Running PDM in SolidWorks is a crucial step in managing your design data effectively. By utilizing PDM (Product Data Management), you can streamline your workflow and ensure that all files are organized and accessible to the team members involved in the design process. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps required to run PDM in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Installing SolidWorks PDM
Before you can start using PDM in SolidWorks, you need to install it on your system. Follow these steps:
- Step 1.1: Insert the SolidWorks installation media into your computer.
- Step 1.2: Run the setup file and select the option to install PDM.3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Step 2: Configuring PDM Vault
Once you have installed SolidWorks PDM, you need to configure a vault for storing your design files. Here’s how:
- Step 2.1: Launch SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Administration tool.
- Step 2.2: Click on ‘Create new vault’ and provide a name for your vault.3: Specify the location where you want to store the vault files.
Note: Make sure that you have appropriate permissions and access rights for creating and configuring a vault.
Step 3: Setting up Users and Groups
In order to manage access rights and permissions, you need to set up users and groups. Here’s how:
- Step 3.1: In the PDM Administration tool, click on ‘Users’ and then ‘New User’.
- Step 3.2: Provide the required details for the new user, such as username and password.3: Assign the appropriate group(s) to the user based on their role in the design process.
Step 4: Adding Files to PDM Vault
Now that your vault is configured and users are set up, it’s time to add files to the PDM vault. Here’s how:
- Step 4.1: Open SolidWorks and navigate to the file you want to add to the vault.
- Step 4.2: Right-click on the file and select ‘Add file to vault’.
Note: You can also use the ‘Check in’ option in SolidWorks PDM add-in toolbar to add files directly from within SolidWorks.
Step 5: Checking out and Editing Files
If you want to make changes to a file stored in the PDM vault, you need to check it out first. Here’s how:
- Step 5.1: Open SolidWorks and navigate to the file you want to edit.
- Step 5.2: Right-click on the file and select ‘Get latest version’ if needed.3: Right-click on the file again and select ‘Check out’.
Note: When a file is checked out, it becomes locked for editing by other users until it is checked back in.
Step 6: Checking in Files
After you have made the necessary changes to a checked-out file, you need to check it back into the PDM vault. Here’s how:
- Step 6.1: Open SolidWorks and navigate to the file you want to check in.
- Step 6.2: Right-click on the file and select ‘Check in’.
Note: When checking in a file, you can add comments or descriptions to provide additional information about the changes made.
Congratulations! You have now learned how to run PDM in SolidWorks.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your design data, collaborate with team members, and ensure version control throughout the design process. Remember to always follow best practices when working with PDM to maximize its benefits.
Final Thoughts:
PDM is an essential tool for any SolidWorks user looking to improve their design data management. By properly configuring a vault, setting up users and groups, adding files, checking them out for editing, and checking them back into the vault after making changes, you can streamline your workflow and avoid data conflicts. Make sure to follow these steps carefully and take advantage of all the features that SolidWorks PDM has to offer!