Mapping Attributes in SOLIDWORKS

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Is mapping attributes in SOLIDWORKS to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform baffling to you? You’re not alone, as most of you may be used to using product data management (PDM) systems to map data.

Attributes are crucial identifiers and descriptors of files and hold distinct roles in SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. In this blog, I’ll dive into the complexities of attribute mapping, shedding light on the process, intricacies, and best practices for a smooth integration.

In the realm of 3D design and collaboration, a thorough grasp of attributes is essential to optimizing your data on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Attributes are the common language for all platform members, regardless of department. Therefore, defining attributes is one of the first tasks that a platform administrator performs when configuring the platform for first use.

Understanding Attributes

In PDM systems, attributes are referred to as variables. In the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, attributes are a set of properties that identify a product lifecycle management (PLM) object, such as name, revision, description, the weight of a part, and the material it is made from, which are used to locate data.

There are two main types of attributes: default and custom. Default attributes are the basic foundation of data management on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. They are very similar to Windows file properties.

You can also tailor your data management with custom attributes, which are very similar to your SOLIDWORKS file properties. The platform supports 270 content types, including the CAD family, physical products, and drawings. Custom attributes offer a lot of flexibility to many departments and users using various CAD content.

Both types of attributes can be accessed and viewed from Properties in the MySession panel and the Information Side Panel as well in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by right-clicking on the object.

One of the benefits of mapping your SOLIDWORKS content on the platform is the ability to search for content and filter using the 6W tags.

Another benefit is that content is stored in a central, convenient space on the cloud in a Collaborative Space, which can be private or shared with colleagues who have access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Depending on the SOLIDWORKS options available, you can create up to two classifications of SOLIDWORKS file properties, including custom properties and configuration properties, and three types of content, including parts, assemblies and drawings. These file properties are unique to SOLIDWORKS and can be mapped to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Note: only Administrators and CAD administrators can create attributes.

Mapping Workflow

  1. Data Preparation and Planning

I recommend creating the attributes before you create the CAD data so they can easily be mapped to the platform.

If you have already saved some data to the platform and then created a new attribute for it and want it to be propagated to all other data that is already saved to the platform, you can go to the Configuration Deployment and scroll to the Attribute Propagation setting to check if you need to propagate.

 

  1. Adding attributes

To add a new attribute, click the + icon at the top right of the window. When adding a new attribute, you can choose from a list of attribute types, including string, Boolean, integer, real, and date.

Choose your attribute name and title carefully. Then, verify that the attributes have been deployed.

  1. Reload Server Cache and Update Index Model

Once you create your attribute, you need to make sure it’s been deployed to the platform. When it has, there will be a green check mark next to it. To ensure that it’s synced correctly, you need to reload the server cache and update the index model. Go to Platform Management > Content > Collaborative Spaces Configuration Center > Configuration Deployment > Configuration and Server Utilities.

 

 

To ensure your data is propagated and before saving SOLIDWORKS data to the platform, you should also update your SOLIDWORKS files for compatibility. To do this, click Tools > Options > Update SOLIDWORKS files to ensure compatibility with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

 

This setting merges the two classifications of SOLIDWORKS file properties into a single Configuration Properties classification. Enabling this option is vital for aligning the file properties seamlessly with the attributes on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

 

  1. Configure Attribute Mapping

So, once you create the attribute and save it to the platform, you want to ensure it is properly mapped. To do so, use the Platform Manager role to access the Collaborative Spaces Control Center and select Attribute Management.

When you map attributes bi-directionally from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to SOLIDWORKS, those attributes become available in the PLM Attributes list for selection as Configuration Properties. However, the recommendation is to map all or as many attributes from SOLIDWORKS to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

 

After you choose the mapping direction, click Apply. Once done, you can delete, reset, and recreate any attribute mappings at any time, without affecting the attributes themselves. For example, if there is an error or performance problem when opening or saving SOLIDWORKS files to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the platform administrator can resetthe attribute mappings to disable them all. Afterward, platform members can retest the open or save scenario to determine if or how the attribute mappings affect things.

The default attributes, Description and Title, are automatically mapped for all content types. You cannot change the mapping direction for these attributes.

The default Revision attribute is also available automatically for mapping with each content type. You cannot change the mapping direction for this attribute either.

 

  1. Attribute Mapping in Use

After creating and deploying attributes and configuring the attribute mapping, you can invite users to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and they can start creating content.

Suppose you configure attribute mapping after creating content. In that case, platform members must establish a new connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on their client computers to use the mapping by doing the following:

1. Exit SOLIDWORKS.

2. Exit the 3DEXPERIENCE PLM Services(EdmServerV6.exe) by clicking the icon next to the upward carrot symbol on the Windows taskbar.

3. Relaunch SOLIDWORKS from the Compass or from a shortcut on the desktop shortcut.

4. Once you open your item in SOLIDWORKS, click on the reload from server command in the MySession toolbar.

You can edit the file properties from the SOLIDWORKS Propertiesdialog box or from the MySession Propertiesdialog box.

 

Please see the graphic below for best practices and recommendations.

Attributes are the linchpin for unlocking the 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s potential. Whether leveraging defaults or customizing, effective attribute management streamlines data processes, fostering collaboration across the design ecosystem.

Attributes are not only used in the technical form but can also be used by the sales department or any non-engineering or non-CAD department. This makes it very important that they are generic and understandable.

This step-by-step process and recommendations outlined above should serve as a helpful guide to get Administrators going with attributes.

Watch the video below to see the steps.

 

For more information, check out this best practices document on the 3DSWYM online community. (requires log-in)

Priyanka Kanherkar

Priyanka Kanherkar

Priyanka Kanherkar is a Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Roles Portfolio Manager focused on connecting SOLIDWORKS desktop with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. She has a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering specializing in Aerodynamics from the Florida Institute of Technology. Apart from work, she loves travelling, cooking and hiking. Priyanka is also a trained Indian classical dancer.