File Naming Conventions

I am new to this whole modeling mayhem and have been given the task of
instituting document management. My problem lies in file naming
conventions; understanding that the electronic file name is for the
computer and not for human consumption we are still would like to
match the e-file name to the model designator. Any possible
suggestions? We currently have database for assigning the designator
and works great with the dwg's however when it comes to the modeling
things become very clouded very quickly. HELP!

TIA
Bill Olson
Document Control
Simonton Windows

 

We use a unique 6 digit number and place it in a folder that is named with
the first 3 digits of the number, and our Drawings are in a folder called
Production Drawings and models are in a folder called models.

421651.SLDDRW
would be found in
....\Production Drawings\421\421651.SLDDRW

and 421651.SLDPRT would be found in
....\Models\421\421651.SLDPRT

the advantage is I was able to create a macro to open the files by simply
typing their part number in and selecting wether I wanted to open a drawing
or model. I was also able to automate the saving of the files by
generating the path from the part number typed. Saves quite a bit of time
since you don't have to do any directory searching clicks. The only
disadvantage is if you have the models and the drawings in the same folder
you can RMB on a part and select Open Drawing and it will find the drawing
with the same name in the same folder.

Corey Scheich

 

Hello Bill-
Ask 10 different people and you'll get 10 different answers on this very
important subject.
My advice concerns saving iteration/prototypes and released/production files
in different locations. This is the method I use. All my released/production
level files are all in one folder(by customer); drawings, assemblies, parts,
word doc's, excel sheets. All my iterations/prototypes are saved only a
daily bases, in folders, using a date code.
On the SolidWorks website, there is pretty good information regarding file
management.
Get to know and start using SolidWorks Explorer, it's an excellent file
management tool.
Best Regards,
Devon T. Sowell
www.3-ddesignsolutions.com

 

If you just want to identify the part/assembly as being unique you could try
starting your part name with the date & time followed by a practical
description eg '0633220904 - LIFING LUG.SLDPRT' (date time is 6:30 am on
the 22nd of sept 2004 - use 24 hr clock). If you have a large drafting team
you could also add the creators initials to the end of the date/time.

This system means you don't have to refer to a drawing/part register before
you create the part - just look at your watch.

Merry

 

Have a look at SWIT. Search on the newsgroup for it. It might save you
a lot of grief.