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Windows Explorer vs. SolidWorks Enterprise PDM
27 Jan, 2011 By: Michael LaFlecheSolid Thinking Tutorial: Two project data management systems face off over project storage, managing revisions, and tracking an engineering change order.
Editor's note: This tutorial courtesy of SolidWorks.
The battle of project data management systems is about to take place. Two heavyweight contenders are preparing to duke it out: SolidWorks Enterprise PDM and Microsoft Windows Explorer. The match rules are simple: Manage a new project, implement design changes, and ensure a secure and auditable environment for keeping track of revisions. As a bonus, the contenders will manage an engineering change order.
First, let's introduce the competitors. In the left corner, wearing red, blue, yellow, and green trunks, from Redmond, Washington, is Microsoft Windows Explorer, which has been the staple for manufacturing and engineering companies for many years. In the right corner, wearing red, blue, and yellow trunks, from Concord, Massachusetts, is SolidWorks Enterprise PDM, which builds upon Windows Explorer and is a rising star in the community.
Round 1: How Companies Store Projects
In a typical engineering and manufacturing company, individuals store files either locally or on a mapped network drive. For this match, we are going to assume the engineer is storing files on the mapped network drive on the server. Why? Because the server is backed up every night, and other design team members can access the files.
Before creating a new project, the engineer needs to assign a new project or part number to eliminate duplicate file names. Then the engineer creates a folder structure with the appropriate content, including folders for SolidWorks models, technical illustrations, and project management documents such as Gantt charts. A poll conducted in a recent webcast showed that 90% of users are managing documents using a mapped Windows drive with folders; 30% also used a PDM or ERP system; while 30% were looking at alternative solutions.
With the stage set, let's ring the bell for Round 1 and let the contenders battle it out.
Windows Explorer. Before creating the folder structure, the Windows Explorer user needs to obtain part numbers and project numbers for the job at hand. This is done through several methods. One is to obtain these part numbers from an Excel spreadsheet or an Access database. Others will use an MRP/ERP system to obtain part numbers from an item master, but many still use a manual log book of part numbers, which is stored in document control somewhere.
Windows Explorer then creates the folder structure. The user takes the project number and names a top-level folder. Appropriate subfolders for the project are also created. Using Microsoft Project, the user creates a Gantt chart, renames it to the project number, and stores that with the project. A savvy Windows Explorer user will not create all the subfolders and Gantt charts manually. There is a directory structure stored locally, as well as a sample Gantt chart, that can be modified later.
The Windows Explorer user creates the permissions for each folder to ensure correct access rights are granted to each of the subfolders.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM. To create a new project In SolidWorks Enterprise PDM (EPDM), use the Create Project option from a template function. This is set up by the administrator to create a repeatable, yet flexible process for creating new projects. The part number and project number are obtained from the EPDM system automatically. The interface to access SolidWorks Enterprise PDM actually is Windows Explorer, with additional capabilities, including a built-in file preview window, Bill of Materials functions, and revision control functions.
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