PDM Solutions

Our Friend Jordan Romero, an amazing kid

2011-12-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Follow our friend Jordan Romero has he completes his journey to be the youngest to climb the 7 highest mountains in the world. He's a great down to earth kid.

http://www.jordanromero.com/

SolidWorks V6, ENOVIA V6; Dead subjects for me.

2011-11-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

3 years later, DS SolidWorks still can’t provide meaningful information about them to me, I’m a SolidWorks Solution Partner! 3 years I’m still waiting for; ENOVIA V6 pricing, WHO can sell it to me, WHO can demo it to me, WHO is using it, WHO can train me and how much training costs.

I give up.

Devon Sowell

Microsoft Data Explorer, A New Data Tool Coming Soon

2011-11-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Data Explorer: Discover

2011-11-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Crowd Sourcing, A Bad Idea

2011-10-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Crowd Sourcing is a bad idea and a fad that will soon go away (I hope).

By participating in crowd sourcing you;
Turn your job into a non-paying hobby.
Expose yourself to liability.
Risk losing your liability insurance.
Lower the value of work performed by engineers & designers.

I have questions about Product Liability Insurance, Risk Management, & Engineering Calcs for crowd sourcing projects, i.e. there isn’t any.

The people promoting crowd sourcing projects “Don’t even know what they don’t know” about Product Liability Insurance, Risk Management, Intellectual Property, Patents, R & D, Testing, Design History, Factors Of Safety, Engineering Calcs, etc.

Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

From Tech Republic; Five free replacements for Windows Explorer

2011-10-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-free-replacements-for-windows-explorer/1103

Introduction to ENOVIA V6

2011-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

How To Replace The Motherboard On A Desktop Computer

2011-08-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

Devon Sowell's Tips For A Successful SolidWorks PDM Implementation

2011-06-20T08:05:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of what I believe can help define a successful SolidWorks PDM system;

Upper management sees real value in SolidWorks Design Reuse and Concurrent Product Design.
A SolidWorks PDM Administrator is on site and available to all users.
Test Vaults are used continuously.
The Company provides modern up to date computer equipment, network resources, and the latest Operating Systems and software applications.
All SolidWorks PDM Users and Administrators are fully trained in the use of SolidWorks PDM.
All SolidWorks PDM users fully understand SolidWorks External References and know how to manage them.
The use of SolidWorks Configurations is minimized or not used at all.
SolidWorks Incontext External References are minimized or not used at all.
Duplicate File Names are never allowed in the PDM Vault.
Bills of Material are created and managed within Enterprise PDM.
Outside Vendors and Suppliers are allowed Read Only access to defined areas of the SolidWorks PDM Vault.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

The 2011 Phoenix, AZ SWUGN Technical Summit

2011-04-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to the 2011 Phoenix, AZ SWUGN Technical Summit. SWUGN (SolidWorks User Group Network) hosts these summits. These SolidWorks Summits are a "mini SolidWorks World". In one day and for only $40.00 you can meet up with scores of hard core SolidWorks users and get 8 hours of non stop SolidWorks Training. Breakfast and lunch is included too! I've been attending these since 2005 and I've enjoyed them all.

At this summit I'll be presenting a session called Manage Your Data with SolidWorks Explorer. It will be an expanded version of the hands-on breakout session I've given at SolidWorks World the past five years. For this summit, I've written an new book called Managing SolidWorks Design Files Using 2011 SolidWorks Explorer. Every attendee of my session will receive a free .pdf copy of this new 60 page book. Also, I'll have two printed copies to give away. And, I'll bring 2 copies of my 2011 SolidWorks PDM book/dvd. I've expanded this book to 383 pages and I've added new videos to the the included dvd. These too will be given away.

Click on the link above to go to the page where you can register, I hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

A New Milestone, 24,000 Views On My YouTube Channel

2011-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for visiting my YouTube channel.

I believe my next video will be an updated SolidWorks Explorer Video. Any other requests?

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Windows 8, Coming 2012

2011-03-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

Can Microsoft improve upon Windows 7? It appears Win8 pre-release beta is being tested now. Here are two sites with more information; http://windows8center.com/ http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/31/windows_8_builds/

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Crazy 64Bit Intel Atom Servers, TCO Should Drop, Who Needs The Cloud?

2011-03-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Why would I consider a remote Cloud Server Farm when I could have this? A local system will always perform better than a remote WAN based system. Hosting applications for Clients or storing Data, this looks to be the next generation of Servers.
The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for this type of hardware appears to be much lower than existing systems. Anyone using this system?
Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.seamicro.com/

2011 Enterprise PDM, Copy Tree Video Demonstration

2011-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

2011 SolidWorks Certified Enterprise PDM Professional Certificate

2011-03-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

Devon Sowell http://www.pdmsolution.com/

2011 SolidWorks PDM Book/DVD, Ships Jan. 10, 2011

2010-12-08T13:17:00.001-08:00

The new ship date is now Jan. 10, 2011. I've had various set backs including a boat load of health tests and just recently I committed to some new projects.
Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Watching Paint Dry vs PDM Configuration, It's A Toss Up

2010-11-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

I love the smell of a freshly painted room.

Meanwhile, contemplate these weighty and thrilling subjects;

* Part Numbering, dumb, semi-dumb, semi-smart, or really smart part numbering? Good arguments for all. I say look at GM, Ford, Toyota, who has more part numbers than them? Copy their success.

* Ah yes, the ole SolidWorks Configuration discussion, yea or nay? I recommend nay, make a new file and part number instead. Good arguments both sides.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

PTC's CREO, Laughable Marketing Fluff

2010-11-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sped up CAD marketing videos are a silly parlor trick, and direct editing by push-pull? Nope, need real dimensions for manufacturing/tooling.

In 13 years of producing production level assemblies and parts, I would never consider designing the assemblies shown in this video by using push-pull direct editing.

For example, the splined shaft bosses. Best practice is to use the standard SAE spline, J501. That would optimize the manufacturing of the shaft and assure the lowest cost. The custom spline shown in this video would never pass a design review. Also, take a look at the patterned bosses on the case. I wouldn't push-pull them to change the feature profile or pattern spacing, I'd use real dimensions so I could check machining paths, tooling access clearances, and the use of standard drill sizes.

The methods shown in this video are pure fiction, cartoon like.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Virtual Servers, Game Changer Or Risky Business?

2010-10-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

I first heard about implementing Virtual Servers about 6 months ago. I had a contract with a client that had hundreds of users worldwide, using Enterprise PDM. When I was told about Virtual Servers, the first thought that came to my my mind was "this sounds risky".

Why would I want to have one machine run multiple servers and applications? Wouldn't that increase the chance of failures? If one application crashes, could that take out an entire disc? Conversely, one disc failure could take down multiple servers.

I've been dying to try Virtual Servers and now I am. I built a new server machine today. I added a 1TB disc just for Virtual Servers. Then I downloaded the free VMWare Player that creates and installs Virtual Servers. So far, I have the DNS Server on the C: disc of the host machine, the Web Server and the File Server are on separate Virtual Servers. Interesting... More to come.

Any one else have experience using Virtual Servers?

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

2011 SolidWorks PDM Book/DVD Coming November 10, 2010

2010-10-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Based upon customer feedback, the 2011 version will have more content, advanced subjects, and more video tutorials. Also, I've improved print quality and it is being released a few months earlier than last year.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell

http://www.pdmsolution.com

C.Y.A., Windows 7 Restore Previous Versions Of Folders & Files

2010-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite feature of Windows 7.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/DevonSowell

Comparing Different Versions/Revisions Of SolidWorks Files In Enterprise PDM

2010-10-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for my sabbatical...

Here is a video that demonstrates this:
Follow this link to download the .mp4 video file

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

Time For A Sabbatical Leave

2010-09-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

sabbatical leave - definition of sabbatical leave by the Free ...Noun, 1. sabbatical leave - a leave usually taken every seventh year. sabbatical · leave, leave of absence - the period of time during which you are absent ...

n. pl. hi·a·tus·es or hiatus. 1. A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break

Burned out and looking for a new challenge, that's me currently. After 12 years do I continue the status quo or start a new adventure? Right now, the latter looks good to me.

Thanks to all my readers for their support, I really have no idea when I'll post here again, perhaps in 90 days or so.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Enterprise PDM 2011, What's New

2010-09-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the list of the improvements to Enterprise PDM 2011
Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Any Ruby On Rails Consultants Out There? Please email Me.

2010-08-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

http://rubyonrails.org/
devon@pdmsolution.com

Enable Automatic Login For Enterprise PDM

2010-08-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tired of logging in over and over into Enterprise PDM (2010 shown)? Here's how to enable Automatic Login.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

My Newest Web Site, San Diego SolidWorks Tutoring

2010-08-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

After providing this service more and more recently, I decided to create this web site.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://sandiegosolidworkstutoring.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

My 2011 SolidWorks World Presentation Submittals

2010-07-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here are my presentation submittals for 2011 SolidWorks World;

I hope to see you there.

Cheers,
Devon

Bombshell from Dassault; "Yes, we have moved away from the document based system."

2010-07-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to an interview with Dassault Systems by Deelip; http://www.deelip.com/?p=2599

I found these statements very interesting;

Deelip: Yes, I noticed that V6 does not have a file format. I mean in V5 you had parts stored as CATPart files, assemblies stored as CATProduct files. In V6 everything is an object in a database.

Jacques: Yes, we have moved away from the document based system. That is just too cumbersome and causes a lot of problems. Things are far more simpler when all the data is centrally located and people with the right access level can access it from wherever they are and whenever they want to do so.

Any comments?

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

DBWorks Slaps The Hand That Feeds Them

2010-07-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Interesting concept from a SolidWorks Gold Partner, slap the hand that feeds you.

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

New Tools For SolidWorks PDM, PDMSolution.com

2010-06-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

I just updated the PDMSolution.com web site. It has a new look and a brand new store too. We currently have 6 Tools for SolidWorks PDM;

2010 Migrating From Workgroup PDM To Enterprise PDM, Book/DVD
2010 SolidWorks PDM, Book/DVD
SolidWorks Validation, Book/DVD
Enterprise PDM Validation, Book/DVD
Workgroup PDM Validation, Book/DVD
Engineering Change Order Order Creation, Document Templates

We'll have more tools soon.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

2010 SolidWorks PDM, Migrating From Workgroup PDM To Enterprise PDM Book/DVD

2010-05-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Coming soon!

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

The Next SolidWorks PDM Book Topic, Please Vote

2010-05-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm itchin' to write another SolidWorks PDM Book. I'm considering these topics, which one would you like to see next? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

1. 2010 SolidWorks PDM, Transitioning From Workgroup PDM To Enterprise PDM

2. 2010 SolidWorks PDM , Understanding & Managing External References When Using
Workgroup PDM

3. 2010 SolidWorks PDM, Understanding & Managing External References When Using
Enterprise PDM

4. 2010 SolidWorks PDM, Advanced Enterprise PDM In An ISO/FDA Environment

2010 Enterprise PDM, External References Setting

2010-05-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Want to have your SolidWorks Drawings and Assemblies reference files correctly in the EPDM Vault? Look at these settings in the 2010 Enterprise PDM Admin Tool. Be sure to add the sub-folders too.

Thanks to Joy Garon, SolidWorks Corp.,EPDM Guru, for this tip.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

2010 SolidWorks PDM Book/DVD, Download Table Of Contents

2010-04-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Click on the link to the right of the book cover to download the 2010 SolidWorks PDM Book/DVD Table Of Contents.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

http://sites.google.com/site/devon3dsolutions/Home/2010-BOOK-SOLIDWORKS-PDM-TABLE-OF-CONTENTS.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1

Installing SQL Server, A Video Preview

2010-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample of just one of the included videos on the dvd that ships with my new SolidWorks 2010 PDM book.

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

2010 SolidWorks PDM Book/DVD, Shipping Next Week

2010-03-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'm currently finishing a 2010 group of videos for inclusion on the dvd. The second version of this book has more pages, larger screenshots and over 3GB of files on the dvd.

More information to come.

Best Regards,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Using Amazon EC2 Cloud Servers

2010-03-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

So far, its been painful. I keep losing the connection. When connected, the speed is very fast. Tech support is poor, forum based with what appears to be champion power users answering questions and not Amazon Tech support.

More to come...

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

MCCSWUG, Next Meeting, Saturday March 13, 2010, 9:00am - 12:00pm, Oceanside, CA

2010-02-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting is; Saturday March 13, 2010, 9:00am - 12:00pm. Couldn't make it to 2010 SolidWorks World? Come to our next meeting and see 3 presenters from 2010 SolidWorks World, Phil Sluder, Robert ONeill, and Devon Sowell. Also presenting is Brian Wixom. We'll have some student presentations from MiraCosta College, Oceanside,CA too.

Everyone will be eligible for free prizes and a gourmet lunch will be served. For only $8.00 per person, to cover the cost of lunch, you'll get the chance to learn from the experts, have fun, and network with other SolidWorks users.

I hope to see you there, click here for more information

Devon Sowell
MCCSWUG Leader
760 809-9046

2010 SolidWorks World Interview With Kurt Lundstedt, Product Manager SolidWorks PDM

2010-02-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Questions for Kurt Lundstedt, SolidWorks PDM Product Manager

Kurt Lundstedt is the new SolidWorks PDM Product Manager, congratulations on your new position, Kurt.

Currently, there are many PDM/PLM products on the Dassault/SolidWorks plate; Enovia, SmarTeam, SolidWorks Data sharing, SolidWorks PLM, Enterprise PDM, and Workgroup PDM. Does this send a mix message to end users?

We understand there may be some confusion in the market because of the different data management solutions Dassault currently offers along with the future products announced at SolidWorks World. Our intent for the future is to make the offerings more streamlined and cohesive by utilizing a uniform platform and the best qualities of each current product.

Almost every week, I get telephone calls and e-mails asking me my opinion about the future of SmarTeam, Enterprise PDM, and Workgroup PDM. Can you ease the concerns of these users?

I can’t comment on SmarTeam but Enterprise PDM and Workgroup PDM will continue to be supported.

Workgroup PDM is included with every seat of SolidWorks Professional and SolidWorks Premium, yet many users don't know this; any thoughts about enabling Workgroup PDM automatically when the user installs SolidWorks?

We certainly realize the benefits a data management tool can bring but since implementing one is a companywide decision, the server is usually not installed on a user’s machine.

In your opinion, why should every user consider PDM?

Data management can have benefits for even the smallest companies. One person can still generate a lot of data and being able to find and reuse documents quickly and automating revision history should enough to justify the investment.

What do you say when users say, "PDM is too difficult to install, configure, and use?"

This has traditionally been the case with enterprise wide PDM systems but Enterprise PDM can be effectively installed, configured, and running in 5 days including training. This user sentiment is one of the reasons we are developing cloud based options that will break down many of the barriers of traditional systems.

Which is the most important, The PDM Workflow Process or the PDM Software?

I think the process is the more important thing and the PDM software should make it easy to define and manage the Workflow process.

Sales of Enterprise PDM seem to be going well, and I've seen EPDM in action, what are the advantages of Enterprise PDM?

There are many advantages of Enterprise PDM, are some of the prominent ones:
· Ease of use – The familiar Windows explorer integration makes easy for users to learn and interact with the system.
· Powerful Workflow – The workflow interface makes it easy to define multiple workflows for many different document types and processes.
· Best SolidWorks Integration – The Enterprise PDM SolidWorks integration gives SolidWorks users the best data management integration available.
· Low cost of ownership – Easy to buy because everything is included, no additional modules or software is needed for capabilities like multi-site, other CAD integrations, and workflow.
· Easy to set up and administer – Easy to use GUI based administration tool eliminates the need to write scripts or use a programming language to configure them system.

Thanks Kurt, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again, thanks so much.

SolidWorks Data Sharing

2010-02-04T10:23:00.001-08:00

SolidWorks CEO Jeff Ray Called Me Today

2010-01-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

Last week when the news broke about the problem with 64Bit 2009/2010 SolidWorks, I was discouraged. I was right in the middle of "validating" the upgrade from SolidWorks 2008 to SolidWorks 2009 for my client, a medical device company. Their documents specified that all computers and the PDM Vault had to be on the same SolidWorks Service Pack, SP5.

We had all the 32Bit machines at 2009 SP5 and tested. We needed the 64Bit machines, my supplied machine included, to also be at SP5. By the time we were ready for this, SP5 had been removed.

After a few e-mails, Richard Welch, Vice President, Worldwide Customer Services DS SolidWorks Corp., found out about my problem and he called me. He arranged to have all the files we needed to be sent to us overnight. They were and we are now finishing our validation as I write this blog. Great!

Earlier today, SolidWorks CEO Jeff Ray called me. He called to personally check up and make sure that everything was alright. Next, he apologized for the problem and any inconvenience they had caused. He said, "I'm sorry, Devon".

Wow, I've never had the CEO of a company call me and say that. Jeff sounded sincere, and I believed him.

Good job, SolidWorks and thank you.

Best Regards,
Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

2010 SolidWorks; Poor Quality Of Service Pack 01

2010-01-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

SolidWorks, how could you release 2010 Service Pack SP01 64Bit?

1. You didn't test it prior to release
2. Or, you tested it, knew about the problem and released it anyway

Neither of these scenarios is acceptable. The problem affects the thousands of users that depend upon Workgroup PDM and use Vista or Windows 7 64Bit. Workgroup PDM flat out doesn't work in SP01. How in the heck could you miss this? **I just discovered a work around, in the Taskpane, Open in SolidWorks, RMB to Check In.**

You've been releasing Service Packs for 14 years. I think by now you should have a Quality Program in place, one that works.

I pay $1,600.00 per year in Subscription Maintenance, I don't like to pay for mistakes.

Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

2009 Workgroup PDM, Revision Scheme Changed During Vault Export/Import

2009-12-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hello All-

I just found this at a client site: 2009 Workgroup, Revision Scheme Changed During Vault Export. It added a Secondary Revision...no biggie, just check all settings after Export/Import.

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

New 2010 solidWorks PDM Books, December 30, 2009

2009-12-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Please look for these new 2010 SolidWorks PDM books on December 30, 2009.

2010 SolidWorks®, Understanding & Managing External References When Using Workgroup PDM

2010 SolidWorks®, Understanding & Managing External References When Using Enterprise PDM

2010 SolidWorks®, Advanced Enterprise PDM In An ISO/FDA Environment

2010 SOLIDWORKS®, PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT (PDM), An Overview of SolidWorks Explorer®,
WorkGroup PDM®, And Enterprise PDM®

Cheers,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Workgroup PDM Opening Older Files From Local Drive During Check Out

2009-11-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hello All-

Lately, I've seen evidence of Workgroup PDM Opening older files from the C:/Working Folder( your local named working folder) when Checking Out SolidWorks files from the Workgroup PDM Vault, this causes many problems.

In my opinion, the best way to avoid this is to keep your C:/Working Folder empty. So, when you Check In files in the Vault, select the Option to "Delete local copy".

Regards,
Devon T. Sowell
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Service Provider
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

New Online Secured Vault

2009-10-14T05:26:00.001-07:00

I recently upgraded our server, so I added 1TB of disc space to share with my clients. This collaborative work space is password protected and available 24/7 to the customers of 3-D Design Solutions and PDM Solution.com. Not only a file server, it is a terminal server and a streaming media server too. It has been assigned a permanent IP number.

On separate discs, are my Enterprise PDM Database Server and Archive Server.

Devon Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com
http://www.pdmsolution.com

SmarTeam & SolidWorks, A Mismatch?

2009-10-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

Here's a question...

Enterprise PDM and Workgroup PDM will both be released when 2010 SolidWorks is released. A friend of mine wants to upgrade to 2010 SolidWorks and the version of SmarTeam that will work with 2010 SolidWorks but was informed that SmarTeam won't work with 2010 SolidWorks until "The
current target is for SmarTeam to release R19 SP7 in week 7 of 2010, which
will be compatible with SolidWorks 2010."

Why?

Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

SolidWorks Workgroup PDM Multiple Vaults, Possible?

2009-10-01T07:03:00.001-07:00

I get asked this question quite often. The answer is yes, you can have multiple Vaults when using Workgroup PDM. Here's the method I use.

In this example, each vault is installed on a different drive. The Workgroup PDM software must be installed on each drive in order to create the Vault. Each drive (computer) can have only one Workgroup Vault.

Be sure to create separate working folders for each vault and add those working folders to the Referenced Documents Option using the tools, system Options in SolidWorks.

Once you've logged in twice to Workgroup PDM, you'll have the option, via the pull down arrow, to chose which Vault to use.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com

Enterprise/Workgroup PDM On A Terminal Server

2009-09-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hi-

Is anyone running Enterprise/Workgroup PDM on a Terminal Server?

If so, what is the performance?

Thanks,
Devon Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

Vault Files With In Context External References, How Do You Manage Them?

2009-08-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Has an Auditor ever said to you "What is this 'external reference'? Why is it missing?"

RE: In Context External References; How do you handle these SolidWorks issues in Vaults? Not only "missing" references, but all in context external references, like;

1. Externally referenced sketch planes on surfaces from other geometry
2. Sketches converted from other geometry
3. Part files inserted in part files

Any thoughts?
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com/

2009 SolidWorks PDM Book Update

2009-04-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

While our book waits to be run at the print house, we decided to add more content.

Three Videos will be included and shipped with the book. One each about SolidWorks Explorer, Workgroup PDM, and Enterprise PDM. These videos will cover intermediate and advanced subjects. They'll be on a CD.
1 Hour of 2009 SolidWorks PDM Tech Support will be included, at no additional charge, with each book. Call or e-mail us for PDM Tech Support.

The new print date is April 27, 2009 and the cost will be $70.00 plus tax and shipping.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.pdmsolution.com
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

Devon Sowell Newsletter April 2009

2009-04-13T04:48:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to announce my new web site, PDM Solution.com. This site offers SolidWorks PDM and Agile PLM support. Also, my new 2009 SolidWorks PDM book will be available directly from this web site on April 20, 2009.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
PDM Solutions
760 809-9046

SolidWorks PDM Introduction

2009-03-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night, I taught this presentation at MiraCosta College. In 75 minutes, I showed and demo'd SolidWorks Explorer, WorkGroup PDM, and Enterprise PDM. I even showed the students how to set up a starter, basic manual revision system using folders and SolidWorks Explorer. Here's the power point presentation.

SolidWorks PDM Introduction

Interview Oleg Shilovitsky, CTO, ENOVIA SmarTeam

2009-03-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Oleg Shilovitsky is Chief Technology Officer at ENOVIA SmarTeam / Dassault Systems Recently Mr. Shilovitsky called me and introduced himself. He has extensive experience with SmarTeam, he's been there for more than 10 years. He agreed to an interview and that presented a challenge to me. Why? Because I've never seen nor used ENOVIA SmarTeam! So, I called on my friend and colleague Steve Calvert, Lead CAD Designer, Dresser Wayne. Steve was gracious enough to submit the following questions, thanks Steve.

As a user of V5R16 and SolidWorks 2006 and soon to be upgraded to the latest version of ENOVIA SmarTeam and SW2009, I was wondering if there are any enhancements that might make my job easier to perform? For instance: Can I customize my toolbars or create my own? Can I write macros to help me in the everyday duties? Can I customize the look of the Profile Card?

[Oleg] We are working together with SolidWorks R&D people to align features support and SW versions certification. We know that this is important for the customers. Features depend on the ENOVIA SmarTeam version – therefore I’d recommend that you check to which specific version of SmarTeam you are going to migrate.

Are there any ENOVIA SmarTeam User Groups or Discussion Groups that I can attend?

[Oleg] There is an online forum for ENOVIA SmarTeam users hosted by ENOVIA SmarTeam. http://www.theforum.smartuserforum.com/

Is there an easy way to have ENOVIA SmarTeam talk with my Oracle based MRP system?

[Oleg] XML data exchange can be configured using various APIs and the ENOVIA SmarTeam Gateway product.

Is ENOVIA SmarTeam supported in x64?

[Oleg] SmarTeam is already supported in x64. You need to check the specific release notes.

Will ENOVIA SmarTeam be supported with Windows 7?

[Oleg] ENOVIA SmarTeam, from the beginning, was very oriented towards Windows/Microsoft. We are continuing to support upcoming MS/Windows versions and technologies.

Here are my questions.

How or where can I see a live demonstration of ENOVIA SmarTeam?

[Oleg] If you are a potential customer, VARs (our resellers) can demo ENOVIA SmarTeam for you. Also, you can Google and see some online demos on YouTube. In addition, you can check other SmarTeam blogs – http://blogs.smarteam.com.

How does ENOVIA SmarTeam fit into Dassault's strategy in regards to Enterprise & WorkGroup PDM?

[Oleg] ENOVIA SmarTeam is part of ENOVIA’s product line, for collaborative product lifecycle management (PLM). The following slide presents the positioning of all 3 products around SolidWorks – SolidWorks WorkGroup PDM, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM, ENOVIA PLM.

Can you explain a few of the differences between Enterprise PDM and ENOVIA SmarTeam?

[Oleg] The most important differences between Enterprise PDM and ENOVIA SmarTeam are around managing Items and Items’ Lifecycle (versions, revisions, maturity); the ability to manage multiple Bill of Materials (for different purposes of configuration, manufacturing and engineering). This is opposite to the“Design Oriented” concepts of EPDM. This basically reflects ENOVIA SmarTeam’s platform flexibility in data modeling, and its ability to manage multiple domains of data in organization (i.e. requirements, design, engineering, build). In addition ENOVIA SmarTeam has the ability to manage business processes compared to the document workflow of EPDM. For most of ENOVIA SmarTeam customers, SmarTeam will become the place to manage the Item Master within an organization.

Is there an 'in-place' upgrade tool/strategy from Enterprise PDM to ENOVIA SmarTeam?

[Oleg] There is no tool provided by ENOVIA. But our partners do provide these tools. We are learning this topic now together with our SolidWorks colleagues.

Do SolidWorks Resellers sell ENOVIA SmarTeam and offer SmarTeam support?

[Oleg] Yes. There are companies that sell and provide services for ENOVIA SmarTeam. There are also companies that provide services for both products – ENOVIA SmarTeam and DS SolidWorks Enterprise PDM.

Well, for me, this is a new PDM/PLM application that I'd like to learn more about, what's the best way to do that?

[Oleg] I think the best way is to talk with our partners. They will provide demo versions, training and presentations.

Oleg, thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking to you again soon.

A New PDM/PLM Interview Coming Soon

2009-03-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Look for an interview with Oleg Shilovitsky , Chief Technology Officer, ENOVIA SmarTeam, in a few days.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell

My New Book; SolidWorks® Product Data Management (PDM)

2009-02-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is the working cover of my new book. Look for it in a few weeks.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

SolidWorks World 2009 Interview With Rich Allen

2009-02-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

Rich Allen is one of my favorite SolidWorks’ employees (it’s a long list, by the way). He is the Global Product Manager, PDM Products, SolidWorks Corporation. I’m a PDM advocate, and I like to discuss PDM with Rich, especially Enterprise PDM.

Hi Rich, thanks for taking the time to meet with me today, I really appreciate it.

Always a pleasure to speak with you Devon.

How can PDM help all SolidWorks Users?

PDM can help all SolidWorks users be more productive and efficient. It all starts with the Vault. By centralizing Engineering information such as parts, assemblies and drawings files, users can more quickly find the data they need and even more importantly know it is the right version. When it comes to sharing information, PDM again is an invaluable tool is assigning work, getting electronic signatures and accessing information from multiple sites. We believe that every SolidWorks user, should create a PDM Vault and as a minimum get their SolidWorks data under control. Then they can add supplementary information such as specifications, quotes, pictures, compliance records and more.

What are some of the guidelines to help a company decide when they need a PDM system?

There are a few rules of thumb you can follow in terms of number of users, projects and files, such as typically 3 or more users or 2 or more sites or any engineering collaboration. Another metric is to listen to the engineering staff and see if they are having a hard time finding the right version of documents and if they ever overwrite each others files. As the average engineer spends 30% of their time searching for information and PDM can reduce that by at least half, the vast majority of SolidWorks users would benefit and achieve a fast return on investment by implementing a simple PDM system such as SolidWorks Enterprise PDM. If a company using SolidWorks is not currently using PDM, are there any steps they can take to start preparing for the day when they will implement PDM? Often the hardest part of getting started with PDM is to clean up your data. This means, that many companies have multiple versions of the same document in multiple locations. So a part file may exist on 5 user hard drives and the network server. Sometimes they are all different and it can be hard to know which the latest version is. So, implementing manual systems, while not as efficient as PDM, would be a good start to cleaning up the data so it could be imported into the future PDM system.

Why start with a basic PDM implementation and build on that success?

PDM can solve many problems and help multiple users and departments communicate, collaborate and control information. The most successful companies start with the basics, getting documents in the Vault, learning check out/in procedures, working with versions and revisions and making sure everyone has the latest copy of files. By starting simple, you get many benefits. It is easier for the users to absorb and use a new streamlined system. As they provide input, you can make improvements gradually over time based on actual user feedback, not initial guesses. From a management perspective, smaller projects are less risky and when you can demonstrate a return on investment of less than one year, sometimes as little as 5 months, you build confidence in the management team which will help justify funding and approvals of future projects.

When a company wants to start managing files using PDM, can they go right to Enterprise PDM?

Yes, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM is designed to be simple enough for first-time users, yet scalable to accommodate hundreds of users across dozens of sites.

Do you see a time when PDM is just considered another tool, like Save or Save As?

We are close to this today as SolidWorks users (as well as Word, Excel or any Windows application) can do a File/Save As and simple save files directly into the Vault. One of the biggest benefits of SolidWorks Enterprise PDM is that it is built as an extension of the Microsoft Windows Explorer and therefore automatically links and works with every application on your system. So in effect, PDM is truly transparent, just hit Save, like you were going to anyway. But now that the documents are in the vault, they can be more easily found, controlled and shared.

Thanks for meeting with me, I look forward to seeing you next year at 2010 SolidWorks World, Anaheim, CA.

Thank you Devon.

SolidWorks World 2009, The SolidWorks Clinic: Is The Doctor In?

2009-01-28T09:52:00.001-08:00

SolidWorks World 2009, SolidWorks Clinic: Is the Doctor In?
Wednesday, February 11, 1:30 - 2:30 (Hands-On)
Mark Biasotti, Product Manager, DS SolidWorks Corp.
Tbd Ltbd, SolidWorks Community, DS SolidWorks Corp.
Room: Swan 1

Have questions about a SolidWorks function or a difficult modeling challenge? In this hands-on session, SolidWorks employees and power users help attendees tackle their issues. Bring your tough problem on a USB drive or CD; workstations will be available.

Ben Eadie – Part and Assembly Modeling, Import-Scanning
Steve Calvert – Part and Assembly Modeling
Mark Biasotti – Part Modeling, PW, PV
Mark Schneider – Part and Assembly Modeling, Routing
Hari Padmanabhan – Cosmos
Ian Hogg – Cosmos, Motion
Stephen Endersby – Simulation
Jeff Mirisola – Sheetmetal, Part and Assembly Modeling
Devon Sowell – PDM, Weldments, PW, Sheetmetal
Marc Leizza – Drawings
Jim Wilkinson – UI, Part and Assembly Modeling
Ron Bates – PW, PV360, RV, UI
Rob Rodriquez – Part and Assembly Modeling, PW, PV360
Utpal Kumar – Design Checker, Translation, FeatureWorks, Configurations

I look forward to seeing you there,
Devon T. Sowell
http//www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

Temecula,CA Valley SolidWorks User Group, Jan. 20, 2009

2009-01-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

On January 20, 2009, I'll give a presentation about 2009 Enterprise PDM. I'll demonstrate the full functionality while in the 2009 SolidWorks User Interface and also what's new in the 2009 version. I hope to see you there. Please follow this link for meeting information: http://www.swugn.org/pages/calendar/UGdetails.html?id=377

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

To The Future & Beyond, Upgrade to 2009 Enterprise PDM

2008-10-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

My Time Machine is cooling off in the garage. I've just returned from 2009. 2009 Enterprise PDM is working very well. I've captured and returned from the future a slide show of the upgrade process from 2008 to 2009.

The economy in 2009? Well if I told you about that, there'd be some weird space/time worm hole event horizon catastrophe.

I hope you find this information useful, enjoy!

Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Enterprise PDM: Assign Project Deadlines And Notifications

2008-10-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

Recently, Gene Mercer asked if Deadlines could be assigned to Projects in Enterprise PDM and if Notifications could be sent if the Project exceeded the Deadline. Here's a 2:10sec video on how to do this.

Thanks for the question, Gene.

Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

2009 WorkGroup PDM In 11 Steps

2008-10-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

2009 WorkGroup PDM is alive and well!

Do you have SolidWorks Professional or Premium? Then you have no excuse, you must have PDM! Repeat after me...PDM, PDM, PDM. OK, that's enough. Follow these easy 11 Steps to have a WorkGroup PDM Vault in less than an hour (depending on download speed, of course). Whoa!

Use the manual controls to view each slide, unless you graduated at the Top Of The Class from Evelyn Wood Speed Reading. If you need reading glasses like me, click on the album title (right next to the tiny picture of me) to open the slide show in it's own window.

What's New 2009 PDM Enterprise

2008-09-25T04:55:00.001-07:00

Here's a slide show of the What's New 2009 SolidWorks PDM Enterprise. If you have any questions or comments about Enterprise, please let me know.

Use the slide show controls to pause each slide for reading, then use the arrow keys to advance to the next slide. Also, you can click on the title to open the slide show in it's own window.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

How To Edit Read Only ToolBox Files In PDMW WorkGroup Vault

2008-09-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a very handy Tip From my friend Satakal Khalsa.

**Please, use this information at your own risk. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, I recommend you don't, thanks.**

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Another PDMWorks Enterprise Implementation

2008-06-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I completed teaching another PDMW Enterprise Super User Training Course. This 3 day on-site course can get users up to speed using Enterprise quickly. In fact, the customer installed PDMW Enterprise and had a Test Vault running at the end of day 3!

The customer was very pleased. The customer said things like "This software is great.", "Our previous PDM software was very difficult to learn and use, we had users still making mistakes on the old system even after training and using it for 6 months." "Enterprise is a good value, it costs less to purchase and implement than our previous system's subscription maintenance cost!"

If you have any questions or comments about PDMWorks Enterprise, please let me know.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Advanced Enterprise Service Provider Certification

2008-06-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I passed the PDMWorks Enterprise Advanced Hands-On Test. This comprehensive test took me three hours to complete. It's graded as either Pass or Don't Pass, so there's no room for error.

I want to thank all those that supported me in this effort, I really appreciate it.

If you have any questions or comments about PDMWorks Enterprise, please let me know.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

SolidWorks Technical Summit, Baltimore, MD June 17, 2008

2008-06-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Will I demo 2009 SolidWorks Enterprise PDM? Nope, sorry, no can do. But, I will demo the 2008 version at the Summit. If you've never seen PDMWorks Enterprise in action, come on out. I'll show how easy it is to make design iterations and save them as versions using Enterprise. Listen to the cool sound effects when Notifications are sent using Enterprise. Follow along as I dive into the weird environment of the mysterious SQL Server.

Here is a top secret photo of the SQL Server himself, very strange!

Here's a link to register: http://www.swugn.org/pages/summit/SWUGN_Technical_Summit_Baltimore.html

See you soon!

Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

PDMW Enterprise Tip, Use A Tool To Migrate Access DataBase To SQL

2008-06-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

This tip will demonstrate how to Migrate an Access DataBase into a SQL DataBase, then use that newly created Table to build a List In PDMWork Enterprise. That's way more exciting than the playoffs between the Celtics and the Lakers, right? [Lakers in 7!]

I'll use a Microsoft Tool called the Migration Assistant. Since I'm a SQL rookie, I like to create my DataBases using Access, then use this Tool to get it into the SQL DataBase. Here's is the link to download this free Tool;

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=D842F8B4-C914-4AC7-B2F3-D25FFF4E24FB&displaylang=en

Here is a 5 minute 14 sec video showing the process;

Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

Does PDMWorks Enterprise Allow Duplicate File Names?

2008-05-22T14:45:00.001-07:00

I found a few spare minutes, so I decided to post this quick tip;

If you want to go on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and answer this question correctly, take a look at this quick, 1:11sec, video tip.

Help, I'm Buried In Work!

2008-05-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry I haven't posted as promised, please forgive me. I'm just buried in work right now. It's going to be the first week in June before I can post here again.

Cheers,

Devon

http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Coming Next Week...

2008-05-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Coming next week is ahhh... nothing. I'll be out of town. So, the following week, May 12 - 16, I'll post 2008 PDMWorks WorkGroup Tips & Tricks. The week of May 19 - 23 lets look at a really fun topic, SolidWorks ToolBox When Using PDMWorks WorkGroup and Enterprise. You may want to down a few shots of expresso before that one :-).

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified PDMWorks Enterprise Support Tech.
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Certified PDMWorks Enterprise Support Technician 2008

2008-05-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today I passed this certification test. Thanks to all that trained and supported me in this effort.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified PDMWorks Enterprise Support Tech
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

2008 SolidWorks Explorer, Tips & Tricks

2008-04-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here is Part 1. The first 3 seconds has some 'noise', I don't know why this happened. Be careful, the default volume setting in this player is set to the loudest position.

Here is Part 2. This one has a very short display 'glitch' at the end.

Windows Desktop Search is an enigma. When it is configured correctly, it is a great tool. I still don't understand why it can be configured and run correctly on one computer but not another. The 'out of the box' settings for WDS are a nightmare and cause one's computer to run poorly.

Comments and feedback are always appreciated.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

Coming Next Week...

2008-04-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Next week, I'll post some Trick and Tips for using 2008 SolidWorks Explorer. The presentation will be based upon my 2008 SolidWorks World Hands-On BreakOut Session.

The following week, I'll post Tips and Tricks for 2008 PDMWorks WorkGroup.

Your comments and feedback are always appreciated.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/

My New PDM Solutions Blog

2008-04-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've received many e-mails and requests for more information and tutorials about PDM and PDMWorks Enterprise. So, to have a home base for this specific information, I've created this new blog.

I plan to offer information, press releases, suggestions, comments, opinions, and tutorials about Product Data Management, one of my favorite subjects. Please feel free to offer any suggestions or comments and I'll do my best to respond.

Cheers,
Devon T. Sowell
http://www.3-ddesignsolutions.com/