How Do I Move Files From One SolidWorks PDM Workflow to Another?

How Do I Move Files From One SolidWorks PDM Workflow to Another?

Moving files from one SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management) workflow to another can be a necessary task when your organization’s design and engineering processes change. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of moving files within SolidWorks PDM using its intuitive interface.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Accessing the Administration Tool

To move files between workflows, you need to have access to the SolidWorks PDM Administration tool. Launch the tool by finding it in your Windows Start menu or by double-clicking on the PDM Administration icon on your desktop.

Step 2: Navigating to the File Explorer

Once you have accessed the Administration tool, navigate to the ‘File Explorer’ tab located on the left-hand side of the interface. This tab provides a comprehensive overview of all your available workflows and file categories.

Step 3: Selecting Files for Workflow Change

In the File Explorer, locate and select the files that you want to move from one workflow to another. You can use various filters and search options to quickly find specific files or file types.

Tip:

If you need to move multiple files at once, hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key while selecting each file individually. Alternatively, hold down ‘Shift’ to select a range of files.

Step 4: Right-Click and Choose ‘Change State’

Once you have selected all the desired files, right-click on one of them and choose ‘Change State’ from the context menu that appears. This action will open a dialog box where you can select the new workflow for the files.

Step 5: Selecting the Target Workflow

In the ‘Change State’ dialog box, select the new workflow you want to move the files into. The available workflows will be listed in a drop-down menu.

Choose the appropriate workflow from the list.

If you are unsure about which workflow to choose, consult with your team lead or system administrator to ensure that you select the correct one for your specific needs.

Step 6: Confirming Changes and Moving Files

After selecting the Target workflow, click on the ‘OK’ button to confirm your changes. SolidWorks PDM will automatically move the selected files from their current workflow to the newly specified one.

Step 7: Verifying Workflow Change

To verify that the files have been successfully moved to their new workflow, navigate back to the File Explorer tab and locate them within their respective category. You should see that they are now associated with the selected Target workflow.

It is a good practice to double-check that all moved files have retained their correct revision status, metadata, and any associated references after being transferred between workflows.

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to move files from one SolidWorks PDM workflow to another. This process allows you to adapt your design and engineering processes as your organization evolves.

Remember to always verify your changes and consult with your team if you are uncertain about any aspect of this procedure.