Enterprise PDM Upgrade to 2013

It is the time of year when new version of Solidworks products get released. All of us want to upgrade to the latest version to take advantage of the new features and performance benefits. With the release ofSolidWorks 2013 and Enterprise PDM 2013, we have seen increased volume of support issues related to the upgrades. Please review the following steps to ensure the upgrade process will not cause any problems and downtime.

1. Test Environment – Setup a test environment and run through a standard scenario. Create new files, workflows, revision bump etc. Even though resources and time will be needed to set up a test environment, the transition to the new version will be less painful. Remember, once you upgrade the systems, there is no going back. If any issues pop up during the test, you have the time to work through the problem. When the systems go live and you encounter an issue that could have been discovered in test, productivity will suffer.
2. Documentation – Please refer to the Enterprise DVD for excellent documentation related to the upgrade process. Installation Guide.pdf can be accessed from SupportGuidesGB folder. This PDF has a section called “Upgrading Enterprise PDM” that explains the upgrade process indetail.
3. Server Backup – Ensure you have a complete backup of the EPDM system before starting the upgrade process. Backup should include the File vault Database, Enterprise PDM Master Database, Archive server settings etc. Please refer to the “Backing Up and Restoring File Vault” section in Installation guide.pdf for more details.
4. Client Backup – If a user has EPDM related data checked-out to his/her local view, it is recommended to check these file back in before the upgrade.
5. Client upgrades – EPDM server and clients have to match versions and service packs.  So, server will have to be upgraded first and then the clients. You can upgrade EPDM before SolidWorks, but do not upgrade SolidWorks to 2013 without upgrading EPDM.
6. Operating System and software compatibility – Make sure your server and clients operating systems are supported. EPDM 2013 is the last version to support Windows Vista O/S client and Windows 2003 server. SolidWorks 2013 and Enterprise PDM 2013 client products will not install on computers using Windows XP.
7. License – New license keys are required for version (not service pack) upgrades. The license keys can be accessed from the SolidWorks web site under customer assets section. For more information, refer to  the following blog from SolidWorks http://blogs.solidworks.com/solidworksblog/2012/10/enterprise-licensing-made-simple?

Inflow has a team of SolidWorks Enterprise PDM professionals that can provide consulting upgrade solutions packages ranging from a “start-to-finish upgrade” or just “best practices” to ensure a successful transition. For “do it yourself” upgrades that develop issues, the InFlow
support team can be available for help or assistance during normal business hours, but may need to schedule dedicated additional paid consulting time based on the complexity of the issue.  We will do our best to make sure the issues are resolved in the shortest time possible. You can contact us by phone at 800-875-3009 or email support@Inflow-tech.com

An upgrade to the latest SolidWorks Enterprise PDM should not be a painful process. With proper preparation, testing, backup and training, it can be a smooth transition with positive results.  To reduce the risk of any issues occurring, plan on using InFlow’s consulting services for your next scheduled upgrade.  Please contact your CATI Sales Representative or InFlow PLM Consultant for additional information.