<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
  <rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
      <title>PLM</title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/disciplines/plm/feed.xml</link>
      <description>PLM</description>
      <lastBuildDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:10 GMT</lastBuildDate>
      <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs>
      <generator>3DExperience Works</generator>
      <atom:link href="https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/disciplines/plm/feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>

      <item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Elevate Your Change Collaboration Experience with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/elevate-your-change-collaboration-experience-with-the-3dexperience-platform/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/70615</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ This is a practical guide for engineers looking to eliminate siloed data and version control chaos by matching the right level of change governance to each modification’s complexity and risk.
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ 
The Core Challenges of Decentralized Change Processes



Modern engineering environments frequently struggle with siloed information and fragmented data models. Research and industry observations indicate that many organizations still rely on legacy tools such as spreadsheets or disparate PDM systems, leading to a myopic view of business processes. Key statistics and challenges include:




Communication Gaps:&nbsp;A historical lack of end-to-end visibility where stakeholders only understand their immediate upstream and downstream tasks. This often leads to process breakdowns across departments.



Weak Version Control:&nbsp;The absence of a &#8220;single version of truth,&#8221; leading to inconsistent data across design and production. This fragmentation of CAD and supporting data across disparate systems makes it difficult to get a relevant picture of engineering problems.



Regulatory Compliance:&nbsp;The critical need for auditable trails in high-stakes industries such as medical, aerospace, military contracting, and automotive to ensure all workflows follow a compliant path.




Structural Roles and Governance in Change Execution



SOLIDWORKS portfolio utilizes an ENOVIA role-based architecture to manage technical modifications. The system is bifurcated into two primary operational layers:




Change Execution:&nbsp;Managed under the Collaborative Industry Innovator role, which is part of&nbsp;SOLIDWORKS Design, allowing for the creation and viewing of Change Actions (CA) and investigative requests. This layer handles the fundamental execution of engineering corrections.



Change Governance:&nbsp;Managed by the Change Manager role, part of&nbsp;SOLIDWORKS PLM, providing a higher level of orchestration through Change Orders (CO) for multidisciplinary changes affecting multiple departments concurrently.




Workflow I – The Ungoverned Change Action (CA)



For standalone, low-complexity modifications such as drawing tolerances or minor part updates, an ungoverned CA workflow is utilized. A practical application of this involves CAD-only changes where physical parts are unaffected, such as correcting a derailleur hanger thread and pitch callout that were modeled incorrectly but manufactured correctly per the drawing.




Technical Implementation:&nbsp;Initiated via the Change Execution app, defining the &#8220;what, when, and how&#8221; of the severity. Stakeholders are added as informed users to ensure searchability and visibility.



Maturity Management:&nbsp;Focuses on maturity state changes (e.g., Release to Obsolete) and manual revisioning of parts and drawing templates.



Validation Protocols:&nbsp;Employs Professional Work Product (PWP) authentication and validation, requiring digital stamps from responsible engineers to ensure compliance with approved quality processes. This satisfies stringent engineering regulatory requirements.








Workflow II – The Orchestrated Change Order (CO)



When changes involve extensive stakeholders and inter-departmental dependencies, a Change Order acts as a governing container for multiple related Change Actions. For example, a production run update might involve resolving composite part fits, updating machined components, and changing a plastic bumper material from Polypropylene plus 15% glass to Nylon plus 30% glass to improve thickness and durability.




The Change Coordinator Role:&nbsp;A central figure responsible for pushing the change forward and ensuring all action items are implemented across the floor, coordinating with vendors, engineering, production, and purchasing.



Sequential Dependencies:&nbsp;Enables the creation of dependencies between part-level changes and assembly-level changes. For instance, completing part changes first allows 20-30 days for vendor fulfillment before updating assembly drawings and training the production floor.



Implementation Tracking:&nbsp;Distinguishes between &#8220;System Completion&#8221; and &#8220;Floor Implementation&#8221; through the use of Collaborative Tasks. Tasks such as quarantining previous revisions until existing parts are consumed are tracked meticulously before a change is marked as fully implemented.








Workflow III – Formal Change Requests (CR) and Impact Analysis



For modifications involving significant financial investment or tooling changes—such as widening a groove on a carbon composite trim tool to reduce assembly time—a formal Change Request is required to drive decision-making.




Impact Analysis:&nbsp;Utilizing the Relations App to identify every affected assembly and Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) within the product structure. This traces the impact from a single component up to the final sellable unit.



Frozen Structures:&nbsp;Once a CR is approved, the orchestrated structure of CAs and COs becomes frozen to maintain traceability and documentation integrity. Any structural edits require moving the request back to an &#8220;in work&#8221; state.








Workflow IV – Issue Management and Deviation Tracking



The final layer of change management involves capturing real-world failures and production deviations.




Deviation Templates:&nbsp;Used by shop floor personnel to request temporary departures from the established Bill of Materials (BOM), such as substituting an equivalent fastener when the specified one is missing.



Issue Integration:&nbsp;Customer service reports or field failures are captured via the Issue Management app and linked directly to the &#8220;Resolved By&#8221; attribute of a Change Action. A notable example involves an input sprocket failure due to poor vendor quality and long lead times. Sourcing a new North American vendor required replacing a 14-tooth sprocket with a 16-tooth sprocket, which subsequently drove a full change workflow for the transmission assembly to account for new gear ratios.



Traceability:&nbsp;Provides real-time visibility for the issue originator, tracking the resolution from initial report to engineering fix and final implementation, fully integrating field&nbsp;data into the engineering lifecycle.








Watch this recording&nbsp;to learn more and to see a real-world change workflow implemented at&nbsp;Bowhead Corporation, a manufacturer of adaptive mountain bikes and wheelchairs.



Watch more on-demand sessions from 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 here: https://www.solidworks.com/community/best-of-3dexperience-world-2026




 ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ SOLIDWORKS PLM R2026x FD02: Key Updates Across Standard, Professional, and Premium ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/solidworks-plm-r2026x-fd02-key-updates-across-standard-professional-and-premium/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/70146</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Updates include project planning enhancements, scenario comparison and more. 
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ 
In my last&nbsp;blog,&nbsp;I introduced the new PLM roles, including the SOLIDWORKS PLM Standard role, the SOLIDWORKS PLM Professional role and the SOLIDWORKS PLM Premium role. These PLM roles are made for designers, engineers, project managers, and enterprise stakeholders. They connect teams on the&nbsp;3DEXPERIENCE platform to streamline product development, data management, and change execution.



New enhancements in the R2026x FD02 update provide a more intuitive user experience and help project teams understand changes and make more informed decisions. Main features covered in this update include:




Project planning enhancements



Scenario comparison



Classification management improvements



Supplier management and risk tracking



Engineering definition — Physical Product Relationship View




Let’s review what’s new below.



PROJECT MANAGEMENT



“Contributes To&#8221; for Project Planning Tasks



Link documents, issues, and physical products directly to a task using the new Contributes To field. Connecting related objects to tasks gives project teams clearer visibility into dependencies and keeps all relevant work in one place.







Bookmark for File Upload in Multi-Edit Mode



Assign the upload destination bookmark to multiple tasks at once, rather than updating them one by one. The Bookmark for File Upload option — which controls where task attachments and deliverables are saved — is now available when editing tasks in bulk.







Scenario Comparison



Compare a project scenario against the current project to see exactly what changed. Tasks that were added, modified, deleted, or reparented are highlighted with color-coded icons, making it easy to navigate differences and selectively undo changes before committing.







CLASSIFICATION MANAGEMENT



Redesigned Classification Attribute Creation



Create classification attributes faster with a redesigned dialog box that simplifies the process and reduces the steps needed to define new attributes.







Exporting Selected Classification Attributes



Export only the classification attributes you need from the IP Classification Editor instead of exporting the full set — saving time and giving you precise control over what gets shared or archived.







Default Sorting of Authorized Values



Authorized values for classification attributes are now sorted naturally or alphabetically, making it faster to find the right value when classifying objects.







SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT



Show Information Panel



View key details for buyers, suppliers, and MEI components directly in the Information Panel, without opening each object separately.







Supplier Risk Management



View all risks associated with a supplier by opening a supplier’s ID card. Create and manage risks from the Supplier’s Risks tab. Centralizing risk information alongside supplier data gives procurement and supply chain teams a complete picture in one place.



Note: Creating new risks requires the Risk Manager (RSK-OC) role.







ENGINEERING DEFINITION



Physical Product Relationship View



See all objects related to a physical product — including specifications, attachments, and alternates — directly in the panel without leaving the panel. Having relationships visible in context speeds up decision-making and reduces time spent hunting across the product structure.







Go&nbsp;here&nbsp;for more on the latest enhancements and to watch the associated videos and see how you can benefit from faster workflows, better visibility, and smarter data management.



Want to learn more? Each role targets specific needs. The SOLIDWORKS PLM Standard role provides cross-functional BOM management, CAD-connected project planning, and raw materials management. The SOLIDWORKS PLM Professional role includes these capabilities, along with 3D digital product mockups, formal change management, and software source code integration. The SOLIDWORKS PLM Premium role includes all the capabilities of Standard and Professional, in addition to multi-library IP classification, supplier network management, manufacturer item management and product variant management.



Go here for more information and a comparison chart. Not sure which role is right for you? Talk to your reseller!




 ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ The Real Cost of Losing Engineering Data ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/the-real-cost-of-losing-engineering-data/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/69400</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Engineering data loss in SOLIDWORKS environments drives hidden costs through rework, lost productivity, and delayed decisions. Learn the root causes and how better data management reduces risk and protects design integrity.
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ 








Most engineering teams have experienced it at least once. A file goes missing. A model won&#8217;t open. A critical revision cannot be found after a role change or system update. What starts as a small interruption quickly turns into hours of searching, recreating work, or guessing which version is correct.



When these interruptions become common, they affect much more than the immediate work. As they repeat across projects and over time, the effort spent dealing with missing or unreliable data begins to add up.



Engineering and manufacturing teams rely on digital data to design, validate, and deliver products. When that data is lost, incomplete, or unreliable, the impact shows up in rework, recovery effort, and reduced productivity. Over time, those costs compound.



How Engineering Data Is Commonly Lost



When people hear the term “data loss,” they often think of security breaches or ransomware attacks; however, most data loss occurs due to more ordinary causes.



See the Infographic:&nbsp;The Real Cost of Losing Data



The infographic shows that common causes of data loss include hardware failures (such as power surges), human errors (such as accidental deletions), and software corruption. Theft and physical damage, such as fire or flooding, account for a much smaller portion. Computer viruses represent an even smaller share.



These scenarios are all too familiar: a workstation fails, a laptop is dropped, a file transfer fails during a system update, or a team member leaves, leaving files scattered across local drives and shared folders. The outcome is the same: critical information becomes inaccessible when it is needed most.



The Hidden Time Cost of Missing Data



One of the most overlooked impacts of data loss is the time spent searching.



Engineers spend close to 23% of their time searching for the data they need. That is more than a day of the workweek not spent designing, analyzing, or solving problems.



Even when files are not completely lost, poor visibility into where data lives or which version is the most current creates friction and wastes time hunting for the right model. Decisions are delayed because someone is unsure whether the data is complete. Small interruptions accumulate into real schedule pressure.



When Lost Data Turns Into Rework



Lost or unreliable data often forces engineers to recreate work that already exists.



Engineering teams frequently spend an entire day each week on non-value-added data management tasks, such as recreating lost data, rather than focusing on design work.



Rework affects more than productivity. It introduces risk. Recreated models may differ slightly from the originals. Assumptions get repeated instead of validated. Downstream teams may not realize that what they are using is a reconstruction rather than the original source.



Over time, this erodes confidence in the data itself.



Recovery Is Not Guaranteed



Another uncomfortable reality is that not all lost data comes back.



A significant portion of lost data is never fully restored due to corruption, configuration problems, or missing dependencies.



In engineering environments, partial recovery can be just as problematic as total loss. A drawing without its referenced models, or a simulation without its setup files, may technically exist, but it cannot be used with confidence. At that point, teams are often forced back into rework mode.



Why This Becomes a Business Problem



When data loss or unreliability becomes routine, the effects extend beyond engineering. Organizations experience reduced productivity, increased rework, and delayed decision-making. Projects take longer. Costs increase quietly. Teams spend more time managing files and less time solving problems, and creating optimized products.



These are not one-time events. Data loss is often a frequent event, especially as teams grow, products become more complex, and roles change.



Making Data Protection a Priority



Data loss is common, and recovery is not always possible. That reality makes prevention and management critical.



Protecting engineering data requires thoughtful data management strategies that safeguard information while preserving its integrity and accessibility. When teams know where data lives, who owns it, and which version is current, they spend less time searching and recreating work.



Addressing data vulnerabilities does not eliminate every problem, but it reduces how often teams encounter them. Fewer missing files. Fewer rebuilds. Fewer moments spent wondering whether the data can be trusted.



In engineering, data is not a support function. It is part of the work itself. When data is protected, teams spend less time recovering from avoidable setbacks and more time moving designs forward.



Learn how to protect your data with SOLIDWORKS.
 ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Introducing the New SOLIDWORKS PLM Roles and R2026x FD01 Updates ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/introducing-the-new-solidworks-plm-roles-and-r2026x-fd01-updates/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/69173</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ The new SOLIDWORKS PLM roles connect team members together through a flexible, team-based and collaborative approach. 
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ 
Last fall, in the 2026x general availability (GA) release, we introduced new PLM roles, including the SOLIDWORKS PLM Standard Role and the SOLIDWORKS PLM Professional Role. In the latest functional delivery R2026x FD01, we’ve added some additional capabilities to those roles and introduced another role called the SOLIDWORKS PLM Premium role. In this blog, I’ll get you caught up on these offerings and cover the FD01 update.



The SOLIDWORKS PLM roles are cloud-based product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions designed to streamline collaboration, enhance data accuracy, and improve efficiency across engineering and manufacturing workflows. They integrate seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS design tools, offering robust features for product configuration, lifecycle control, and supplier management.



The new SOLIDWORKS PLM Premium role helps you go beyond design engineering with full product configuration for reuse and variability, robust hardware and software integration, lifecycle control, and supplier management.



This solution offers the following functionality:




Accelerate ideas all the way to completion&nbsp;through simple and assisted iterative planning, execution, and monitoring of projects. Connect team members together through a flexible, team-based and collaborative approach. Team members rapidly define, refine and complete their activities and deliverables through continuous planning and execution, with an innovative engine automatically optimizing the schedule to meet key milestones and delivery dates. This functionality automatically schedules and optimizes project activities to meet key milestones and delivery dates, providing real-time updates and notifications to team members. This functionality delivers all schedule changes to all project members in real-time.





Access up-to-date information and collaborate easily on product structures. Accelerate product definition by maximizing data reuse, reducing the complexity of product structure, simplifying product governance and ensuring adherence to corporate standards.





Collaborate on proposed changes and change assessments, and then implement product changes through an automated process.





Ensure regulatory compliance and reduce the time to market with controlled and structured product specification data. Quickly execute product changes by utilizing the “where used” analysis to provide the right information to the right users at the right time.





Create, modify and explore multi-CAD product structures in a single context, enhancing understanding of designs and design changes. It helps you reduce design iterations by making review and digital mockup of designs, design variants and proposed changes universally accessible to stakeholders.





Access powerful classification schemes and features to organize and retrieve&nbsp;3DEXPERIENCE&nbsp;Intellectual Property (IP).





Manage software source code and build artifacts in a multi-disciplinary product structure for traceability and governance.





&nbsp;Define all product variants in a single configured product structure. Retrieve parts from impacted variants in real-time through an “overloaded” design session to rapidly converge on the optimum design.





Facilitate the process of approving and qualifying manufacturing equivalent items in a centralized system to ensure new components are aligned with sourcing and engineering strategies.





Centralize the process for defining key supplier information and relationships.





Define, compare, manage and update the&nbsp;Manufacturing Bill of Material&nbsp;(MBOM) from the Engineering Bill of Material (EBOM) Product Manager




You can catch a demo of the new role&nbsp;here.







In the FD01 update, we added more capabilities to the Standard and Professional roles. The SOLIDWORKS PLM Standard role enables you to shorten engineering lead time and complete and validate the product engineering definition while reducing resources and overall project execution costs.









Also, here is a brief description of the other two roles released in the fall of last year.



The SOLIDWORKS PLM Professional role enables you to build, visualize, and complete multi-CAD product structures by using a closed-loop collaborative change process, reducing resources and project execution costs.









FD01 Updates:&nbsp;



PROJECT MANAGEMENT



Enterprise Project Forecast Dates



Calculate the forecast dates and duration for an enterprise project based on the project&#8217;s configured forecast mode. If task progress is not proceeding according to plan, or is meeting or exceeding the planned dates, forecast information is calculated based on the forecast mode selected.



Duration of Multi-Selected Tasks



The properties panel for multi-selected tasks shows the earliest start date and the latest end date of the selected tasks. The total duration reflects the number of days between the earliest start date and the latest end date. You can quickly see the entire duration of the selected tasks along with the earliest start date and the latest end date.



Now that you’re all caught up on what’s new in SOLIDWORKS PLM, are you ready to try it? What good is your 3D modeling data if you can’t easily access, find it and reuse it? We offer a comprehensive suite of both PLM and data management solutions. I’ve been covering the data management and PLM solutions here at DS SOLIDWORKS for 25years now, and I’ve learned that to get the most value out of your data, you need an integrated data management system in place. Our cloud-based and cloud-connected options leverage the&nbsp;3DEXPERIENCE platform, enabling you to access cloud-based collaboration, data management and PLM functionality. Cloud-based PLM enables secure, remote access and real-time collaboration.



Organizations can deploy SOLIDWORKS PLM solutions through a step-by-step integration process, leveraging training and support resources. The solutions offer measurable ROI through cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced product quality.



Learn more and compare SOLIDWORKS PLM packages&nbsp;here,&nbsp;and contact your local value-added reseller for a demo and for more information.&nbsp;
 ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Best Practices for Managing Weldment Structures and Cut Lists on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/best-practices-for-managing-weldment-structures-and-cut-lists-on-the-3dexperience-platform/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/21552</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Enhance the design-to-manufacturing workflow with seamless cut list management, visualization, and EBOM/MBOM…
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ Weldment design is never just about the CAD model—it’s about ensuring that every member, every cut, and every material specification flows smoothly from design to production. You can enhance this workflow with the ability to manage and visualize SOLIDWORKS cut lists on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This functionality enables you to assign a cut list for a sheet metal or weldment part that includes all the metadata and properties of the part, ensuring design accuracy, better collaboration, and downstream manufacturing.Weldment structures often serve as the backbone of structural designs and are found in a wide variety of products, including automation equipment, scientific machinery, industrial equipment, and many other specialized products. A weldment structure is a body that consists of multiple metallic structural members that are welded together.The SOLIDWORKS weldment design functionality makes it possible to design a weldment structure as a single multibody part, from sketching the basic framework and creating structural members with groups of sketch segments, to adding elements like gussets and end caps to complete the structure. In addition, you can create designs that have extrusions and generate the cut lists and bills of materials (BOMs) required for manufacturing.Why is the ability to design and save weldment parts as a single multibody part important? Instead of creating a full assembly with dozens or even hundreds of separate parts, you can capture the whole weldment structure in a single part file. Plus, changes to the sketch or structure automatically update for all related members in the structure.The Value of Cut lists Current methods of saving cut lists on Excel sheets and other formats often lead to a broken digital thread. You add your cut list to a weldment, put it on a drawing, export it, and send it along to manufacturing, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and production. But if there is a design change, cut lists will need to be manually updated and exported again, costing your design team time.With the ability to save and manage cut lists on the platform, you can avoid this scenario. When a change is made on a design it is automatically reflected in the cut list, keeping teams connected and production rolling. Engineers, project managers, and manufacturers have access to a single source of truth, reducing miscommunication and accelerating collaboration. When weldment cut lists are tied to PLM attributes, teams gain, real-time updates across projects, traceable revisions and approvals, reduced risk of shop-floor rework, and improved procurement accuracy.The SOLIDWORKS cut list feature is designed to simplify the process of communicating the BOM for multi-body designs.After creating the first structural member in a part, SOLIDWORKS adds a weldment feature and a cut list feature in the FeatureManager design tree. The cut list in the part acts like a solid body’s folder, where each unique weldment body resides in a separate folder with the name “Cut-List-Item.” You can assign custom properties to these items. Lastly, the software prepares a weldment cut list that appears as a table in the drawing. The weldment cut list contains all information similar to a BOM. The cut list groups bodies automatically based on similar geometry.Types of Cut lists:
    Structure Member- bodies created using structure system or structural member features.
    Sheet Metal Member- bodies created using sheet metal features.
    Generic Member- all other bodies in a part, created using generic modeling features.
Publishing Cut List Items on the 3DEXPERIENCE PlatformTo publish cut list items, save the SOLIDWORKS part as a weldment part on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The side panel displays the extension of the weldment part as “SW Weldment Part.” Keep in mind to save the SOLIDWORKS part as a weldment part, it must meet the following criteria:
      Part must not have already been saved on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
      The part must contain a weldment feature.
      The part must be flagged as a single physical product.
Publishing cut list items on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform also has some requirements, including:
      The part must be a weldment part.
      The cut list must be up-to-date.
      The cut list item property must have the cut list ID.
To publish cut list items on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform:With a weldment part open, click Options on the Standard toolbar, select the Document Properties tab, and then select Weldments.In the Document Properties Weldments dialog box, under Cut list IDs, select Generate Cut list IDs, and click OK.In the 3DEXPERIENCE Task Pane, right-click the part and click Save.Best Practices for Managing Cut Lists on the PlatformManaging weldment structures efficiently is critical for design accuracy, downstream manufacturing, and collaboration across teams. Here are my recommendations to ensure data integrity, consistency, and traceability.
    Create template files for Weldment parts, ensuring they align with the data model.
    Standardize the cut list ID definition.
    Do not publish the cut list until the design change management status is mature and almost ready to release.
    Freeze the SOLIDWORKS data while cut list items are being enriched.
    Define custom properties early.
Populate critical metadata such as material, finish, and cut length directly in the cut list. Doing this at the design stage ensures that BOMs, manufacturing instructions, and procurement data remain accurate.
    Link cut list properties to PLM attributes.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows direct mapping between weldment cut list properties and PLM attributes. Linking these fields ensures that changes made in CAD automatically reflect in the platform, reducing manual errors.
    Audit cut lists regularly.
Before finalizing assemblies, review cut lists for missing or duplicate entries. A quick audit prevents fabrication delays and costly shop floor mistakes.
    Automate updates where possible. Take advantage of the platform’s ability to automatically update cut lists when weldment geometry changes. This ensures your design-to-manufacturing handoff is seamless and error-free.
Best Practices for Weldment Structures
    Standardize profiles and libraries.
    Use standardized weldment profiles across your design teams to avoid mismatched members and inconsistent cut list results. Storing these profiles on the platform ensures everyone works from the same data set.
    Leverage templates for efficiency.
    Save time by creating weldment templates that define common structures, profiles, and properties. Templates reduce repetitive setup and promote design consistency across projects.
    Apply clear naming conventions.
    Consistent member naming and property definitions in weldments make downstream reports easier to read and interpret. Avoid vague labels that lead to confusion in the cut list or BOM.
By adopting these best practices on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, teams not only reduce errors but also create a connected, collaborative approach to design.Cut list support functionality became available earlier this year, and I hope you are taking advantage of this functionality. See a short video here on 3DSwym.Did you know that 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is now available through our online store? Discover what it can do for you. ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ CIMdata Says the Key to Success is Controlling Your IP ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/cimdata-says-the-key-to-success-is-controlling-your-ip/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/23339</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:00:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Learn how you can streamline designs and protect your Intellectual Property (IP)…
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ Starting last July, all new SOLIDWORKS licenses come with Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS. Existing SOLIDWORKS users also have an easy path to upgrading their subscription by adding Cloud Services.But why should they?To provide a comprehensive answer, we asked CIMdata, a premier independent research firm specializing in product lifecycle management (PLM), to conduct an in-depth analysis of Cloud Services and their benefits to SOLIDWORKS users.We published the result of this analysis in Designing Your Future—Your On-Ramp to the Cloud. This eBook delves into the progression of mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) technologies, explains the expanding role of designers within a broader engineering ecosystem, and explores methodologies for the effective management of intellectual property (IP).Read on for a sneak peek into a few key points.Managing Design Activities It’s critical that your team is aligned and working toward the same goals. Even small design teams require strategies to segment projects into manageable tasks. Traditionally, teams track progress through meetings, emails, engineering change orders (ECOs), or project management tools with Gantt charts and Excel sheets to prioritize tasks—all fragmented processes to be sure.Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS offers an integrated solution for task scheduling and project oversight within the context of a product’s visual structure. Its Kanban-style interface minimizes your need for extensive preparation before design reviews by linking tasks directly to the relevant parts, assemblies, and drawings. This approach allows teams to concentrate on the actual design during in-person or online meetings instead of relying on prepared screenshots to highlight issues or concerns.Also, any team member can check the progress of design tasks at literally any time and examine the 3D models at any stage of the development process without even opening SOLIDWORKS. This increased efficiency fosters a more collaborative environment throughout the project lifecycle.Managing ChangeAccording to CIMdata, a crucial aspect of maintaining data quality and integrity lies in effective revision management. The journey of product development is inherently non-linear. Not all proposed modifications are included in the final design. Tracking both the released and in-progress versions of a product is an essential yet increasingly complex task even for seemingly simple products.The integration of Cloud Services with the SOLIDWORKS desktop simplifies storage while maintaining external references. The system enables the creation of new revisions without the need to alter file names, streamlining the storage process. Revision management conveniently lets teams customize their workspace directly within the cloud-based environment and maintain multiple versions of their work without having to install new software or perform complex setup procedures.Successful CollaborationEffective collaboration on product data presents unique challenges. A flaw in many visualization tools on the market is how easily files can become disconnected from the original product data. Ensuring all stakeholders are viewing the correct version of a file is a basic but very important necessity of product development. Sharing a representation of a 3D part with non-engineering stakeholders can be a game changer: A 3D image is worth a thousand words.Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS offers a contemporary solution for sharing design data that keeps CAD files secure and accessible in a managed environment without the need for any software installation or file downloads.Cloud-based solutions facilitate real-time collaboration with stakeholders, regardless of location, and eliminate concerns about firewall protection for on-premises data and IP. Organizations continue to manage password security, while global cloud provider Dassault Systèmes invests significantly in cloud security to offer a level of data and process security assurance that individual customers may find challenging to achieve on their own.Learn MoreIn partnership with CIMdata, we’ve delved into the transformative impact of Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS through our eBook, Designing Your Future—Your On-Ramp to the Cloud. This analysis highlights the critical role of Cloud Services in modernizing MCAD technologies, streamlining design activities, securing IP management, and more.With Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS, your team can enjoy an integrated platform for task scheduling and project oversight featuring a Kanban-style interface for seamless design review preparations and real-time task tracking. Furthermore, our solution simplifies revision management and facilitates robust collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring data integrity and security without the cumbersome need for software installations or complex setups.Don’t let outdated processes hold you back. Embrace the future of product development and make more time for design with Cloud Services. Download CIMdata’s comprehensive eBook, Designing Your Future—Your On-Ramp to the Cloud, and see how easily you can transition to a more efficient and secure way of managing your design data and intellectual property. ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Automatic Archiving in SOLIDWORKS Electrical: Setup Guide ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/automatic-archiving-in-solidworks-electrical-setup-guide/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/20231</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:00:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Since the inception of SOLIDWORKS Electrical, the Environmental Archive function has allowed…
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ Since the inception of SOLIDWORKS Electrical, the Environmental Archive function has allowed users and administrators of SOLIDWORKS Electrical to back up their vital data for restoration. As of SOLIDWORKS Electrical 2021, your team can automatically use Windows Task Scheduler to set and run the archive in the background without interruption. (See #1 feature in this blog). In this guide, we’ll go over the options and steps for setting up automatic archiving on your Electrical Server.
Setting Up Automatic Archiving Using Windows Task Scheduler
Before setting up automatic archiving using Windows Task Scheduler on your SOLIDWORKS Electrical server, you’ll need to install the Electrical Client. This will allow you to schedule the executable that runs the archiving process. If you plan to run the task during off-hours, as is commonly done, it’s important to install the client on the server first.
After installing the client, you can access the Windows Task Scheduler by searching for it in the search bar.



Once open, scroll through the available tasks in Task Scheduler Library; you may see one already there that you can configure, but if it is not present, click in the right Actions panel to create your own new task.



Double-click the Task to edit the options.  Start with the General tab to ensure privileges and user settings will run the task properly.



Configure the Triggers Tab for Automatic Archiving
Next, visit the Triggers tab and set the frequency and timing for the archiver. It’s recommended to schedule the task during off-hours to avoid interrupting your user base. Be sure to enable the task when setting it up. This is one of the main benefits of using the Task Scheduler for automatic archiving.
*** Note: Make sure the task is enabled ***



Configure the Actions Tab for Automatic Archiving
The Actions tab allows targeting of the key application.  The default path for the executable to run in the task schedule is below; target the ewenvironmentarchiver.exe, and when added, edit it to include “runwithlastoption” in the program’s execution.
C:Program FilesSOLIDWORKS CorpSOLIDWORKS ElectricalbinEwEnvironmentArchiverewenvironmentarchiver.exe



Setting Up the Conditions Tab
Review the conditions and settings and confirm.
Verifying the Archive on the Server
Now Open SOLIDWORKS Electrical on the server and press Home&gt;Archive Environment&gt;Run External Archiver (path may vary if not running 2022), taking a moment to confirm your archive style, the application path (as shown above), and the destination folder. It’s recommended to choose a destination folder that is either off the server running SOLIDWORKS Electrical or backed up off-premise to ensure the Archive file can be recovered in case of server failure.






A Few Tips and Reminders for Successful Archiving:
1) Try scheduling your initial time in the Triggers tab so you can observe the task firing off and finishing. This will shorten troubleshooting.



2)  If successful, you can see the Archive file appear, as well as a log for review



3)  Ensure you include “runwithlastoption” in the Actions tab
4)  Over time, the pile of archive files will start to take up space, so be sure to revisit the folders and prune the older archives.
Visit SOLIDWORKS Electrical Help for a review of the necessary settings and steps.
Contact Us
If you enjoyed this list of SOLIDWORKS Electrical tips, there are plenty more resources available. Check out our blogs covering SOLIDWORKS Electrical or more on our YouTube Tech Tip videos.
Have a question? We’re always available to talk over the phone, for you to leave a message, or for you to submit a request – just contact us.
Written by Evan Stanek, Electrical Applications Engineer at GSC, an Ellison Technologies Company.  Evan has over 10 years of experience as an Electrical Applications Engineer. Prior to GSC, he worked as an engineer in the broadcasting field designing panel layouts and schematics/installations for transmitter control systems, as well as network and control layouts for radio studios. Evan is a certified SOLIDWORKS Electrical Trainer and Electrical Applications Engineer (CSWE). ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Why Cloud-based PLM? ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/why-cloud-based-plm/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/24400</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:00:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Read this blog to learn how cloud-based data management makes it easier…
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ Traditional client/server product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are still pervasive throughout industry. Larger enterprises rely on PLM to manage vast amounts of data that support the ongoing evolution of design through manufacturing. Implementing traditional PLM systems typically involves a high degree of complexity and customization that often translates into considerable time and costs to the business.Cloud-based technology, however, changes the PLM game, especially for small to midsize businesses. Companies can “switch on” and pay for only the functionality they need. As business grows, a simple flip of a switch adds more PLM functions. Plus, cloud-based data management systems are easier to use and offer more affordable pricing models, in addition to reducing IT overhead.Cloud-based data management makes it easier for companies of any size to handle the complexities of the entire product record. Remote employees, suppliers, and customers can easily participate in product development. Collaboration is more efficient when data resides in a singular secure place that literally everyone on the team can access regardless of geographical location.3DEXPERIENCE Works data management tools allow teams to store, manage, and collaborate on SOLIDWORKS design data when connected to the cloud-based platform.Start at the Beginning and Grow from ThereCompanies that use SOLIDWORKS typically start their data management efforts with engineering workgroup capabilities on the cloud that include the basics:   collaboration, communication, revision control, and task management tools along with a data repository. As business grows, adding more PLM capabilities, such as building and managing manufacturing bills of material (MBOM), is a snap.When connected to the cloud, SOLIDWORKS engineers can access PLM functionality directly from their design environment because CAD data can be stored and managed in various file formats. Plus, additional functionality to facilitate design, engineering, simulation, and manufacturing are available within the 3DEXPERIENCE portfolio of product development solutions.Easily accessible cloud-based tools speed design and engineering iterations that can be realized with fewer physical prototypes to finalize product development. Customers receive what they want faster, with higher satisfaction, while the manufacturer reduces overhead. Product development teams are better able to produce what matters most to their company: high quality products that beat the competition to market.Find, Share, and Re-use DataEngineers building new products benefit from reviewing past designs. Finding such designs becomes incredibly challenging if the engineer who built a previous product has left the company. It is easy to access, search, and reuse product-related data on a cloud-based data management platform. With a single place for all data, engineers will spend less time looking and more time finding what they need.All too often, manufacturing teams receive the data they need late in the design phase. With relevant data, manufacturing could make valuable contributions early in the design process that may help engineering lower the number of parts in an assembly, reduce material requirements, speed production, or avoid costly last-minute changes.A cloud-based environment makes it easy to involve manufacturing on the front end of design, allowing team members to access and collaborate on product data in real time, which improves communication and efficiency. Enabling early collaboration between engineering and manufacturing helps prevent downstream issues and builds camaraderie instead of frustration between departments.A Single Source of Truth3DEXPERIENCE Works offers a single product definition, allowing anyone in a company, based on their function and access rights, to view, modify, and contribute to one continuous workflow and one single source of truth in real time. Connecting all the relevant people with complete visibility of the changes and progress, deliverables, processes, and tools advances product development.A single source of truth at every stage of the product lifecycle, including BOM and change management, provides the continuity and traceability to develop innovative products more efficiently. Hand-offs are eliminated as teams work in parallel because updates are automatically loaded to the platform for immediate access.Visibility of crucial information via real-time dashboards and reports provides product development leaders with critical data. Data accessibility also enables increased connectivity to the business network and suppliers, and it facilitates decision making. Complete data visibility improves collaboration and communication and reduces errors and mistakes.Effective Solutions That Increase Quality3DEXPERIENCE Works can combine the renowned ease of SOLIDWORKS with all the best-in-class applications developed by Dassault Systèmes that facilitate ideation, design, simulation, data management, manufacturing, marketing, and sales–all in a securely shared environment.Leverage the power of 3DEXPERIENCE Works to lead the next generation of product development. Contact your local reseller for a personalized demo.  ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ How to Lead the Next Generation of Product Development ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/how-to-lead-the-next-generation-of-product-development/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/24599</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2023 13:00:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ Combine SOLIDWORKS with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to connect all the people, data,…
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ Managers, directors, or VPs of product development must ensure that their teams produce functional, reliable, ergonomic, aesthetically pleasing, manufacturable, and marketable products cost-effectively. Every. Single. Time.No pressure, right? But wait, there’s more.The typical product development process, from design through manufacturing, produces staggering amounts of data, often from disparate applications. A mechanical design project may contain thousands of files, including part, assembly, and drawing files; simulation files; and manufacturing (CAM) files. Legacy files also need to be easily accessed for reuse. Further, daily communication files such as spreadsheets, PDFs, and emails (among countless others) must be managed. How do you quickly and effectively capture, manage, and leverage this data for the benefit of the company?Due to the Great Resignation, attracting and retaining the right talent has become an ongoing concern, adding another layer of complexity for product development leaders. Location is now rarely a deciding factor in hiring, so enabling flexibility regarding location has become an imperative as businesses must create new ways to find, keep, and motivate employees. The best talent wants to work with the most innovative companies. Further, employees empowered to maximize their potential and continuously improve their skills are happier and less likely to leave a company.Secures CooperationWe have discussed how designers and engineers can benefit from an integrated environment. But what about manufacturing?It is still fairly typical for small to midsize manufacturers to rely on emails, faxes, and phone calls as the primary vehicles to communicate with customers. However, just as designers do, manufacturing can work from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that is automatically in sync with product development. This is true whether products are produced in-house or with outside suppliers.Design engineers and manufacturing have a history of strained relationships. Not being on the same page can hurt productivity, resulting in higher product costs. The cloud-based platform’s tools enable you to create project Communities where you can securely invite everyone on the project, including customers and suppliers, to collaborate.Real-time design for manufacturing (DFM) advice from the shop floor or suppliers avoids potentially expensive downstream issues. Plus, all communication is captured on the platform, so traceability is built right in. Availing everyone involved in 3D reviews is like sharing a common language.When designers and engineers are connected to manufacturing earlier in the process, late-stage product issues become a thing of the past.Gets Everyone on the Same PageBeing a product development leader is not easy. It is a difficult, delicate, and nuanced balancing act of communicating with the executive team while leading your design, engineering, and production teams who are in the trenches building products.The 3DEXPERIENCE Works portfolio of design-through-manufacturing solutions makes it easier to leverage your team’s respective expertise. Basic data management is integrated on the platform, and you can add more functionality as your company grows and needs change. Plus, you have access to purpose-built tools for product development that are available to all key stakeholders, from executives and design engineers to shop-floor personnel and suppliers.If you want to learn more about efficiently managing product development at your company, contact your local reseller for more information and see how 3DEXPERIENCE Works solutions can connect all aspects of your product development process. ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
<item>
      <title>
      <![CDATA[ Every SOLIDWORKS LIVE Episode on 3D Design, Simulation, &#038; more! ]]>
      </title>
      <link>https://blog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com/products/solidworks/every-solidworks-live-episode-on-3d-design-simulation-more/</link>
      <guid>https://blogs.solidworks.com/guid/24635</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:00:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <description>
      <![CDATA[ SOLIDWORKS LIVE is a livestream series hosted on YouTube and LinkedIn, showcasing…
 ]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[ SOLIDWORKS LIVE has been dedicated to showcasing the best of our software use cases and, inherently, our user community for years now. Over the past several months, we’ve put 1+ hours each into doing both of those things within subject areas like design, simulation, data management, manufacturing, and more!But, particularly for those four areas, we did our best to deliver an instructive, compelling episode for each key CAD/CAE software domain listed. This blog is a round-up of sorts, cataloging each for your viewing (or revisiting) pleasure.DESIGN: What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2023 
It’s likely true that SOLIDWORKS users are managing their data in more ways than ever. If you’re like a lot of people, you might be venturing out into doing more networking in-person than you have in the past few years. The landscape has changed; needs have changed, too, when it comes to how we store and access our engineering data.But, we don’t need to tell you that. We have nearly 1,000 SOLIDWORKS Champions working in almost every industry across the globe who can give their surveyed accounts of how they’re tackling these challenges, and where they feel the entire industry can do better. If you’re interested in hearing what a portion of those Champions had to say, check this episode out!Fun fact about the episode: This was the first episode featuring survey data from SOLIDWORKS Champions Program members. This is a program we made only a couple years ago (but has grown sporadically!) back in mid-2020. ]]>
      </content:encoded>
      </item>
    </channel>
   </rss>