accessing part files via the internet

I'm trying to get set up to work at home and am almost there........

Is it possible to work on assemlbies at one location with the server at
another location? I'm using "remote desktop" for most functions but it
really doesn't work for Solidworks. I also have a drag and drop capability
from the remote server.

I have SW loaded on the remote computer. My problem really is
organizational..... is there an easy way to send over all of the parts
files for an assembly, make changes, and send them all back automatically.

Many thanks......

 

I don't believe you'd be happy with the results. I use an FTP site,
and transfer files to my local computer to work on them. Working on a
vpn or any other arrangement where the data is not on a LAN is
generally too slow to be practical. Even LANs are often too slow, so
many people opt to have local data.

FTP and zip files is how I handle this. If you have a PDM system for
local use, that's even better. I guess the best thing might be VPN
access to PDM, work locally and check files back in via VPN. Still,
VPN is painfully slow. Remote desktop I think is even worse, because
the interface is so slow.

 

How about just a small change in your procedure. Instead of using the FTP
site, would it be faster to map a local drive from home to the network at
work? Once you have the VPN connection open, the mapped drive will connect.
If you are not connected when you start the local machine, you just get the
bubble message that a drive can't be connected - no big deal.

Here's how I do it.
1. Establish the VPN connection
2. Log in with Remote Desktop
3. Move whatever files to X:\WT folder
4. Drop back to local desktop at home.
5. Go to my locally mapped X: drive and grab the files, putting them where
I want them.

I don't know for sure, but I would think the transfer times would be faster
through the VPN than through an external FTP site.

WT

 

Remote desktop works ok here for accessing the business software we
use, but for any cad it's just too slow.

I copy files to a memory key, or my mp3 player (40 gig hd) if the files
needed are large, and copy back and forth as needed. We've also used
the company ftp site, but my home connection could be faster too.

It's simple and works well here - but we're not using a pdm system
either.

Whatever works and is secure for your company, if there are proprietary
issues with data being off site.

Diego

 

I'm fond of a file-synch program called "Beyond Compare" :
http://www.scootersoftware.com/

It can synchronize folders/files between 2 drives and is very easy to
configure. I carry a portable USB drive (soon to be replaced with a
Flash device), and at the end of a work session at home or office, I let
B.C. synchronize any files that have changed. This way, I have identical
project databases at office, home and on the USB drive, so I get project
backup for free.

At $30, it's a bargain.

Art W.