solidworks 2009 cad administration tips & tricks
TRANSCRIPT
SolidWorks 2009 SolidWorks 2009 CAD CAD
Administration Administration Tips & TricksTips & Tricks
Background & Background & ExperienceExperience
Solidworks user and Admin for over ten Solidworks user and Admin for over ten yearsyears
CAD Administrator of Solidworks and CAD Administrator of Solidworks and AutocadAutocad
Computer IT Professional Computer IT Professional Solidworks CSWP CertifiedSolidworks CSWP Certified Solidworks User Group Leader - Hickory, Solidworks User Group Leader - Hickory,
NCNC Current CAD Admin / Mechanical DesignerCurrent CAD Admin / Mechanical Designer
Jaybeam Wireless Hickory, NCJaybeam Wireless Hickory, NC
Session TopicsSession Topics
Solidworks AdministrationSolidworks Administration Hardware requirementsHardware requirements Software requirementsSoftware requirements Integration planIntegration plan User trainingUser training Support and MaintenanceSupport and Maintenance DocumentationDocumentation Disaster RecoveryDisaster Recovery Installation Example – Case StudyInstallation Example – Case Study
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
See Solidworks recommended See Solidworks recommended hardwarehardware MemoryMemory
Size / AllocationSize / Allocation Video CardVideo Card
Certified DriversCertified Drivers CPUCPU
Core architecture / SpeedCore architecture / Speed NetworkNetwork
Speed / TopologySpeed / Topology
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
RAM MemoryRAM Memory
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
32 bit Memory Addresses <4GB32 bit Memory Addresses <4GB 3GB Switch Option3GB Switch Option
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
64 bit Memory addresses >4GB 64 bit Memory addresses >4GB MemoryMemory
ProsPros Allows opening of very large assembliesAllows opening of very large assemblies Allows intense FEA tasksAllows intense FEA tasks Enables complex rendering of Photoworks Enables complex rendering of Photoworks
projectsprojectsConsCons
Limited software choicesLimited software choices Limited hardware driver supportLimited hardware driver support
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
Video Card - SolidWorks Certified Video Card - SolidWorks Certified DriversDrivers
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
CPUCPU Quad Core / Dual Core / Hyper threading Quad Core / Dual Core / Hyper threading
OffOff CPU speed matters CPU speed matters
Hardware RequirementsHardware Requirements
NetworkNetwork
Network speed 10/100/1000 or fiberNetwork speed 10/100/1000 or fiber Robust Routers, Switches & HubsRobust Routers, Switches & Hubs Enterprise vs Consumer gradeEnterprise vs Consumer grade Topology – ComplexityTopology – Complexity Network TrafficNetwork Traffic
Software RequirementsSoftware Requirements Solidworks flavor of choice or budgetSolidworks flavor of choice or budget
Standard, Office, Professional or PremiumStandard, Office, Professional or Premium
MAC if you dare to be differentMAC if you dare to be different Windows 2003 Server OS (for network Windows 2003 Server OS (for network
files)files)
Integration PlanIntegration Plan
How will you utilize Solidworks?How will you utilize Solidworks? Legacy data use and managementLegacy data use and management
Cadkey, Mechanical Desktop, DWG and Cadkey, Mechanical Desktop, DWG and othersothers
Company standards complianceCompany standards compliance Solidworks API and customizationSolidworks API and customization
IT / Engineering integrationIT / Engineering integration Multi-site, Multi-version, PDM, SQLMulti-site, Multi-version, PDM, SQL
Workflow considerationsWorkflow considerations
User TrainingUser Training
Solidworks EssentialsSolidworks Essentials Specialized TrainingSpecialized Training CSWA, CSWPCORE etc…CSWA, CSWPCORE etc… Windows File ManagementWindows File Management Company StandardsCompany Standards Best PracticesBest Practices Data management policiesData management policies
Support & MaintenanceSupport & Maintenance
Subscription supportSubscription support Service packs & updatesService packs & updates Technical SupportTechnical Support Portal AccessPortal Access
Hardware SupportHardware Support Dell or HP (tech support)Dell or HP (tech support) Homebuilt Clone (self support)Homebuilt Clone (self support)
DocumentationDocumentation
Solidworks install & setupSolidworks install & setup License ComplianceLicense Compliance Shared settingsShared settings
User TrainingUser Training Performance reviewPerformance review Productivity gainsProductivity gains
Solidworks Support IssuesSolidworks Support Issues Justify software maintenance expenseJustify software maintenance expense Track recurring issues by case numberTrack recurring issues by case number
Disaster RecoveryDisaster Recovery
What if your system fails?What if your system fails? Backup documentationBackup documentation Employee leaves or absenceEmployee leaves or absence Hardware failureHardware failure Software re-installationSoftware re-installation Equipment upgrade or obsolescenceEquipment upgrade or obsolescence Natural disastersNatural disasters
Disaster RecoveryDisaster Recovery
Use the free Windows Backup UtilityUse the free Windows Backup Utility Non-Network backupsNon-Network backups
33rdrd Party Backup Software Party Backup Software Backup open files or network sharesBackup open files or network shares
Create scheduled backups of dataCreate scheduled backups of data Nightly, Weekly, Monthly, Offsite CopyNightly, Weekly, Monthly, Offsite Copy
Test data recovery from backups oftenTest data recovery from backups often Many just think they have good backups!Many just think they have good backups!
Available ResourcesAvailable Resources
Solidworks Administration GuideSolidworks Administration Guide Solidworks ForumsSolidworks Forums Solidworks Knowledge BaseSolidworks Knowledge Base User GroupsUser Groups Your Solidworks ResellerYour Solidworks Reseller Solidworks WorldSolidworks World
SWX 2009 Admin InstallSWX 2009 Admin Install
The next slides show an admin The next slides show an admin image installation of Solidworks image installation of Solidworks 20092009
Verify Anti-Virus Verify Anti-Virus CompatibilityCompatibility
DVD Installation MethodDVD Installation Method
The next slides show an admin The next slides show an admin image installation of SolidWorks image installation of SolidWorks 2009 using the DVD2009 using the DVD
You may also use the SolidWorks You may also use the SolidWorks Portal to download, install and Portal to download, install and update admin images.update admin images.
Enter SWX Serial Number Here
If not a clean install number will populate
automatically
Option to get Current Service
Pack
DefaultChoice
Select to create Admin Image
Select if SP Update & Select Admin Image
Path
Select this only if you need it.
Warning! This will install the PDMW server on the
local machine
If PDM Server Selected, If PDM Server Selected, then…then…
It will be installed It will be installed locally!locally!
Allow Firewall Ports Allow Firewall Ports required to enable required to enable PDMserver accessPDMserver access
Enabled by default
Not Required for PDM Server
This will install during
Client Installations
Vault Server Storage Vault Server Storage FolderFolder
ClientClient
Choose components to Choose components to installinstall
Vault Admin needed only to
manage PDM Vault
Should use highest level SolidWorks SN
for Admin Image Creation
Default Setting
Best for Multiple Release installations
07’ 08’ 09’ etc.
Network shared Toolbox
Or…Stand alone
Toolbox
Postpone if large downloads should
run during off hours
Anticipation…Anticipation…
All good things take All good things take time…time…
C’mon#@%!
Enter Your Company InfoEnter Your Company Info
This means that Clients must have R/W permissions to the
Admin Image folder
Just a reminderJust a reminder
Admin Director HelpAdmin Director Help
Give SolidWorks Give SolidWorks FeedbackFeedback
Option to learn moreOption to learn more
Admin Image DirectoryAdmin Image Directory
Copy this entire directory to
create a portable Admin Image
Verify PDMW Vault Service Verify PDMW Vault Service StartedStarted
Defragment Your SystemDefragment Your System
Keeps things running Keeps things running faster…faster…
SWX 2009 Client AdminSWX 2009 Client Admin
The next slides show how to prepare The next slides show how to prepare your admin image to enable client your admin image to enable client installationsinstallations
Access the Option EditorAccess the Option Editor
Run: sldadminoptioneditor.ex
e
Your Serial
Number as required
Use when SP upgrade
req’d
Use to track who’s activated
what
Add Clients (machines)Add Clients (machines)
SWX 2009 Admin Client SWX 2009 Admin Client InstallInstall
The next slides show how to install The next slides show how to install Solidworks at a client from an admin Solidworks at a client from an admin image.image.
Clients must have write access to the Clients must have write access to the admin image folder to execute the admin image folder to execute the installation.installation.
From the client, navigate to the admin From the client, navigate to the admin image installation and excecute the image installation and excecute the StartSWInstall.hta file. Or send an email StartSWInstall.hta file. Or send an email with a link.with a link.
Set Permissions for Set Permissions for AccessAccess
Email Link ExampleEmail Link Example
Email links can be Email links can be blocked…blocked…
so…so…
Click to InstallClick to Install
Verify Internet Explorer Verify Internet Explorer SettingsSettings
If installer won’t run…If installer won’t run…
Ready to startup Ready to startup SolidWorksSolidWorks
Just Click Accept…Just Click Accept…
Just Say No!Just Say No!
Updates should be done Updates should be done via updated Admin Imagevia updated Admin Image
Verify your client Verify your client installation SP0.0installation SP0.0
Setup ToolboxSetup Toolbox
Clean new interface…Clean new interface…
Helps to prevent
“Big Bolt Syndrome”
Determine your Determine your requirementsrequirements
No Save Button… Just No Save Button… Just CloseClose
Now you may need to apply Now you may need to apply company specific settings for each company specific settings for each client installation.client installation.
Use Copy Settings .reg file to apply Use Copy Settings .reg file to apply settings.settings. This may be done using local, login or This may be done using local, login or
other scripts.other scripts. You may allow users to setup their own You may allow users to setup their own
preferences.preferences.
Be AwareBe Aware
Verify System OptionsVerify System Options
Congratulations!Congratulations!
Use Solidworks RX for Use Solidworks RX for MaintenanceMaintenance
RX can automate routine cleanup.RX can automate routine cleanup.
Windows Desktop Search Windows Desktop Search SettingsSettings
The next slides show how to setup WDS The next slides show how to setup WDS settings for optimum effectiveness.settings for optimum effectiveness.
Even if you allow Solidworks to install Even if you allow Solidworks to install indexing, you will need to update it to indexing, you will need to update it to the latest version.the latest version. Google WDS or Windows Desktop SearchGoogle WDS or Windows Desktop Search Download the file(s)Download the file(s) Install it and then configure it, don’t use Install it and then configure it, don’t use
defaultsdefaults
Study WDS Search Study WDS Search AbilitiesAbilities
Solidworks uses the index to find things Solidworks uses the index to find things very quickly within Solidworks interface.very quickly within Solidworks interface.
PDMWorks Workgroup and Explorer PDMWorks Workgroup and Explorer utilize it.utilize it.
Outlook is indexed by defaultOutlook is indexed by default May slow performance if outlook is loadedMay slow performance if outlook is loaded
Network Shared Directories can be Network Shared Directories can be includedincluded Use UNC path for these locationsUse UNC path for these locations
Setup Standard SettingsSetup Standard Settings
The next slides show how to setup The next slides show how to setup shared settings for Solidworks in a shared settings for Solidworks in a networked environment.networked environment.
Shared Network LocationShared Network Location
Default TemplatesDefault Templates
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
Be careful with this one!Be careful with this one!
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
Caution -Search paths change Caution -Search paths change dynamicallydynamically
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
File LocationsFile Locations
Hole Wizard / ToolboxHole Wizard / Toolbox
For Shared ToolboxFor Shared Toolbox
Crash RecoveryCrash Recovery
External ReferencesExternal References
Use Caution - Setup for your needsUse Caution - Setup for your needs
CollaborationCollaboration
Use Caution – Watch Lightweight Use Caution – Watch Lightweight ModeMode
Design LibraryDesign Library
Customize your LibraryCustomize your Library
ToolboxToolbox
Customize your Toolbox - StreamlineCustomize your Toolbox - Streamline
User InterfaceUser Interface
Customize with macro Buttons / Customize with macro Buttons / HotkeysHotkeys
Standard Start Standard Start TemplatesTemplates
Reduce redundant workReduce redundant work
Copy Settings for ReuseCopy Settings for Reuse Enforce Standard Shared SettingsEnforce Standard Shared Settings Capture and archive settingsCapture and archive settings
Good Luck…Good Luck…
Continually learn what’s newContinually learn what’s new Stay on top of Service Packs and issuesStay on top of Service Packs and issues Monitor your standards and practicesMonitor your standards and practices Makes life easier for you and everyone…Makes life easier for you and everyone…
Visit Visit www.solidworks.com\www.solidworks.com\ for admin for admin guideguide
For More InfoFor More Info
Send your requests to:Send your requests to:
http://www.freewebs.com/hswug/conthttp://www.freewebs.com/hswug/contactus.htmactus.htm
Rodney HallRodney Hall
[email protected]@gmail.com