PDM – Using “Link to content” to Define custom file properties in Excel

With ECO’s/ECN’s, consistency of data input can be ensured by populating the ECO’s/ECN’s with Variables (Custom Properties) entered through Data Cards. These ECO’s/ECN’s are often in the form of a Word or Excel documents. In this article we will look look at creating a link between a property in Excel to a data card variable.

This article will assume that the appropriate Variable has been configured for Excel xls and/or xlsx file types

and that the Variable has been mapped to the the data card.

If you are not familiar with how this done, please refer to the SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Administration Guide.

In Excel, select  a cell column or row, that will be linked to the Custom Property.

From the Formula tab, select Define Name.

Enter the Name and select whether the Scope, will be for a particular Sheet, Sheets or the Workbook

From the menu bar select the File tab

Select Info and then Advanced Properties from the Properties pull-down

Click on the Custom Tab to add or select a custom property. Next select Link to Content and choose Source Name we defined earlier. Click Add, to create/define the Custom Property and OK, to exit Properties.

The Excel document can now be used as a template, so that information entered into the Data Card, will populate the appropriate cells.

Please refer to my blog article ‘EPDM – Mapping Variables to Microsoft Office‘ to see how this process can be applied to Microsoft Word.