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InFlow has developed the PDMWorks Workgroup Implementation Process to insure your PDMWorks Workgroup implementation success.
Introduction
SolidWorks is a great tool for increasing design productivity, but all systems that model assemblies raise questions:
- What do you do with all the files after your done?
- How do you manage your system to promote design reuse?
- How do several people work together on a project?
- What about revision control?
 PDMWorks Workgroup answers these questions. It is an easy to use and easy to deploy workgroup solution for Solidworks file management and collaboration, but using PDMWorks Workgroup effectively in your organization is not just about software. It also depends on how the system is implemented. To assure your success in implementing PDMWorks Workgroup we have developed the InFlow PDMWorks Workgroup Implementation Process.
This process has been developed to assure success by using a process based
approach to implementation.
Overview
InFlow has worked with PDMWorks Workgroup in many environments over the years. We have identified several characteristics of those who have the quickest success:
PDMWorks Workgroup Champion - They have one or more "In House Expert(s)". This person is responsible for the system setup and maintenance. They also are the go to person for
questions on the system.
Up Front Planning - There are many decisions which need to be made to setup PDMWorks Workgroup for your environment. Access rights, revision scheme, project organization and much more should be addressed before any one starts to add data. By addressing these issues upfront you will save time, improve efficiency and reduce frustration.
User Training - PDMWorks Workgroup user interface is a natural extention to SolidWorks, but PDMWorks Workgroup addresses issues that may not be apparent to new users. It is critical that all users are exposed to the features of the system and have the opportunity to practice common tasks in a test environment before this new process is rolled into production.
When all of these pieces are in place, PDMWorks Workgroup makes users of SolidWorks more efficient and puts the information you need at your fingertips. The InFlow PDMWorks Workgroup Implementation Process has been developed to get you from start to productivity as fast as possible.
The InFlow PDMWorks Workgroup Implementation Process has been organized into 4 major phases. Each phase has one or more sub steps of which some are required and some are optional. Implementation checklists assure that you are ready to move on and documentation of the final system configuration is provided.
Needs Analysis
In order to provide an efficient implementation, a series of questions will be asked and answers discussed in order to ensure the implementation is as streamlined and painless as possible. This allows both parties to have advanced knowledge of how the system is expected work, allowing an efficient installation and configuration of the system in a reasonable amount of time.
Installation and Configuration
With the data gathered from the analysis phase of the implementation, the vault and client machines will be configured accordingly. The vault is configured using a combination of the data gathered and the settings InFlow has found work best for initial implementations. Settings regarding users, groups, projects and revision scheme are addressed during this phase. An initial pilot client installation is used to test settings and functionality of the system. A project structure is also created that enables the utilizing PDMWorks Workgroup in an efficient manor.
Bulk Data Loading (Optional)
PDMWorks Workgroup includes tools for mass import of existing information. You can use these tools to import information from Microsoft Office, SolidWorks or AutoCAD. This can include the capture of attribute information from Custom Properties or AutoCAD blocks. Information can also be merged from external sources such as ERP, Databases or Spreadsheets. InFlow has the knowledge to assist you with this task.
Training
After the system has been completely installed, the users will be trained in best practices for using the system. Without proper training, the full advantages of using PDMWorks Workgroup might not be discovered. The administrators will be trained to maintain the system and use the software while the end users gain advanced knowledge of correct product use.
Documentation
Full documentation will be created over the entire process of the implementation. This information can be used in the future to
reconfigure the vault back to the initial setup or compare current setup to the initial configuration. A full report covering the initial
vault settings as well as the project structure and other vital implementation information will be distributed to the key contacts involved with the implementation.
Launch
The day that real work begins to be done in PDMWorks Workgroup is the Launch Day. At this point all preparations and training is complete. Provisions should be made for assisting the users through this critical startup time. The first impressions of the system are hard to break, so you should be ready to address any issues as they arise
Summary
Through upfront planning, the InFlow PDMWorks Workgroup Implementation Process will assure your quick realization of the productivity
improvements of using PDMWorks Workgroup.
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