MWAutoNumber for MechWorks PDM Automation.
Automate the Save-As and Rename process with advanced Part Number assignment functionality, including Categories, Configuration Management and DWG promotion functions.
MechWorks PDM MWAutoNumber Manual
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
Contents 1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..3 2 The Format Options Dialog………………………………………………………………….4 Create a New AutoNumber Format…………….………………………………………………..7 Copy an Existing AutoNumber Format………………………………………………………….9 Rename an AutoNumber Format…………………………………………….………………….10 Delete an AutoNumber Format…………………………………………………..………………11 Create an AutoNumber Binder……………………………………………………..…………….12 AutoNumber Formats in AutoNumber Binders…………………..……………………….14 Rename an AutoNumber Binder…………………………………………………..…………….17 Delete an AutoNumber Binder……………………………………………………….…………..18 3 AutoNumber Format Options……………………………………………………………19 AutoNumber Options…………….……………………………………………………………………20 Categories Options…………….…………………………………………………………….…………36 Configurations Options……….………………………………………………………………………40 Drawings Options…………….…………………………………………………………………….……66 Rename Options…………….……………………………………………………………..……………75 Miscellaneous Options…………….……………………………………………………..………….87 4 AutoNumber Binder Options…….……………………………………………………….90 5 AutoNumber Global Options……………….…………………………………………….94 Appendix A: Duplication Wizard…………………………………………………………105 Appendix B: New BOM Item……………………………………………………………….108 Appendix C: Replace DWG………………………………………………………………….110 Appendix D: Custom Scripting…………………………………………………………… 117 DataEntr_PreEvent Example……………………………………………………………….……119 DataEntr_PostEvent Example……………………………………………………………………123 Appendix E: MWAutoNumber Short-Cut Bar……………………………………… 128
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
2
Introduction The MWAutoNumber application allows an environment to have advanced control over various part numbering schemes. The application allows the administrator to create one or more AutoNumber Formats , each with configurable options for controlling the [ ID ], [ FILE_NAME ], [ FILE_DIRECTORY ] and more. When creating or registering a new document, users can then select from the defined AutoNumber Formats for the new document assignments. For example, an administrator may configure a different part number scheme for custom designed components as opposed to purchased components. Perhaps the custom designed components should be stored in the “N:\Vault\Designed Models” folder with a part number beginning with “DM”, whereas purchased components should be stored in the “N:\Vault\Purchased Parts” folder with a part number beginning with “PP”. To accomplish this, the administrator can configure two different AutoNumber Formats , allowing the user to select the appropriate part number scheme at the SaveAs timeframe:
The following chapters will cover in detail how administrators can create and configure various AutoNumber Formats .
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
3
The Format Options Dialog
When using any of the following applications: • DBWorks (MechWorks PDM integrated within SolidWorks) • DBInventor (MechWorks PDM integrated within Inventor) • DBSolidEdge (MechWorks PDM integrated within Solid Edge)
• MechWorks PDM Standalone 64-bit • MechWorks PDM Standalone 32 bit
Administrators can create and configure the AutoNumber Formats using the [ Format Options ] dialog located within the [MWAutoNumber] Short-Cut Bar:
Administrators using DBWorks (MechWorks PDM integrated within SolidWorks), can also access the noted [ Format Options ] from the [Tools] [DBWorks] [MWAutoNumber] menu:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
4
The Format Options Dialog
NOTE: Only users within the DBWorks Admin group (within DBWarm) will be able to access the [ Format Options ] dialog. The dialog will be disabled or invisible for any users not in the DBWorks Admin group:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
5
The Format Options Dialog
The [ Format Options ] dialog contains three tabs at the top:
• Formats: The [ Formats ] tab is the primary tab, where AutoNumber Formats are created and configured. • Binders: The [ Binders ] tab is where AutoNumber Binders can be created and configured – used to create binders/folder contains of AutoNumber Formats . • Global Options: The [ Global Options ] tab contains a few Global Options – applicable to all AutoNumber Formats .
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
6
The Format Options Dialog – Create a New AutoNumber Format
To create a new AutoNumber Format , select the [ Formats ] tab and then select the [ New ] button:
The [ Format Options ] dialog will present a prompt for the unique name of the new AutoNumber Format . Enter a unique name and select [ OK ]:
Selecting [ OK ] will create the AutoNumber Format . Once the AutoNumber Format has been created, it will be displayed in the [ AutoNumber Format Tree ] on the left side of the [ Formats ] tab:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
7
The Format Options Dialog – Create a New AutoNumber Format
Selecting an AutoNumber Format in the [ AutoNumber Format Tree ] will display the options for the selected AutoNumber Format. Its options are displayed on the right side of the [ Formats ] tab:
The specific options for the AutoNumber Format will be covered in a later chapter of this manual.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
8
The Format Options Dialog – Copying an Existing AutoNumber Format
If a new AutoNumber Format should have similar options as an existing AutoNumber Format , it can be created easily by copying the existing AutoNumber Format . To copy an existing AutoNumber Format , select the AutoNumber Format to copy and then select the [ Copy ] button in the [ Formats ] tab:
The process will create a copy of the selected AutoNumber Format with exactly the same options:
NOTE: Unless the [ Binders] option to Link Format Numbers is selected (explained later in the AutoNumber Binders Options chapter), it is not supported for two or more AutoNumber Formats to have the exact same definitions within their options, as this could result in duplicate part numbers. After copying the existing AutoNumber Format , the newly created AutoNumber Format’s options should be modified to have a uniquely defined scheme.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
9
The Format Options Dialog – Renaming an AutoNumber Format
To rename an AutoNumber Format , select the desired AutoNumber Format and then select the [ Rename ] button (within the [ Formats ] tab):
The [ Format Options ] dialog will prompt for the new name of the AutoNumber Format . Enter a unique AutoNumber Format name and select [ OK ]:
Selecting [ OK ] will rename the selected AutoNumber Format :
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
10
The Format Options Dialog - Deleting an AutoNumber Format
To delete an AutoNumber Format , select the desired AutoNumber Format and then select the [ Delete ] button (within the [ Formats ] tab):
The [ Format Options ] dialog will present a confirmation dialog:
Selecting [ OK ] will delete the selected AutoNumber Format :
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
11
The Format Options Dialog – Creating an AutoNumber Binder
AutoNumber Binders can be used to group similar AutoNumber Formats :
AutoNumber Binders can be especially useful within environments with many AutoNumber Formats , as users may find browsing a large list of unorganized AutoNumber Formats difficult and time consuming. To create a new AutoNumber Binder , browse to the [ Binders ] tab of the [ Format Options ] dialog and select its [ New ] button:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
12
The Format Options Dialog – Creating an AutoNumber Binder
The [ Format Options ] dialog will present a prompt for the name of the new AutoNumber Binder . Enter a unique AutoNumber Binder name and select [ OK ]:
Selecting [ OK ] will create the AutoNumber Binder within the [ AutoNumber Format Tree ]:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
13
The Format Options Dialog – AutoNumber Formats In AutoNumber Binders
With one or more AutoNumber Binders existing, AutoNumber Formats can be properly organized by added them into the desired AutoNumber Binder using the [ Move To ] button from the [ Formats ] tab. Select the AutoNumber Format to move (from the [ AutoNumber Format Tree ]), then select the [ Move To ] button, which will present a drop-down list of all AutoNumber Binders :
Selecting the desired AutoNumber Binder from the drop-down list will cause the selected AutoNumber Format to be moved into the selected AutoNumber Binder :
NOTE: Selecting [ NONE ] (at the top of the list) will move the selected AutoNumber Format out of any AutoNumber Binders :
NOTE: An AutoNumber Format can either be assigned to one AutoNumber Binder , or no AutoNumber Binder .
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
14
The Format Options Dialog – AutoNumber Formats In AutoNumber Binders
Once one or more AutoNumber Binders exist, the [ New Name ] dialog displayed when creating a new AutoNumber Format will have an additional drop-down list available to select the desired AutoNumber Binder assignment for the newly created AutoNumber Format :
Selecting an AutoNumber Binder from the drop-down list will result in the new AutoNumber Format being created within the selected AutoNumber Binder :
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
15
The Format Options Dialog – AutoNumber Formats In AutoNumber Binders
Once one or more AutoNumber Binders exist, a new AutoNumber Format can be created from an existing AutoNumber Format by copying the AutoNumber Format into the desired AutoNumber Binder . Select the AutoNumber Format to copy (from the [ AutoNumber Format Tree ]), then select the [ Copy To ] button, which will present a drop-down list of AutoNumber Binders :
This will create a new AutoNumber Format (which is a copy of the original AutoNumber Format ) and place it within the selected AutoNumber Binder :
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
16
The Format Options Dialog – Renaming an AutoNumber Binder
To rename an AutoNumber Binder , select the AutoNumber Binder and then select the [ Rename ] button from within the [ Binders ] tab:
Enter a unique AutoNumber Binder name within the prompt:
Selecting its [ OK ] will rename the selected AutoNumber Binder :
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
17
The Format Options Dialog – Deleting an AutoNumber Binder
To delete an AutoNumber Binder , select the AutoNumber Binder and then select the [ Delete ] button from within the [ Binders ] tab:
The [ Format Options ] dialog will present a confirmation dialog:
Selecting its [ OK ] will delete the selected AutoNumber Binder :
NOTE: If the selected AutoNumber Binder (being deleted) had assigned AutoNumber Formats during this process, the AutoNumber Formats will no longer be assigned to any Binder .
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
18
AutoNumber Format Options When an AutoNumber Format is selected in the [ AutoNumber Format Tree ] on the left side of the [ Format Options ] dialog, the options for the selected AutoNumber Format will be displayed on the right side of the [ Format Options ] dialog:
The options for each AutoNumber Format are divided into several sections: • [ AutoNumber ] Tab. • [ Categories ] Tab. • [ Configurations ] Tab.
• [ Drawings ] Tab. • [ Rename ] Tab. • [ Misc ] Tab. • Next [File Name] Preview (displayed in the lower left corner of the options). • [Apply Changes]/[Cancel Changes] buttons (displayed in the lower right corner of the options). Each of these sections with their various options will be covered in the chapters that follow.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
19
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
The first tab in the [ AutoNumber Format Options ] is the [ AutoNumber ] tab:
The [ AutoNumber ] tab contains the primary options for controlling the [ ID ], [ FILE_NAME ] and [ FILE_DIRECTORY ] of documents created using the selected AutoNumber Format . Each of these options is covered in detail throughout this document.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
20
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Normal Number Assignment vs Replace DWG At the top of the [ AutoNumber ] tab are two radio buttons: Normal Number Assignment and Replace DWG :
These settings control whether or not the AutoNumber Format is designed to generate a new part number ( Normal Number Assignment ) or replace an existing DWG number ( Replace DWG ) through a promotional process. Activating the Replace DWG option will result in the rest of the AutoNumber options to disappear, as well as most of the tabs, as they are not relevant to the Replace DWG type of AutoNumber Format :
Designating a specific AutoNumber Format for replacing DWG files (using a promotional process) is covered in detail in Appendix C of this manual). The rest of this chapter covers AutoNumber Formats details using the Normal Number Assignment option.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
21
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Setting the ID/Part Number and File Name
AutoNumber:
The AutoNumber option stores the value of the last part number saved using this Format – just the number counter. The next part number generated using this Format will be the next sequential number. For this reason, this value can only be an integer greater than 0. AutoNumber Format:
The AutoNumber Format option stores the defined “ format ” that generated part numbers should take. In the example above, the part number format will start with the string “ENG”, followed by a space and then a 6-digit number.
Example Together, the AutoNumber and AutoNumber Format options control the next generated ID/part number and file name. For example, if the options are set as follows:
Then the next part number generated by this Format will be ENG 000184, as can be seen within the preview in the bottom left corner of the options:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
22
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Setting the Folder Below the AutoNumber and AutoNumber Format options are several options controlling the FILE_DIRECTORY for documents saved using this selected Format :
The Folder Match options designates which Folder Match scheme to use. Depending on the Folder Match selection, some and/or all of the other/secondary folder options may be disabled:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
23
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Folder Match: File Count In Folder
The File Count In Folder scheme will result in files being placed within a subfolder until a maximum quantity of files is reached within the subfolder. When the maximum quantity of files is reached, a new subfolder will be created and the count will start again. With this scheme, other folder options are used to configure the complete folder structure (also known as the FILE_DIRECTORY assignment). Folder Path: The root folder all subfolders will be created within. Folder Number: The counter for the current subfolder in use. For example, 1 indicates the files will be placed within the first subfolder and 10 indicates the files will be placed within the tenth subfolder. Folder Limit: The maximum number of files per subfolder. Folder Format The format for the name of each subfolder, it controls how many characters in length the subfolder is and if it contains any prefix/postfix characters, etc...
For example, with the options set as above, files are currently being placed within the Z:\VAULT\ 00031 \ folder, as indicated by the preview in the lower left corner.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
24
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Continuing from the previous page… When the maximum number of files (500 for this example) is reached, the Folder Number will automatically increment from “31” to “32” and files will start being placed within the Z:\VAULT\ 00032 \ subfolder.
To force the subfolder to also contain a prefix and/or a postfix with specified characters, update the Folder Format by placing the noted characters within double quotes. For example, adding the string “2019-“ before four zeros would result in the files being placed within the Z\VAULT\ 2019-0032 \ subfolder.
To force the subfolder to also contain a prefix and/or a postfix with specified characters, update the Folder Format by placing the noted characters within double quotes. For example, adding the string “ABC-“ before four zeros followed by “-2019” would result in the files being placed within the Z\VAULT\ ABC-0032-2019 \ subfolder.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
25
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Folder Match: File Count In Folder and Match AutoNumber
The File Count In Folder and Match AutoNumber scheme is similar to the previous File Count In Folder scheme. Files are placed in a subfolder until a maximum quantity of files is reached and then a new subfolder will be created and the count starts again. The main difference between the two folder schemes is the way the subfolder name is formatted. As explained in the previous pages, with the File Count In Folder scheme, the subfolder name is based on the Folder Number and Folder Format options. With the File Count In Folder and Match AutoNumber scheme, the name of the subfolder is based on the part number being generated. Folder Path: The root folder all subfolders will be created within. Folder Limit: The maximum quantity of files per subfolder. Folder Number Digits: The number of digits for both of the “ranged” numbers of the noted subfolder name.
For example, with the options set as above, the first 500 files (1-500) are placed within the Z:\VAULT\ 000000- 000500 \ folder whereas the next 500 files (501 – 1,000) are placed within the Z:\VAULT\ 000500-001000 \ folder.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
26
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Once the AutoNumber advances to a number greater than 500,
files will be placed in the 000500-001000 subfolder.
Changing the Folder Number Digits to 7 will result in the subfolder numbers to have 7 digits (instead of 6).
Changing the Folder Limit to 1000 will result in the first 1000 part numbers being located within the 0000000-0001000 subfolder, the second 1000 part numbers within the 0001000-0002000 subfolder, etc…
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
27
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Folder Match: Match AutoNumber
The Match AutoNumber folder scheme is the “default” folder scheme (when creating a New AutoNumber Format ), and places the files within a subfolder of the root folder. The names of its subfolders are based on the current AutoNumber value and the current Folder Format option. Folder Path: The root folder all subfolders will be created within. Folder Format: The format for the name of the subfolder. The * designates which digit is used for incrementing the folder’s value. The quantity of digits determines the subfolder’s value. For example, if the AutoNumber is 622 and the Folder Format is 000*00 (the asterisk is in the hundredth position), the subfolder will be 000 6 00 (numbers 600 through 699 will be placed within this subfolder): If the AutoNumber is 700, the subfolder will be 000 7 00 (numbers 700 through 799 will be placed within this subfolder). If the AutoNumber is 1205, the subfolder will be 00 12 00 (numbers 1200 through 1299 will be placed within this subfolder), etc…
More, if the AutoNumber is 622 and the Folder Format is 0000*0 (the asterisk is in the tenth position), the subfolder will be 000620 (numbers 620 through 629 will be placed within this subfolder):
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
28
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Folder Match: Match MechWorks PDM Project Tree
The Match MechWorks PDM Project Tree folder scheme creates subfolders in the root folder based on the project tree structure for the user’s Current Project. Folder Path: The root folder all subfolders will be created within.
For example, if the [ Project Tree ] structure looked like the figure on the right, notice that the user’s active/current project is [ 18-14368 ] which is a sub-project of [ 2018 ] which is itself a sub-project of [ Customer Orders ]:
For this example, new documents saved into the active/current project [ 18-14368 ] project would be saved into the Z:\VAULT \Customer Orders\2018\18- 14368\ folder:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
29
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Folder Match: Use Category Maker Folder Path
The Use Category Maker Folder Path scheme will prompt the user with the [ Category Wizard ] and determine the folder structure based on the [ Category Wizard ] options and the categories selected by the user. Selecting the Use Category Maker Folder Path will cause the Use Categories option (upper right corner in the image above) to be automatically selected. NOTE: Even though the folder structure (FILE_DIRECTORY value), is determined by the selected categories, the physical file name (FILE_NAME) is still determined by the AutoNumber and AutoNumber Format configurations.
For example, the [ Category Wizard ] options might have a root folder of “Z” and subfolders matching each category. If the user then selected categories [Flat] => [Sheet Metal] => [Hood], then the folder path could be “Z:\Flat\Sheet Metal\Hood”.
For more information about configuring the [ Category Wizard ], please see the MechWorks PDM Administrative Manual(s).
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
30
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Folder Match: Prompt User For Path
The Prompt User For Path scheme will prompt the user to browse for the desired folder using the standard Windows File Explorer utility, and mandates that the user provide the file’s name:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
31
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Additional AutoNumber Options In the upper right corner of the [ AutoNumber ] tab, there are a few additional options that may or may not be available to select, depending on the active Folder Match setting:
Use Categories If selected, the [ Save Wizard ] will be displayed to the user after selecting the specific AutoNumber Format from the [ Format List ] during a Save As. NOTE: This option is automatically selected if the Folder Match option is set to Use Category Maker Folder Path . NOTE: Displaying the [ Save Wizard ] during a Rename action is controlled independently by an option within the [ Rename ] tab.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
32
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Allow Number Change If selected, the user will be prompted to change the generated Part Number , Description , or both depending on the setting from its drop-down list:
For example, if the [ Description Only ] value is selected, users will be presented with a dialog to assign/change the default [DESCRIPTION] during the Save As process:
This could be especially useful when using a custom post event which references the description (see Appendix D of this manual).
If the option is set to allow changing [ Both ] the Part Number and the Description , the dialog presented to the user will allow changing both:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
33
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Use Generic File Name When this option is selected, generic files being registered using this Format will not have their File Name changed. For example, there may be a PDF file located within a local folder that needs to be copied to the proper network folder and registered within the database. The user could start by dragging it (using Windows File Explorer) and dropping it onto a project within the MechWorks PDM Browser:
If the user selects a Format with the option selected to Use Generic File Name , a new part number will NOT be generated. Instead, the generic file will simply be copied to the network folder specified by the selected Format and will be registered using its original file name:
NOTE: This option is ignored when working with 3D-CAD files (as the Part Number and folder considerations are more critical when working with 3D-CAD files). This option is not compatible with the Folder Match options Match AutoNumber and File Count In Folder And Match AutoNumber because these two Folder Match options require the generated part number to designate the subfolder.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
34
AutoNumber Format Options – AutoNumber Tab
Use Canceled Numbers To be compatible with concurrent engineering environments, the MWAutoNumber application must generate the next part number as soon as the user selects an AutoNumber Format (not waiting until the user finishes entering the metadata within the [ Data Input Form ]). As a result, part numbers can sometimes get skipped. For example, consider the following. Designer One starts the Save As process by selecting an AutoNumber Format that generates the new part number “ENG 000631” (and leaves the [ Data Input Form ] open to incorporate changes before actually saving the file). At the same timeframe, Designer Two also starts the Save As process by selecting the same AutoNumber Format , generating the next new part number “ENG 000632”. Designer One is reviewing the metadata within the [ Data Input Form ] for “ENG 000631” while designer Two is reviewing the metadata within the [ Data Input Form ] for “ENG 000632”. Designer Two finishes and selects the [ Data Input Form’s ] [ OK ] command – resulting in the “ENG 000632” file getting created and registered. Designer One changes their mind and decides the part is not ready to be saved/registered at this time so they select the [ Data Input Form’s ] [ Cancel ] command, resulting in “ENG 00631” being skipped and unused . By default, the next user that saves using the same AutoNumber Format will generate part number “ENG 00063 3 ” because part number “ENG 00063 2 ” was the last generated part number (and it resulted in a registered document). Part number “ENG 000631” has been skipped because the process was [ Canceled ] before the file was registered. However, if the option is enabled to Use Canceled Numbers , then when designer One selected the [ Cancel ] command from the [ Data Input Form ], part number “ENG 000631” is stored within a designated table for canceled numbers. This ensures that the next time a user saves using the same AutoNumber Format , the application will automatically check this table for available canceled numbers before generating a new part number, and assigns the available skipped number “ENG 000631” rather than generating the new number “ENG 000633”.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
35
AutoNumber Format Options – Categories Tab
The second tab within the [ AutoNumber Format Options ] is the [ Categories ] tab:
If the option to Use Categories is enabled (highlighted on the right), then the [ Categories ] tab allows the Administrator to LINK specific categories to a particular AutoNumber Format scheme. Depending on a Global Options’ setting, Linked Categories can be used in one of two ways: 1. To automatically select an AutoNumber Format based on the categories selected within the [ Save Wizard ]. 2. To automatically categorize a document based on the selected AutoNumber Format within the [ Format List ]. Each method is explained in detail within the following pages.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
36
AutoNumber Format Options – Categories Tab
LINK AutoNumber Format to selected Categories The default behavior for Linked Categories is to automatically select the AutoNumber Format based on the user’s selected categories. For example, an environment might have four AutoNumber Formats defined:
For this example, we assume that the Administrator wants users to be presented with the [ Save Wizard ] first – before the AutoNumber [ Format List ] is displayed. More, when the users select the “ Sheetmetal ” category, then the “ Sheet Metal ” AutoNumber Format should be automatically selected, therefore the [ Format List ] does not need to be displayed. Also, when the users select one of the “ Standard ” categories, then the “ Standard Parts ” AutoNumber Format should be automatically selected and the [ Format List ] does not need to be displayed. On the other hand, when a user selects any of the other categories that are not linked to an AutoNumber Format (from the Save Wizard ), then the [ Format List ] should be displayed, allowing the user to select the appropriate AutoNumber Format after categorizing the new document. The Administrator can configure this behavior by LINKING the “ Sheet Metal ” AutoNumber Format with the “ Sheetmetal ” sub-categories and LINKING the “ Standard Parts ” AutoNumber Format with the “ Standard ” sub- categories by selecting the appropriate category listings (as seen in the following images):
If the user selects any of the other categories which are not LINKED to a specific AutoNumber Format , then they will be presented with the [ Format List ] after the [ Save Wizard ] and they will be able to select the appropriate AutoNumber Format .
NOTE: Administrators should take care not to LINK multiple AutoNumber Formats to the same categories. If they do, the automatic part number assignment is from the oldest/first AutoNumber Format in conflict.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
37
AutoNumber Format Options – Categories Tab
LINK Categories to AutoNumber Format Alternatively, the environment can be configured to automatically categorize a component based on the selected AutoNumber Format . For example, an environment might have multiple AutoNumber Formats for springs:
For this example, we assume that the Administrator wants the user to be presented with the AutoNumber [ Format List ] first – before the [ Save Wizard ] is displayed. If the user selects the “ Springs-Custom ” AutoNumber Format , then the document should be automatically categorized as “ Standard ” “ Springs ” “ Custom ” without the need to display the [ Save Wizard ]. Similarly, if the user selects the “ Springs-Helical ” AutoNumber Format , then the document should be automatically categorized as “ Standard ” “ Springs ” “ Helical ” without the need to display the [ Save Wizard ]. If the user selects an AutoNumber Format without Linked Categories but still with the Use Categories option active, then the [ Save Wizard ] should be displayed after the AutoNumber [ Format List ] is displayed.
To configure this behavior, the Administrator would first need to select the [ Global Options ] tab and enable the option to Always Show Format List Before Category Wizard :
Then, the Administrator would need to explicitly LINK the noted category (“ Standard ” “ Springs ” “ Custom ”) and (“ Standard ” “ Springs ” “ Helical ”) to their respective AutoNumber Formats :
NOTE: To avoid having the [ Save Wizard ] displayed after selecting the AutoNumber Format with a LINKED category, the AutoNumber Format can only have a single final LINKED category assigned to it.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
38
AutoNumber Format Options – Categories Tab
When the users execute a Save-As action, they will initially be presented with the AutoNumber Formats:
For this example, selecting the “ Springs-Custom ” AutoNumber Format , results in the newly created document being automatically categorized accordingly (see the highlighted area):
For this example, selecting the “ Springs-Helical ” AutoNumber Format , results in the newly created document being automatically categorized accordingly (see the highlighted area):
Selecting any other AutoNumber Format , will follow its defined scheme so it may or may not interact with the [ Save Wizard ] – it depends on its defined options.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
39
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The third tab in the [ AutoNumber Format Options ] is its [ Configurations ] tab (this tab is only available if configuration specific records are being managed by MechWorks PDM):
The options within the [ Configurations ] tab control how each configuration will be named relevant to the part number of the file itself. Each option is described in detail within the following pages. NOTE 1: The [ Configurations ] tab is ONLY compatible with SolidWorks documents. When saving Inventor, Solid Edge or non-CAD documents, the part number is only applied to the file name. NOTE 2: The [ Configurations ] tab is only relevant to environments saving configurations as distinct records. This tab will be hidden if the MechWorks PDM option to save configurations as distinct records is disabled. NOTE 3: If the option to Use the DataEntr.lst script during an ‘Add Configuration’ event is NOT active, then the only configuration which will have its internal name controlled by MWAutoNumber will be the active configuration when the file is saved for the first time (registering it within MechWorks PDM):
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
40
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The [ Configurations ] tab has three separate control areas: 1. This area is for defining how the [ ID ] within the MechWorks PDM database will be managed by the selected AutoNumber Format scheme. 2. This area is for defining how the internal SolidWorks configuration name will be managed by the selected AutoNumber Format scheme. 3. This area is for defining if the [ Save Wizard ] is to be used when the selected AutoNumber Format scheme is defined to managing brother configuration records.
NOTE: If the option noted within the below figure is not activated ( [ ] Use Categories ) within the selected AutoNumber Format , then the third area noted within the figure above will be hidden.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
41
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
ID (Within Database Record): Unique ID (Next AutoNumber) with Configuration Name (Within File): Rename to Match ID:
With the option selected as noted above, each configuration within the file will automatically get the next available part number from the selected AutoNumber Format during the initial Save-As process (if specific
MechWorks PDM options are active). The following figure
highlights some MechWorks PDM options to consider for this process:
For this example, we will use an AutoNumber Format that is defined as noted below:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
42
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The following two figures display the SolidWorks configuration tab, before and after the Save-As process for a component that has three internal configurations. Please note that the active configuration during the initial Save-As process is the configuration that is assigned the same exact value as the physical file:
The following figure displays the three managed configuration records within MechWorks PDM for the specific file. Notice that they were each assigned a unique [ ID ] and [ CONFIGURATION ] based on the AutoNumber Format scheme.
NOTE: For the above example, the user selected the same exact AutoNumber Format for all three configurations, that is why they are sequential in order (ENG_00673, ENG_00674, and ENG_00675). Continuing to insert new configurations into the component will allow the user to select the same AutoNumber Format .
The following two figures show that the user has added a configuration into the file:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
43
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The user is prompted to select from the available Formats and they select that same exact AutoNumber Format that they selected earlier (for the first three configurations that were managed within MechWorks PDM):
The newly inserted configuration is assigned the next available number (ENG_00676) from the selected AutoNumber Format . The following two figures show that the newly inserted configuration was automatically renamed within SolidWorks and that its [ ID ] and [ CONFIGURATION ] values within MechWorks PDM have been assigned based on the AutoNumber Format scheme.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
44
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
NOTE: The options configured in this way may be common for environments where they are managing configuration records within MechWorks PDM, and they desire that each managed configuration record has its own unique Drawing file
Referencing the following figure, the Drawing ( ENG_00673.SLDDRW ) is linked to the ( ENG_00673 ) record, while the Drawings ( ENG_00674.SLDDRW ) is linked to the ( ENG_00674 ) record, while the Drawing ( ENG_00675.SLDDRW ) is linked to the ( ENG_00675 ) record:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
45
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
ID (Within Database Record): Unique ID (Next AutoNumber) with Configuration Name (Within File): Do Not Rename:
With the option selected as noted above, each configuration within the file that is managed by MechWorks PDM will not be renamed within the SolidWorks file, but it will be assigned the next available part number
from the selected AutoNumber Format during the initial Save-As process (if specific MechWorks PDM options are active). The following figure highlights some MechWorks PDM options to consider for this process:
For this example, we will use an AutoNumber Format that is defined as noted below:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
46
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The following two figures display the SolidWorks configuration tab, before and after the Save-As process for a component that has three internal configurations. Please note that the active configuration during the initial Save-As process (001) is the same active configuration (001) after the physical file has been renamed accordingly:
The following figure displays the three managed configuration records within MechWorks PDM for the specific file. Notice that they were each assigned a unique [ ID ] based on the AutoNumber Format scheme. For this example, their configuration values (001, 002, and 003) from SolidWorks were inherited within MechWorks PDM.
NOTE: For the above example, the user selected the same exact AutoNumber Format for all three configurations, that is why they are sequential in order (ENG_00677, ENG_00678, and ENG_00679). Continuing to insert new configurations into the component will allow the user to select the same AutoNumber Format .
The following two figures show that the user has added a configuration into the file:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
47
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The user is prompted to select from the available Formats and they select that same exact AutoNumber Format that they selected earlier (for the first three configurations that were managed within MechWorks PDM):
The newly inserted configuration (004) is assigned the next available number (ENG_00680) from the selected AutoNumber Format . The following two figures show that the newly inserted configuration was not renamed within SolidWorks while its [ ID ] value within MechWorks PDM was assigned based on the AutoNumber Format scheme (ENG_00680). MORE: For this example, the configuration value (004) from SolidWorks was inherited within MechWorks PDM.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
48
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
ID (Within Database Record): ID from File Name and Configuration Name with Configuration Name (Within File): Rename to Match ID:
With the option selected as noted above, each configuration within the file that is managed by MechWorks PDM will be renamed within the SolidWorks file. They will be assigned the combination of the part number
from the selected AutoNumber Format during the initial Save-As process (if specific MechWorks PDM options are active), followed by a “- “, followed by the configuration’s original name. The following figure highlights some MechWorks PDM options to consider for this process:
For this example, we will use an AutoNumber Format that is defined as noted below:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
49
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The following two figures display the SolidWorks configuration tab, before and after the Save-As process for a component that has three internal configurations. Please note that the active configuration during the initial Save-As process (001) is the same active configuration (ENG_00681-001) after the physical file has been renamed accordingly:
The following figure displays the three managed configuration records within MechWorks PDM for the specific file. Notice that they were each assigned a unique [ ID ] based on the File Name ( ENG_00681 )
from the selected AutoNumber Format scheme, followed by the “ - “ defined from the Prefix option, followed by their original configuration name ( 001 , 002 , 003 ). For this example, their [ Configuration ] values match their [ ID ] values, which also match their configuration name within SolidWorks.
NOTE: For the above example, the user selected the same exact AutoNumber Format for all three configurations. Continuing to insert new configurations into the component will allow the user to select the same AutoNumber Format .
The following two figures show that the user has added a configuration into the file:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
50
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The user is prompted to select from the available Formats and they select that same exact AutoNumber Format that they selected earlier (for the first three configurations that were managed within MechWorks PDM):
The newly inserted configuration (004) is renamed, based on the File Name ( ENG_00681 ) from the selected AutoNumber Format scheme, followed by the “ - “ defined from the Prefix option, followed by its original configuration name ( 004 ). The following two figures show that the newly inserted configuration was renamed within SolidWorks. For this example, its [ Configuration ] value matches its [ ID ] values, which also matches its configuration name within SolidWorks.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
51
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
Following is another example using the same AutoNumber Format after making some changes to the Prefix / Suffix options. NOTE: When the Prefix / Suffix is modified, the preview string above them updates to display what the configuration’s name will look like.
The following two figures display the SolidWorks configuration tab, before and after the Save-As process for a component that has three internal configurations. As you can see, each configuration’s name now includes the assigned part number from the AutoNumber Format , followed by the defined Prefix (which is a dash and an opening parenthesis) followed by the configuration’s original name ( 001 , 002 , 003 ) followed by the defined Suffix (which is the closing parenthesis):
The following figure displays the three managed configuration records within MechWorks PDM for the specific file. Notice that they were each assigned a unique [ ID ] based on the File Name ( ENG_00683 ) from the selected AutoNumber Format scheme, followed
by the “ -( “ defined from the Prefix option, followed by their original configuration name ( 001 , 002 , 003 ), followed by the “ ) ” defined from the Postfix option. For this example, their [ Configuration ] values match their [ ID ] values, which also match their configuration name within SolidWorks.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
52
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The following two figures show that the user has added a configuration into the file:
The user is prompted to select from the available Formats and they select that same exact AutoNumber Format that they selected earlier:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
53
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
Resulting in the newly inserted configuration being assigned the part number from the file’s name followed by the defined Prefix (which is a dash and an opening parenthesis) followed by the configuration’s original name ( 004 ) followed by the defined Suffix (which is the closing parenthesis):
NOTE: Sometimes the goal is to add configurations within the SolidWorks file that are not managed by MechWorks PDM. This can be accomplished by ensuring that the configuration’s name is not included within the MechWorks PDM options for managing configurations. In the following example, the user adds a configuration within SolidWorks named “ Simplified ” which is purposely excluded from being registered within MechWorks PDM, so the AutoNumber process is not triggered:
For more on this concept, please see the MechWorks PDM documentation for managing specific configuration records (noted within the figure in the right above).
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
54
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
ID (Within Database Record): ID from File Name and Configuration Name with Configuration Name (Within File): Do Not Rename:
With the option selected as noted above, each configuration within the file that is managed by MechWorks PDM will not be renamed within the SolidWorks file. They will be assigned the combination of the part number from the selected
AutoNumber Format during the initial Save-As process (if specific MechWorks PDM options are active), followed by a “ -( “, followed by the configuration’s original name, followed by a “ ) ”. The following figure highlights some MechWorks PDM options to consider for this process:
For this example, we will use an AutoNumber Format that is defined as noted below:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
55
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The following two figures display the SolidWorks configuration tab, before and after the Save-As process for a component that has three internal configurations. Please note that the active configuration during the initial Save-As process (001) is the same active configuration (001) after the physical file has been renamed accordingly:
The following figure displays the three managed configuration records within MechWorks PDM for the specific file. Notice that they were each assigned a unique [ ID ] based on the File Name ( ENG_00685 ) from the selected AutoNumber Format scheme, followed by
the “ -( “ defined from the Prefix option, followed by their original configuration name ( 001 , 002 , 003 ), followed by the “ ) ” defined Postfix option. For this example, their [ Configuration ] values ( 001 , 002 , 003 ), within MechWorks PDM are exactly as they were defined within SolidWorks.
NOTE: For the above example, the user selected the same exact AutoNumber Format for all three configurations. Continuing to insert new configurations into the component will allow the user to select the same AutoNumber Format .
The following two figures show that the user has added a configuration into the SolidWorks file:
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
56
AutoNumber Format Options – Configurations Tab
The user is prompted to select from the available Formats and they select that same exact AutoNumber Format that they selected earlier (for the first three configurations that were managed within MechWorks PDM):
The newly inserted configuration ( 004 ) is not renamed within SolidWorks. Its managed record within MechWorks PDM is based on the File Name ( ENG_00685 ) from the selected AutoNumber Format scheme, followed by the “ -( “ defined from the Prefix option, followed by its original configuration name ( 004 ), followed by the “ ) ” defined from the Postfix option. The following two figures show that the newly inserted configuration was not renamed within SolidWorks. For this example, its [ Configuration ] values ( 004 ), within MechWorks PDM is exactly as it was defined within SolidWorks.
40136 Bologna Italy
www.mechworks.com
57
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker