Advanced Revision Table Integration in SOLIDWORKS PDM

To update revision table when a file passes through the transition

STEP 1: Decide what Revision Table Template to be used.

The Default Revision Template – “standard revision block” has 5 columns by default. If a custom template is being used, it can have additional column. Best Practice is to always have Revision and Description columns in the Revision Table.

STEP 2: It is required to map Revision table variables correctly.

For each column to update correctly, it is important that the PDM Variable is mapped to the Revision Table columns (Attributes).

To check the attribute name connected to the column, select the column and the Property Manager tab will show the attribute name.

E.g.: The column “DESCRIPTION” is defined by the attribute name “Description”.

This attribute needs to mapped to the PDM Variable Block Name using the SWRevTable (spelt exactly like this).

STEP 3: Enable Revision Table Integration

For PDM to drive Revision Table, it should be enabled from the PDM Administration tool. This setting can be found in -> SOLIDWORKS -> Revision Table.

• Check the box to enable revision table.
• Choose the number of rows that should be visible. If your file undergoes a revision change for more than that number, the first row will be deleted, and the new information will appear at the bottom of the table.
• Type in the exact number of place holder characters as the revision. E.g.: for revision “00”, the characters should **. For revision A-01, the characters should be *_**

STEP 4: Configure the Workflow to update the Revision Table Variable

Revision table gets updated every time a file passes through a transition that has “Increment Revision” action. If set up correctly, the Revision, the name of the drafter, date etc will be automatically populated. To populate the description, one of the recommended methods is to populate description with the comment that user types in when he/she sends file for Review as that would best describe the content of the file.

Click the appropriate transition and use the “Set Variable” action to assign the comment of that particular transition to the revision table description variable. See typical example below.

STEP 5: Set Drawing template to have Revision Table.

The revision table will work only if the drawing template has a “blank/empty” revision table.

Revision Table will update automatically when it passes through the transition where the actions are set up to increment revision. The new revision and its description, date, author/ approver’s will appear in a new row.

SolidWorks over the years has been listening to its customers’ needs. With many requesting tighter integration with Revision Table and PDM. SolidWorks listened and can now offer native Integration of Revision Table in PDM. With the help of this document, you will be able to automate the Revision Table management and spend more time focusing on your work.

If you need any assistance with Advanced Revision Table Integration in SOLIDWORKS PDM, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Written by Arpit Saxena, Technical Team Leader