Configuring the Link to PDM

This command lets you manage parameters for updating data in your PDM. It can be your company-specific PDM or SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. The parameter management interface adapts according to the elements (software and licenses) available on the workstation.

The interfaces are identical except for the Vault name parameter, which must be specified for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional only. SOLIDWORKS PDM standard is not available in this version of SOLIDWORKS Electrical.

  1. Click Tools > Link to PDM configuration .
  2. In the Link to PDM configuration dialog box, specify the following options:

    PDM integration type

    Select the interface that you want to use to synchronize data with PDM.

    Option Description
    Basic The files are exported to the defined folder.
    Advanced This option needs to have a valid license for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. Three options are available to manage the files in the Electrical Project Management. For more information, see Electrical Project Management The first option (Use Update files for PDM button) is similar to the Basic option. The second option (Use Check In/Check Out buttons) uses the SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional through two buttons in the Electrical projects management. The third option (Third party integration) uses the API to manage the files.

    General settings
    Option Description
    Vault name If you have SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, select the name of the vault to use from the list.
    Base folder path The base folder path updates automatically if the connection to the vault is valid. If you do not have SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, select the base folder by clicking the [...] button.
    Subfolder for projects Enter the name of the folder the data from the electrical projects will be copied into.

    Project data

    This section lets you manage the electrical project data that will be copied to the PDM base directory.

    Option Description
    Formula for folder name A formula is available to manage the name of the folder containing the generated files. For more information, see About Formulas
    Archive Select this option to copy an electrical project archive (PROJ.TEWZIP file) to the PDM's base directory. Specify the name of the subdirectory into which the file will be copied.
    Drawing Select this option to export the drawings in DWG or DXF format. Specify the name of the file copy directory and file version. A formula is available to format the file names.
    3D Select this option to export the 3D files from the 3D layout. Specify the name of the file copy directory.
    PDF Select this option to export one or more PDF files, it groups all the drawings in the electrical project or a book. Specify the name of the file copy directory.
    Choose from the following options:
    • Create bookmarks and hyperlinks: Creates navigation links in the pages within the PDF. You can also create a list of bookmarks using the content in the Pages and Components tabs in the dockable panel, or by using Datasheets of manufacturer parts. The Reports can also integrate links if you manage them in the report configurations.
    • Export one PDF file by book: If the electrical project has several books, select this option to open a file explorer in the file creation directory at the end of the export. If the electrical project has only one book, the PDF opens at the end of the export.
    • Export data files: An electrical project can contain data files or data file shortcuts. Select this option to include these files in the exported PDF. You can only export PDF files. This option is not available if there are no data files in the electrical project.
    Report Select this option to export report data. Specify the name of the file copy directory. Select the export format of the files (text, Excel, or CVS). Check the Export all project reports box to export only the reports in the report management. If this box is not checked, select the reports from the list in the dialog box.
    Bill of material This tab groups specific reports for PDM. Select the reports that you want to export. The parameter Run after export allows you to select the application that will open the file containing the result of the bill of material export.