| Rev # | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | August 2021 | New document. |
| 2.0 | Nov 2023 | Updated for the current release |
Note
All SolidPractices are written as guidelines. It is a strong recommendation to use these documents only after properly evaluating your requirements. Distribution of this document is limited to Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS employees, Value Added Resellers, and customers that are on active subscription. You may not post this document on blogs or any internal or external forums without prior written authorization from Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Corporation.
This document was updated using version SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP01. If you have questions or need assistance in understanding the content, please get in touch with your designated reseller.
Acknowledgments
This document was originally authored by TriMech Solutions and reviewed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. Subsequent updates to this document were performed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation.
Preface
Your organization’s engineering and manufacturing teams have access to many powerful tools. For example, your team might have an advanced CNC milling machine. This machine did not just appear out of thin air and start making chips. It took planning for installation, training on how to operate and maintain it, and a skilled individual at the controls to ensure everything runs smoothly. Like that CNC machine, SOLIDWORKS is one of the most powerful engineering resources in an organization’s collection of tools. As with any other powerful tool, it takes knowledge to deploy, manage and maintain SOLIDWORKS so it performs optimally. This SolidPractices provides guidance to CAD administrators and introduces productivity tools that enable them to get the most out of SOLIDWORKS.
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Overview and Benefits of CAD Administration
CAD administration is essential to ensuring that SOLIDWORKS works correctly and optimally for an organization. CAD administrators have many responsibilities, including:
Deployment of SOLIDWORKS and any associated tools, such as SOLIDWORKS PDM. It is often not as simple as clicking next repeatedly while installing the software. The CAD administrator must consider many things during the deployment process.
Establishing and enforcing policies for SOLIDWORKS settings and organizational standards.
Updating SOLIDWORKS, whether for minor service packs released throughout the year, or for major version updates that occur annually.
Developing and enforcing adherence to standards and ensuring that communication of the design intent is clear and concise, regardless of who creates the design documentation.
A proficient CAD administrator provides a seamless experience that allows users to focus on design and productivity, rather than configuring or updating their CAD system.
Assigning and Managing Licenses
Types of SOLIDWORKS Licenses
There are three types of SOLIDWORKS licenses:
Standalone Licenses: Standalone licenses are tied to the workstation of a single user. When necessary, it is possible to deactivate the license and move the license to a different workstation, such as a home computer. Another term for this is machined-based activation.
Network Licenses
: Network licenses create a license pool on a network license server. This license server is typically located on-site within an organization. It can also be virtualized using supported hypervisors.3DEXPERIENCE: 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS licenses are associated with unique usernames (3DEXPERIENCE ID) for all users at an organization. Organizations purchase 3DEXPERIENCE roles which entitle users to licenses of SOLIDWORKS and other applications. )
SolidNetWork License Manager and Options File
Network licenses allow multiple users within an organization to access licenses from a license server. This is particularly helpful when there are many users that need access to the software, but not necessarily at the same time. For example, an organization may have numerous SOLIDWORKS users who occasionally perform simulation analyses on their designs. With one license of SOLIDWORKS Simulation on the network license server, they can each use the license as needed. The license returns to the pool when the add-in turns off and another user can claim the license to perform their analysis.
CAD administrators may want to monitor and control the usage of these network licenses. The SolidNetWork License Manager provides a log that can be helpful in monitoring usage. Administrators can see which licenses are in use, who is using them, and the duration of each session.
Administrators can also use an options file within the SolidNetWork License (SNL) Manager. To create the options file, the administrator can save a text file to this location:
SolidNetWork_License_Manager_install_dir\Licenses\sw_d.opt
This file allows administrators to limit licenses to specific users, or a group of users. Licenses can also be returned after a custom configured idle time.
For more information about the capabilities and syntax within the options file, refer to the following resources:
FlexNet Publisher License Administration Guide in the SolidNetWork License Manager Installation directory, by default the location is “C:\Program Files (x86)\SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Manager\Docs\flexuser\fnp_LicAdmin.pdf”
Deploying Installations
Administrative Images
Installing SOLIDWORKS on the workstations of multiple users can be a tedious process if completed one system at a time. Fortunately, SOLIDWORKS enables easier deployment by using administrative images. Administrative images make it possible to configure installations from a single source image. This image can then reside in a shared network location. SOLIDWORKS 2022 introduced three additional types of images for remote users and for those on your network.
Help Document: Using Administrative Images
Administrative Image Option Editor
The Administrative Image Option Editor (Option Editor) permits manual deployment through an email message. In this case, users receive a link to the network location where the image exists. From there, they can run the StartSWInstall.hta script to install the SOLIDWORKS software with the options specified in the administrative image. To accomplish this, users must have administrative privileges on their systems. Optionally, users can browse to this network location and run the script without receiving a link in an email message.
Administrators can also use the Option Editor to deploy installations automatically and remotely. Microsoft Task Scheduler carries out the process, which requires no input or actions from individual users. This process requires read access to the administrative images folder, and read and write access to the [admin images folder]\64bit\logs folder.
To deploy SOLIDWORKS automatically, administrators can go to the Deploy Automatically tab in the Option Editor. From this tab, they can choose specific destination client systems and groups in the Deploy column. It is possible to schedule installations to deploy immediately or for a later date or time. Administrators need to enter the client credentials of one or more destination systems. Finally, click Deploy to begin the deployment process. The status shows either Pending, Successful or Failed.
In addition to assisting with automatic deployment of administrative images, the Option Editor allows for customization of the option settings per group of machines or individual machines.
Help Document: Administrative Image Option Editor
Specific options that are customizable include defining which specific components of the SOLIDWORKS software to install. It is possible to specify other items, such as Toolbox options, SOLIDWORKS PDM Client options and SOLIDWORKS Electrical options. Administrators can also make decisions such as whether or not to upgrade an existing major version to the current version, or to create a new major version and leave the existing major version intact. The options can also specify to uninstall the existing major version before installing the new major version and to activate the product automatically when each client installation completes.
Administrators can also choose to apply a preset collection of SOLIDWORKS options by using a SOLIDWORKS Settings File.
Help Document: Including an *.sldsettings File in SOLIDWORKS Installations
Standardizing Workflows
SOLIDWORKS Settings Administrator
Standardizing practices and documentation across an organization is a primary responsibility of CAD administrators. To ensure that everyone’s CAD environment behaves identically, it is a recommendation that all users use the same settings in SOLIDWORKS. An easy way that CAD administrators can enforce this is to use the SOLIDWORKS Settings Administrator tool to create a settings file. Administrators can then apply this settings file when creating the administrative image.
An additional benefit of the SOLIDWORKS Settings Administrator tool is that it allows administrators to lock the settings for specific options. It is a good practice to lock settings such as template file locations and default templates to ensure that users adhere to organizational standards.
The SOLIDWORKS Settings Administrator tool allows multiple starting options. Administrators can start with a default set of options, a set of options imported from a local SOLIDWORKS installation, an existing SOLIDWORKS registry file, or an existing sldsettings file.
After choosing a set of options as a starting point, administrators can make modifications to the settings within the Settings Administrator tool. It is possible to activate any modifiable setting by marking the check box in the first column. Users can still modify this option unless the check box in the padlock column is also active.
After customizing the settings, a dialog box with support contact information appears. This allows administrators to choose whether they want the Get Support command in SOLIDWORKS to go to the default website for SOLIDWORKS Support, or to provide users with specific support contact information, such as the customer support of their local value-added reseller (VAR).
Administrators can also choose how to apply the options. If specific options should be locked from the users, then specify the Every time a user starts SOLIDWORKS option and activate Apply locked options. In addition, administrators can choose to display the CAD administrator contact information to users if locked options are present. Administrators can provide a password to users who make a justifiable case for changing a locked option. When saving the settings file, the recommendation is to save the file to a UNC path with restricted write access.
SOLIDWORKS Toolbox
The SOLIDWORKS Toolbox is another powerful tool for enforcing standardization. Almost every assembly requires some form of hardware or fasteners. If every user implements their own part files for multiple types of fasteners, administrators inevitably face a file management nightmare. A shared SOLIDWORKS Toolbox ensures that everyone uses the same hardware, from the same library. To share the Toolbox library, install the Toolbox within a shared network folder, or manage the Toolbox through SOLIDWORKS PDM.
The Toolbox includes a wide variety of fasteners from multiple standards. Customizing the Toolbox enables your organization to get the most out of the utility. Administrators can customize the Toolbox by opening the Toolbox Settings from the Windows® Start menu: SOLIDWORKS Tools [version] >Toolbox Settings [version]. If the Toolbox add-in is active, it is also accessible within SOLIDWORKS from Tools > Options > SystemOptions – Hole Wizard/Toolbox > Configure.
The sheer number of components within the Toolbox can be overwhelming for users. By configuring the Toolbox to only include components and hole sizes for relevant standards, administrators can streamline the selection from which users can choose their hardware and also ensure the addition of features and components that comply with organizational standards.
Help Article: Understanding SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Administration
Administrators also need to determine how different sizes of common Toolbox component files are defined in an assembly. They can exist as a single file with numerous configurations, or as new part files for every component size. By default, the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox creates new configurations within a single part file for every size. The benefit to this can be easier file management, at the expense of file size. This also affects the file size of any assemblies that contain those Toolbox components. Choosing the option Create Parts for each size reduces the file size at the expense of a larger number of files within the library. Create Parts option generally offers faster load assembly and drawing load performance.
Help Article: Understanding Component File Type Specification
To protect the state of the components in the Toolbox further, administrators can choose to limit new user-created sizes. By choosing the option Error when writing to a read-only document, users receive an error message, rather than permission to create their own customizations.
Administrators can apply unique part numbers to components and the sizes of those components. To expedite the process, it is possible to export a configuration list for a selected component to a Microsoft Excel® file. Administrators can open this Excel file and add custom part numbers. After saving the file, administrators can import the file back into the Toolbox, which updates the data.
Help Article: Customizing Parts with Part Numbers
Enforcing Adherence to Standards
Uniform standards can be a key to clear and concise communication of design intent and any additional information. CAD administrators can help enforce these standards through specific features of SOLIDWORKS.
Custom Properties
Metadata, or properties that convey necessary information, are one of the ways designers and engineers can communicate effectively with others in the organization. It is possible to apply properties such as part numbers, project numbers, descriptions, supplier information, customer information, purchase order information and others to parts, assemblies and drawings to better keep track of documentation and project data.
Administrators can build a standard set of these properties into the document templates they have developed for parts, assemblies and drawings. By opening these templates and going to File > Properties, administrators can add additional custom properties that are typically used for design documentation. After saving the template, those properties are available in any new documents that users create from the templates.
Help Article: Summary Information - Custom and Configuration Specific
In the default installation, there is a preset collection of properties available from the list in the custom property interface. It is possible to customize these properties by editing the properties.txt file. This file exists in the following folder: C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS [version]\lang\English
Help Article: Editing the List of Custom Properties
Administrators may want to implement a higher degree of control over what users can enter for these properties. For example, it might be necessary to limit certain properties such as materials or finish to in-house supply or manufacturing capabilities. In these cases, administrators can create a custom property tab that simultaneously allows quicker and easier entry of custom properties as well as limiting certain properties to a drop-down list of acceptable entries.
The Property Tab Builder utility is accessible from the Windows Start menu under SOLIDWORKS [version] > SOLIDWORKS Tools [version] > Property Tab Builder [version]. The Property Tab Builder offers multiple options for customization. Administrators can separate properties into group boxes, add text boxes for property entry, add drop-down lists, add fields for numbers and several other ways that users can enter custom properties.
After creating the custom property tab, users can choose from property tab templates on the custom property tab of the task pane. This displays a custom interface that allows easy entry of those properties.
Design Checker
Administrators may be looking for other ways to help enforce standards beyond the metadata on parts, drawings and assemblies. The Design Checker feature examines documents to confirm compliance to preset standards.
The Design Checker provides a variety of checks in the categories of Documents, Annotations, Dimensions, Drawings, Parts, Assemblies and Features. Among other things, these checks can ensure that dimensions use the correct units, drawings have the correct fonts and that parts are free of errors.
Help Article: Welcome to SOLIDWORKS Design Checker
Design Checker is a SOLIDWORKS add-in. Users can enable Design Checker by going to Tools > Add-ins and selecting the
Design Checker
check box. When the add-in is active, users can access the tool from Tools >Design Checker
.There are two main methods to check documents. The first method can check documents against an existing file. With this method, Design Checker creates a new standards file based on the selected file and validates the current document against this file. This method is helpful if a document is known to conform to organizational standards. It is a good practice to check similar documents against the existing file.
The second method for checking files is to check them against a custom standards file. This allows a greater level of refinement over which standards to enforce on documents. Administrators can create or edit standards files by using the Build Checks tool. This tool is accessible from Tools >
Design Checker
> Build Checks.
Alternatively, it is possible to create a standards file from an existing file. This process is similar to checking against an existing file, as checks are automatically built from the existing document, but allows further customization to modify existing checks or add new checks.
Similarly, the Learn Checks Wizard can provide a guided approach to this process. With an existing document open, the Learn Checks Wizard lists all the available check types in the document on the task pane interface. Each check type is expandable and users can select the checks to include.
When checking an active document, Design Checker displays failed checks in the task pane. Failed checks are sorted and marked with different color-coding depending on the criticality. It is possible to correct some checks automatically, while others may require manual correction. After checking a document, users can save the report as a Microsoft Word and XML document.
Training Users
Engineering is a process of constant improvement. This applies not only to the designs that engineers create, but also to their personal knowledge and skills. Training can be essential to learning new tools and new techniques, and allows users to become more innovative and productive in their design process.
MySolidWorks Training
SOLIDWORKS offers self-paced online training through the MySolidWorks platform. There are several levels of MySolidWorks access:
MySolidWorks Guest
MySolidWorks Standard
MySolidWorks Professional
Any user can create a free MySolidWorks Guest account. This allows users to search the forums, blogs, videos, online help and 3D Content Central.
MySolidWorks Standard is available to users with a current subscription for SOLIDWORKS products. This level includes all the functionality of the Guest access, and adds hours of online training, as well as access to online file storage, advanced forums and the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base.
For users seeking additional, more in-depth training, MySolidWorks Professional provides online product tutorial videos. This training is presented as individual lessons, as well as specific learning paths of group relevant lessons. There are also a number of eLearning courses that were developed from SOLIDWORKS instructor-led training classes. These include guided practice, offline exercises and interactive content.
SOLIDWORKS Certifications
After developing skills through training, CAD administrators can put their skills to the test. SOLIDWORKS certifications are a great way of establishing a benchmark and proving that you have the knowledge and skills of a true SOLIDWORKS professional.
These certifications can give CAD administrators deeper insight into the abilities of their team members and allow them to identify individuals who may be able to take on more advanced tasks, or help to assist and train others.
There are three core certifications. Each certification indicates how far an individual has come in their SOLIDWORKS learning journey. The Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate certification is typically a first step in demonstrating competency with SOLIDWORKS. From there, passing the Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional exam demonstrates that the individual has acquired more advanced skills with SOLIDWORKS. Finally, the Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert exam demonstrates that a user has the skills to effectively use advanced functionality and solve complex modeling challenges.
There are too many other SOLIDWORKS certifications to list them each here. However, you can view the certifications on the SOLIDWORKS website:
The 3DEXPERIENCE Certification Center makes it easier for administrators to keep track of their team’s certification. Administrators can view their team’s collection of certifications through this platform. Users can publish their certificates to other Certification Center users, export them to an Excel file and obtain digital badges for their certifications. They can also download PDF versions of each certificate so they can print them and display them proudly in their workspace.
Monitoring Usage
Administrators may require more information about the usage of their SOLIDWORKS licenses. This information may help administrators keep track of how much time users devote to working within the software, and whether additional licenses may be necessary.
SolidNetWork License Manager Log File
The SolidNetWork License Manager provides a log file that shows the dates and times that users pull and return SOLIDWORKS licenses, as well as the system that uses the license. To view this log, open the SolidNetWork License Manager Server [version] application from the Windows Start menu (SOLIDWORKS Tools [version] > SolidNetWork License Manager Server [version]). On the Server Administration tab, click View Log to open a text file of the log, which displays information about recent license activity. This log file is also accessible from the SolidNetWork License Manager Installation directory.
CAD Admin Dashboard
Another tool that allows administrators to monitor SOLIDWORKS usage and session statistics is the CAD Admin Dashboard. The CAD Admin Dashboard is accessible through SOLIDWORKS Support Home > Monitor Products > CAD Admin Dashboard.
Help Article: Accessing the CAD Admin Dashboard
After logging in to the dashboard, administrators can choose a specific system and view session details for that system. Sessions appear for each date that SOLIDWORKS was used. To view session details for a specific date, click the date on the X-axis of the chart or the bar of a bar chart. Sessions that terminate normally appear in blue. Sessions that appear in red terminated abnormally. The user-terminated sessions appear in orange.
Answering Questions from Users
Users often consider CAD administrators as some of the most knowledgeable individuals when it comes to their CAD system, and inevitably come to them with questions. Fortunately, CAD administrators often have many years of experience and can answer most questions without difficulty. Occasionally though, questions may go beyond the scope of the administrator’s knowledge. In those cases, there are resources to which administrators can turn.
SOLIDWORKS Rx – Diagnostics
SOLIDWORKS Rx offers tools that can address concerns about performance and gather information to support requests and performance reports. The
Diagnostics
tab in SOLIDWORKS Rx lists common system information and settings. Users can review and act on any warnings or errors that appear here.SOLIDWORKS Rx – System Maintenance
The
System Maintenance
tab offers quick access to common maintenance tools, such as the ability to clean temporary directories and to run Checkdisk or the Windows Defragmenter.SOLIDWORKS Rx – Problem Capture
Clicking the
Problem Capture
tab automatically collects system information, event logs, crash data and other relevant logs. Users can also record a video of their problem so that their Reseller or SOLIDWORKS support team can review the exact steps that trigger the problem. The user can package all of these files into a convenient ZIP format file for easier upload and sharing.SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base
The SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base (KB) is an indispensable resource when it comes to answering user questions. The KB contains thousands of helpful articles that cover a range of topics. In addition, there are a number of SOLIDWORKS Performance Reports (SPRs) \ Bug Reports (BRs). SPRs' and BRs’ document previous behavior that may relate to software defects or enhancement requests. These reports also include information about whether the report is active or inactive, or if a solution was implemented in a specific version of SOLIDWORKS. Access to the Knowledge Base requires an active subscription service contract.
Updating Hardware
Advanced applications often require advanced computer hardware. Because there are improvements to SOLIDWORKS every year, newer and more advanced performance components may be required to achieve optimal performance. As an administrator, it is a good practice to maintain a log of the hardware installed on each user’s workstation.
Key Hardware Components
Four key components determine the level of performance for any given workstation. These include the processor (CPU), the graphics card, the type and amount of memory (RAM), and the system drive. The CPU is often the greatest contributor to how fast the application performs tasks such as rebuilding, opening files or running simulation analysis. The graphics card often determines how fast and smooth visual tasks behave, such as rotating or zooming on a model. The RAM determines how much information can load at once. When working with assemblies or drawings with many components, a larger amount of RAM may improve performance if the system is consuming all existing RAM. The system drive determines how fast files open within SOLIDWORKS. In general, a solid-state drive is faster than a standard mechanical hard disk drive.
CAD Admin Dashboard – Machine Details
SOLIDWORKS offers additional tools to query the hardware in use on a users’ system, as well as gain insight into how that performance compares to other users. In the CAD Admin Dashboard, administrators can select the
Machine Details
tab to view the hardware in use on each user’s system. Administrators can also sort by any of the available columns of information. These columns include:Account (or System) Name
History of Hardware Changes
Microprocessor
Free HDD Space
Graphics Card
Graphics Driver
System Manufacturer
Model
Operating System
RAM
Graphics Support Status
Windows Experience Index
SOLIDWORKS Performance Test
The SOLIDWORKS Rx utility can also run a benchmark test. The Benchmark tab in the utility provides the ability to perform the test and allows you to compare your score against other systems that run the benchmark. The Rx Benchmark tab in the CAD Admin Dashboard displays the score for any system that runs the benchmark.
To run a SOLIDWORKS Performance Test, users can either open the SOLIDWORKS Rx [version] program, or open the performance test program directly from the Windows Start menu by selecting SOLIDWORKS Tools [version] >
SOLIDWORKS Performance Test [version]
. The recommendation is to close all applications and restart your computer before running the test. A low score in any of the categories may suggest that a hardware upgrade is necessary.Preparing for Upgrade
SOLIDWORKS releases a new major version every year, typically in the fall. Each new version contains hundreds of enhancements and new features. To give users access to these new features, you need to upgrade your SOLIDWORKS installations every year.
Back up User Data
The first step to accomplish before performing any upgrade is to back up all pertinent information. Organizations typically already back up of all of their CAD data. However, when it comes to upgrading an installation, administrators should back up a number of other items which might include document templates for parts, drawings and assemblies, user settings, customized table templates, library locations etc.
Upgrading Standalone Clients
When it comes to upgrading individual clients, the process varies depending on the license type, and the original method of installation. For a standalone license, the process is relatively straightforward. Administrators can use the newer version of the installation manager to upgrade to the current version of SOLIDWORKS. Alternatively, they could also install a new version of SOLIDWORKS while leaving the old version intact. This can be valuable if you are working with clients or associates who do not own the current version of SOLIDWORKS. It is a good practice for administrators to label the new installation folder and SOLIDWORKS Data folder with the release version, such as SOLIDWORKS Data 2024. It may also be a recommendation to perform a clean uninstall of a previous version when upgrading to a newer version. This can ensure an optimal installation, and avoids any conflicts with previous versions.
Upgrading Network Licenses
When upgrading a network license, administrators should first update the SolidNetWork License Manager. This ensures that a current version of the license is available after upgrading individual clients.
Upgrading Administrative Images
If an administrative image was used to perform installations, it is best to upgrade that image for deployment to clients. Administrators can choose to create a new image by using the default settings, or create a new image that uses the settings and files from an existing image.
Administrators with an active subscription and a MySolidWorks account can also access multiple SolidPractices documents, including “SOLIDWORKS Upgrades”, which provides more information and describes best practices for upgrading SOLIDWORKS.
Upgrading CAD Data
In addition to upgrading the software itself, it can be beneficial to update parts, drawings and assemblies to the current version. This ensures optimal performance when opening the files in the upgraded version of SOLIDWORKS.
The SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler contains two tasks that can assist with this process. The Upgrade Assistant and the Convert Files task.
The Upgrade Assistant allows administrators to test their parts, assemblies and drawings for proper migration into a newer version of SOLIDWORKS. If there are issues with rebuild time, file size, unintentional drawing changes, changes in volume or center of mass or stability, the Upgrade Assistant generates a comparison report. Administrators can examine the affected files more closely to determine if these issues are prohibitive to upgrading to the current version.
The Convert Files task can run on a single computer or run as a distributed task on a group of computers. The task also analyzes the references in a file before conversion. For example, the task converts parts before converting an assembly that contains those parts.
When upgrading files within a SOLIDWORKS PDM vault, administrators may consider installing and using the SOLIDWORKS PDM File Version Upgrade Tool. This standalone application offers similar functionality to the Convert Files task and integrates with the SOLIDWORKS PDM vault operations. The upgrade tool will automatically cache, check out, open, resave and finally check in SOLIDWORKS file upgrades into the file vault. The upgrade tool also allows multiple workstations to process files at the same time, which speeds up the upgrade procedure. For deeper insight into the best practices for this tool, refer to the SolidPractices document “File Version Upgrade Tool.”
SolidPractices Document: File Version Upgrade Tool – SOLIDWORKS PDM
Additional Resources
The following online resources provide additional information about the topics discussed in this SolidPractices document.
MySolidWorks Training
SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base
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