Prostep EDMD Workflows

There are three typical workflows for SOLIDWORKS designers using Prostep EDMD files:
  • Sending Prostep EDMD file information for a new board to an ECAD designer:
    1. Designing a new board in SOLIDWORKS and exporting it to CircuitWorks or opening an existing ECAD file in CircuitWorks
    2. Saving the ECAD data as Prostep EDMD 3.0 Baseline File (*.idx)
    3. Sending the ECAD file to your ECAD designer, either by syncing with a shared folder or by sending the files by email
  • Sending proposed changes to a PCB design through a Prostep EDMD file to an ECAD designer:
    1. Modifying a PCB design in SOLIDWORKS and exporting it to CircuitWorks
    2. Sending the proposed changes to the PCB design through the Prostep EDMD file to your ECAD designer, either by syncing with a shared folder or by sending the files by email
  • Importing a Prostep EDMD file that has changes proposed by an ECAD designer, approving or rejecting those changes, and sending decisions back to the ECAD designer:
    1. Opening the Prostep EDMD file in CircuitWorks
    2. Viewing the EDMD Report dialog box to see notes from the ECAD designer

      ECAD changes to the PCB design appear in the CircuitWorks Changes tree. Alternatively, you can right-click the latest change node in the Changes tree and select EDMD Report to see the change notes from the ECAD designer.

    3. Accepting or rejecting the proposed changes
    4. Building the model in SOLIDWORKS
    5. Sending the review results to the ECAD designer, either by syncing with a shared folder or by sending the files by email
    6. Based on the CircuitWorks response file, rejected changes reappear in the ECAD system

These workflows are integrated with the options you set in CircuitWorks Options > Prostep/EDMD.

Each time you sync your Prostep EDMD data with your ECAD designer you are prompted to add messages that explain your decisions and proposed changes.