SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Upgrade to Version 2014

It is the time of year when new versions of SolidWorks products get released. All of us want to upgrade to the latest versions to take advantage of the new features and performance benefits. The following steps will help ensure an upgrade that will not cause productivity 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 required 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 PDM 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 in detail.
   
3. Server Backup – Ensure you have a complete backup of the Enterprise PDM 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 Enterprise PDM related data checked-out to his/her local view, it is recommended to check these file back in before the upgrade.
   
5. Client upgrades – Enterprise PDM 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 Enterprise PDM before SolidWorks, but do not upgrade SolidWorks to 2014 without upgrading Enterprise PDM.
   
6. Operating System and software compatibility – Make sure your server and clients operating systems are supported. Enterprise PDM 2014 clients are supported on Windows 7 and Windows 8 O/S. Enterprise PDM 2014 server supports Windows 2008 and Windows 2012 server. Please note Windows XP, Vista and Windows 2003 server will not be supported by Enterprise PDM 2014.  Refer to http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/PDMSystemRequirements for details.
   
7. License – New license keys are mandatory for version (not service pack) upgrades. The license keys can be accessed from the SolidWorks web site under customer assets section.
   

Inflow has a team of SolidWorks Enterprise PDM professionals that can provide upgrade solution packages ranging from a "start-to-finish upgrade" or just "best practices" to ensure a successful transition. You can contact us by phone at 800-875-3009 or email support@Inflow-tech.com

An upgrade to the latest version of SolidWorks and 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.