Get Up to Speed on SOLIDWORKS Cloud-connected Role Enhancements in 2022

By

Fall is always an exciting time as we unveil the new releases of SOLIDWORKS® software. It’s also a good time to bring users up to speed on what we’ve done in 2022 to make sure they are using the software to its fullest potential.

In this blog I’ll walk you through some of the key enhancements that have been added in the quarterly functional deliveries (FD) to the SOLIDWORKS cloud-connected roles, 3DEXPERIENCE® SOLIDWORKS and Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS. These roles enable SOLIDWORKS users to connect their data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; and leverage its cloud-based data management and collaboration capabilities. Here is a look back at what’s been added thus far in 2022.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

February 2022 Update R2022x FD01

Featured Updates:

  •         Add Bookmarks While Saving to the3DEXPERIENCE platform

In FD01 we added the ability to specify a Bookmark for new content when uploading in Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE so you can keep your data more organized.

  •         Access Information Panel from MySession

Access this command in the Action bar to pull up the Information Panel in MySession. From this panel you can access various information from your selected object such as:

– Properties
– Sharing
– Comment
– Relations
– Derived Outputs
– Revisions
– Specification Documents
– Attachments

This capability puts all information right at your fingertips and minimizes app switching.

Easily pull up the Information Panel in MySession to access key component attributes with a single click.

 

  •         Streamlined Collaboration Between Platform Users

Easily bring in non-native components created in 3D Creator or 3D Sculptor into your SOLIDWORKS assemblies. You can then create SOLIDWORKS-derived parts from those inserted components. Simply right click and search for the non-native files and bring them into your SOLIDWORKS environment to add them to your design.

April 2022 Update R2022x FD02

Featured Update:

  •        Maturity Transition Rule for Drawing Related Objects

Set a maturity transition rule for your drawings in the Change Maturity tab to ensure all components are ready for the next phase of your workflow, such as a design studies, prototyping, design engineering and release to manufacturing. For instance, you can block a drawing’s transition if its’ components are not in the targeted maturity state. This setting reduces errors and helps you avoid releasing a drawing when it’s not ready.

To learn more about this release go here.

July 2022 Update (R2022x FD03)

Featured Update:

  •        Offline Mode

This was a big one for this release as the option to work in offline mode was introduced enabling users to work offline in locations that don’t have internet, say on an airplane on a site or in other remote locations. Check out this how-to for tips and tricks and how to use offline mode.

Plan ahead and use Offline mode when you know you will be in a location without internet.

 

To learn more about this release go here.

COLLABORATIVE DESIGNER FOR SOLIDWORKS

February 2022 Update (R2022x FD01)

Featured Update:

  •        Streamlined Collaboration between Platform Users

Easily bring in non-native components created in 3D Creator or 3D Sculptor into your SOLIDWORKS assemblies. You can then create SOLIDWORKS-derived parts from those inserted components. We’ve made this process even more convenient. Simply right click and search for the non-native files and bring them into your SOLIDWORKS environment to add them to your design.

Learn more about this release here.

April 2022 Update (R2022x FD02)    

 Featured Update:

  •        Batch Save Keeps the Folder Structure

When you save a folder in the Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE dialog box all its’ subfolders will be saved with it and be maintained in the Bookmark Editor. When you do a search on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for the folder it will include all the subfolders, so you no longer have to reference your local folder structure on your desktop, which will save you time and help you stay organized.

You can classify data under a bookmark structure that reflects the local folder and easily access it on the 3DEXPEREINCE platform.

 

Learn more about this release here.

July 2022 Update (R2022x FD03)

 Featured Update:

  •         Prepare Data as a Package for External Sharing Straight from 3DDrive AND Add a Drawing

You now have more great options for preparing and sharing data with external stakeholders with the ability to package data via 3DDrive on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform; and also add a drawing to the existing package.

From the Unified X-CAD Design Exchanger dialog box you’ll now notice a new 3DDrive option under Destination where you assign your package name, in addition to the local drive option. You can also set up access rights for the recipient such as Read-only or Edit. In this release we also added the capability to add associated drawings to your package for export as well.

Learn more about this release here.

September 2022 Update (R2022x FD04)

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS

Here’s a glimpse of what’s been done in the latest releases of R2022x FD04 for both cloud-connected roles 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS.

Featured Updates:

  •        Data Extraction Utility

Project members who have the Product Structure Explorer app can access native SOLIDWORKS data speeding up collaboration time. They can easily get the data from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and share it with other project stakeholders, such as vendors and manufacturers.

  •        Include Relations in the Product Structure

When navigating over an assembly structure, this feature will enable the user to reveal/show the drawings if any exist in the assembly.

Easily identify related drawings in the product structure by expanding the view.

 

  •        Include Drawings in Derived Outputs Dialog Box

You can now include a drawing with the “Include Linked Drawings” option under 2D formats using the Product Structure app. This gives you the ability to download derived outputs of an assembly along with its drawings for sharing internally or externally.

To see what else is new in the FD04 release of these cloud-connected roles go here.

Cloud-connected Client Success

See the stories below to learn how companies across various industries are cutting design cycles and eliminating errors while increasing collaboration and automation with the cloud-connected roles.

Pharmabotix

Pharmabotix realized design time savings of 20 to 30 percent with Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS. Read the case study here.

Konica Minolta

Konica Minoltacut development cycles by 25 percent and improved and automated data management with 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS. Read the case study here.

Extend Product Development Beyond Your Desktop

If you haven’t connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform yet, you have three options to extend your product development initiatives beyond the desktop.

Connect your existing SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS enabling you to upload, store, manage, and share files online directly from within SOLIDWORKS.

With 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, access SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD natively connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, as well as next generation browser-based design solutions, and secure cloud data management tools.

With the SOLIDWORKS Cloud offer, you can access next-generation, browser-based design tools and secure data management tools–all native on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

For more information or to get a demo of all the new capabilities contact your local reseller.

 

Mariana St. Germain

Mariana is passionate about helping businesses and business professionals to leverage the power of technology to bring their dreams to life. In her current role, she is responsible for go-to-market strategy at SOLIDWORKS. Her past contributions include technology marketing at companies like Intuit, Constant Contact, and LogMeIn. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and two daughters, practicing yoga, and being active outdoors.