Utilizing Paste as Reference to Create Hyperlinks Between Recordsdata in SOLIDWORKS PDM

Everybody is aware of that SOLIDWORKS recordsdata are interconnected and absolutely associative by default. Drawings, Assemblies, and Half recordsdata reference each other in order that design modifications robotically replace with out having to manually monitor the modifications via a protracted record of recordsdata.

Nevertheless, outdoors of SOLIDWORKS, generally handbook connections have to be made to non-CAD recordsdata. This could possibly be to connect a purchase order order to an meeting or to hyperlink a change order doc to the mission recordsdata to maintain everybody in sync. Historically, SOLIDWORKS CAD has had the Design Binder that labored for SOLIDWORKS customers however was not a lot assist for individuals who wanted to eat the info downstream.

How Does SOLIDWORKS PDM Assist?

SOLIDWORKS PDM has what I wish to name a “digital paper clip” by the use of its Paste as reference command. Pasting a file or set of recordsdata as a reference will connect them collectively and present hyperlinks within the Incorporates and The place Used tabs inside SOLIDWORKS PDM. You not must manually monitor affected recordsdata, as the info administration instruments will keep these exterior file references to whichever vaulted recordsdata you require.

Methods to Manually Add a File Reference in SOLIDWORKS PDM

Each time you have to manually hyperlink a non-CAD doc to a different file in your vault, you may observe these steps:

1. Set up a file the place you need the reference to be added, and which file is the reference. You’ll be able to consider this like a guardian/youngster file hierarchy much like SOLIDWORKS elements and assemblies.
2. Take a look at the goal doc the place you need the reference file to be added. When including references, you don’t want to take a look at the reference file.
3. Copy the reference file by right-clicking on it and utilizing the flyout menu.
4. On the goal doc, right-click and Paste as reference.

   SOLIDWORKS PDM Paste as reference command

5. On the Create File References pop-up window, click on OK.
6. Test within the goal doc, and the references shall be synced to the database.

The place Do The Pasted References Go?

On the goal doc the place the reference was added, you’ll discover the reference listed within the Incorporates tab within the Home windows File Explorer interface. Within the instance under, the specification doc was added as a reference to the pattern SOLIDWORKS half file.

The specification doc is proven within the Incorporates tab of SOLIDWORKS PDM

This will even be the identical if wanting from the opposite route. Navigating to the reference file, you’ll find the doc it was hooked up to, as indicated within the The place Used tab.

Extending Past Paste as Reference Performance

Whereas the Paste as reference command is extremely helpful for SOLIDWORKS PDM customers to hyperlink collectively recordsdata that don’t conform to the usual half, meeting, and drawing structure, it does have its shortcomings. For instance, this requires manually attaching references from the beginning, and they’re handled as in the event that they had been another file inside SOLIDWORKS PDM.

SOLIDWORKS Handle can enhance upon SOLIDWORKS PDM by offering further instruments for monitoring non-CAD recordsdata and guaranteeing the complete staff stays on monitor with initiatives. With further flexibility for bought elements, specification sheets, and detailed reporting, SOLIDWORKS Handle could possibly be the following step to your group to take management of your knowledge.

To be taught extra about SOLIDWORKS Handle, click on right here.