tool for managing and organizing product data. It helps streamline the product development process by providing a secure, centralized repository for all product data.

However, Solidworks PDM can be complex and difficult to use. To get the most out of it, it’s important to follow best practices. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 Solidworks PDM best practices that will help you get the most out of your PDM system.

1. Set up a PDM system before you start working on your project

A PDM system helps you keep track of all the different versions of your project, so that you can easily go back and find the right version if something goes wrong. It also allows you to share files with other team members quickly and securely, which is especially important when working on a large project. Finally, it ensures that everyone has access to the most up-to-date version of the project, reducing the risk of errors or confusion.

2. Use the same file name as the part number

When you use the same file name as the part number, it makes it easier to find and identify parts in your PDM system. This is especially important when dealing with large assemblies or projects that have multiple versions of the same part. By using the same file name as the part number, you can quickly locate the correct version without having to search through a long list of files.

Using the same file name also helps ensure accuracy when creating bills of materials (BOMs). If the file names are different from the part numbers, then there’s a chance that the wrong part could be used in the BOM. This could lead to costly mistakes down the line.

3. Create a folder structure that makes sense for your company

A well-structured folder structure will make it easier for users to find the files they need, and it will also help keep your data organized.

When creating a folder structure, consider how you want to organize your data. Think about what types of folders you need, such as project folders, customer folders, or product folders. You should also think about how deep you want your folder structure to be. Too many levels can make it difficult to navigate, while too few levels may not provide enough organization.

Once you have a plan in place, create a template that all users can follow when adding new folders. This will ensure consistency across the system and make it easier for everyone to find the information they need.

4. Make sure everyone uses the same version of SolidWorks

When multiple versions of SolidWorks are used, it can lead to compatibility issues. This means that files created in one version may not be compatible with another version, leading to errors and delays when trying to open or edit them. Additionally, different versions of the software may have different features, which could cause confusion if users aren’t aware of the differences.

To avoid these problems, make sure everyone is using the same version of SolidWorks. If you need to upgrade, do so for all users at once. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and working from the same set of tools.

5. Don’t use spaces or special characters in file names

When you use spaces or special characters in file names, it can cause problems with the PDM system. For example, if a user tries to search for a file using a space or special character, they may not be able to find it because the search engine won’t recognize it. Additionally, when files are exported from Solidworks PDM, any spaces or special characters will be replaced by underscores, which can make them difficult to identify.

To avoid these issues, always use alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) and hyphens (-) when naming your files. This will ensure that all of your files are easily identifiable and searchable within the PDM system.

6. Keep all files local and only check them into the vault when they are ready to be released

When files are checked into the vault, they become part of the PDM system and can be accessed by other users. This means that if a file is not ready to be released, it should not be checked in as it could cause confusion or even lead to errors. Keeping all files local until they are ready for release ensures that only the most up-to-date versions of the files are available to everyone.

7. Always check out the latest revision of the file before making changes

When you check out the latest revision of a file, it ensures that you are working with the most up-to-date version. This helps to prevent any conflicts or errors when multiple users are making changes to the same file. It also allows you to see what other users have done and make sure your changes don’t conflict with theirs.

Additionally, checking out the latest revision of a file before making changes is important for tracking purposes. By doing this, you can easily keep track of who made which changes and when they were made. This makes it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise in the future.

8. Check-in frequently so others can see your work

When you check-in your work, it allows other users to see the changes that have been made and gives them access to the latest version of the file. This helps ensure everyone is working with the most up-to-date information and reduces the risk of errors or confusion due to outdated files.

It also makes it easier for others to collaborate on projects since they can easily view the progress being made by each user. Additionally, checking in frequently ensures that all versions are backed up and stored securely so that if something goes wrong, you can always revert back to a previous version.

9. Save often, but don’t save over the top of existing files

When you save over the top of an existing file, it can cause confusion and errors in your workflow. It’s important to keep track of all versions of a file so that everyone is working with the most up-to-date version. Saving over the top of an existing file can also lead to data loss if someone has made changes to the original file that were not saved before the new version was created.

To avoid this issue, make sure to always use the “Save As” command when creating a new version of a file. This will ensure that each version is tracked separately and that no data is lost.

10. Only one person should make changes at a time

When multiple people are making changes to the same file, it can lead to confusion and errors. It also makes it difficult to track who made what changes, which can be important for debugging or troubleshooting issues.

By only allowing one person to make changes at a time, you ensure that everyone is on the same page and that all changes are tracked properly. This helps reduce errors and keeps your workflow running smoothly.