Javelin / TriMech Author
Justin Williams
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional Convert Task Execution Method
By Justin Williams on July 3, 2020
Within SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, when creating a task after selecting which computers can support the task, we have 3 options for the execution method; Let the system choose the computers to execute the task Prompt the user to choose a computer when the task is…
How to add a Zoom To Fit command to the SOLIDWORKS PDM Convert Task
By Justin Williams on July 2, 2020
The SOLIDWORKS PDM convert task, opens the model, and completes a save as PDF. If the last save of the model was zoomed out, it can result in an excess of empty space, as shown in the example below: With a small edit to the…
How to prevent transition actions from selecting all child references in SOLIDWORKS PDM – Updated
By Justin Williams on June 24, 2020
By default when SOLIDWORKS PDM transition actions complete a change state operation on a file, all the referenced files will be selected to transition: You can de-select any files to exclude them from the transition. Some users like the files selected by default, as it…
When creating a new SOLIDWORKS PDM Vault View, we have two options for Attach type; Only for me For all users on this computer Or if creating using the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool; which is essentially the same options, but we can choose either Yes…
How to shrink the SOLIDWORKS PDM SQL Transaction Log
By Justin Williams on March 23, 2020
Within Microsoft SQL, every SOLIDWORKS PDM vault database has a transaction log associated with it that records the modifications to the database. In some scenarios, if this log grows large it can cause performance issues within SQL and the vault. If you’ve recently changed the…
How to change the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Recovery Model
By Justin Williams on March 20, 2020
With SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard, and SQL Management Studio by default within Microsoft SQL, the recovery model option for any new databases is set to full. In some instances this can cause problems later as the full recovery model; causes the transaction log to grow…
Search within different variables using SOLIDWORKS PDM Quick Search
By Justin Williams on March 4, 2020
With the new Quick Search feature included in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020, it’s possible to search within multiple variables right from Windows Explorer; By default, when searching using an AND or NOT operator, it will search for both values within the same variable. In this example,…
How to change the default Recovery Model Option for new SQL Databases
By Justin Williams on February 26, 2020
By default when a new database is created within Microsoft SQL the recovery model option is set to full. If you’re capturing daily backups, a full recovery model can cause issues with the transaction log affecting performance. We’ve previously looked at how to change the…
Use keyboard shortcuts to access searches in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020
By Justin Williams on December 13, 2019
There have been lots of enhancements added to the search function within SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020, like the new Quick Search and the ability to search multiple variables. Another enhancement I’m a big fan of, are the keyboard shortcuts we can use to access the search…
New PDM Options for processes in SOLIDWORKS Manage 2020
By Justin Williams on December 12, 2019
In SOLIDWORKS Manage 2020, we have more options for PDM outputs from a process; Process Configuration Wizard > Workflow Properties Outputs Do not increment version of PDM files With this enabled, a new version won’t be created as part of the process output. This is…
Test deployment of an Administrative Image in SOLIDWORKS 2020
By Justin Williams on November 27, 2019
New in SOLIDWORKS 2020 we have the ability to test ahead of the deployment of an administrative image and resolve any issues before the push. Removing the need for multiple deployments, making installing and upgrading an easier more efficient process. The test will complete the…
How to Backup the SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Server Settings
By Justin Williams on November 8, 2019
The SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Server Settings backup should be completed as part of your regular Backup Process, but it’s also a good practice to be run ahead of any major procedures such as an migration or upgrade. It’s straight forward to configure and can be scheduled…
Enhanced navigation controls for records in SOLIDWORKS Manage 2020
By Justin Williams on November 4, 2019
The main user interface has been enhanced in SOLIDWORKS Manage 2020, adding controls that allow users to navigate and jump between records and different objects with ease. Back and Forward Navigation No need to try and remember the previous record that was selected with the…
How to use the new Quick Search option in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020
By Justin Williams on October 28, 2019
With the greatly anticipated Quick Search feature added in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020, users have a quick and convenient way to search favorite variables directly from within Windows Explorer. We can even use AND, OR, and NOT Operators to define searches with more accuracy, returning efficient…
Installing SQL Server Express and the Management Studio
By Justin Williams on October 11, 2019
The SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integral component for administrating SOLIDWORKS PDM, as it allows us to maintain and capture backups of the database. When installing a new instance of SQL Express for PDM Standard via the installation manager, the management studio is…