SOLIDWORKS PDM – Are you backing up your critical data? Here’s how you can be better prepared

Imagine this: a critical design file disappears overnight. Maybe it was an accidental deletion, a virus attack, or a sudden hardware failure. Whatever the cause, without a solid backup strategy, recovering that data could be nearly impossible—and the cost to your business could be enormous.

Why Backups Matter

Engineering teams generate massive amounts of data every single day. That means your backup strategy needs to keep pace. In SOLIDWORKS PDM, two areas are absolutely critical to back up daily:

1. Archive Folder

This is where your physical files live—on the Archive Server. The good news? You can back up this folder using any standard backup software. Simple, but essential.

2. SQL Database

Here’s where things get tricky. The SQL database stores all your metadata and version history, and most standard backup tools don’t handle SQL databases properly. You have two options:

• Use Microsoft SQL Server Maintenance Plans (included with SQL Server).
• Invest in third-party software designed for SQL database backups.

Timing Is Everything

Even if you back up both areas, restoring data can be a nightmare if the versions don’t match. The solution? Schedule backups to run as close together as possible—SQL first (it’s faster), then the archive folder.

Your Backup Checklist

To keep your vault safe, follow these best practices:

✔ Back up both the archive folder and the SQL database.
✔ Schedule backups at least once per day.
✔ Automate the process—avoid manual backups.
✔ Run backups close together in time.
✔ Verify regularly—make sure backups are happening as scheduled.

Final Thoughts

A robust backup strategy isn’t just a safety net—it’s a business-critical process. By implementing these steps, you’ll protect your data, minimize downtime, and keep your projects moving forward no matter what happens.

Ready to safeguard your vault? Start by reviewing your current backup schedule today. If you’re not backing up daily—or if your SQL database isn’t included—it’s time to make a change.