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InFlow has developed the SolidWorks Workgroup PDM Implementation Process to insure your SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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?
SolidWorks Workgroup PDM answers these questions. It is an easy to use and easy to deploy workgroup solution for Solidworks file management and collaboration, but using SolidWorks Workgroup PDM effectively in your organization is not just about software. It also depends on how the system is implemented. To assure your success in implementing SolidWorks Workgroup PDM, we have developed the InFlow SolidWorks Workgroup PDM Implementation Process.
This process has been developed to assure success by using a process based approach to implementation.
Overview
InFlow has worked with SolidWorks Workgroup PDM in many environments over the years. We have identified several characteristics of those who have the quickest success:
SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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 SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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 up front you will save time, improve efficiency, and reduce frustration.
User Training - SolidWorks Workgroup PDM user interface is a natural extension to SolidWorks, but SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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, SolidWorks Workgroup PDM makes users of SolidWorks more efficient and puts the information you need at your fingertips. The InFlow SolidWorks Workgroup PDM Implementation Process has been developed to get you from start to productivity as fast as possible.
The InFlow SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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 of SolidWorks Workgroup PDM in an efficient manor.
Bulk Data Loading (Optional)
SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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 SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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 SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 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 up front planning, the InFlow SolidWorks Workgroup PDM Implementation Process will assure your quick realization of the productivity improvements of using SolidWorks Workgroup PDM.
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