OpenBOM™ is a registered Trademark of Newman Cloud, Inc. | © 2022
Welcome to the best practices manual for using OpenBOM PLM to manage design projects. This guide is tailored for NPD/NPI team members, helping you organize CAD and related files, store them in the cloud, and collaborate efficiently with your engineering team.
Design projects are central to managing CAD documents, project documentation, and related data. They enhance collaboration, maintain data integrity, and improve project management efficiency. With cloud storage and collaborative revision control, you can work together in real-time, keeping everyone on the same page and ensuring your project data is always up-to-date.
Fig 1: Design Projects
The Workspace Manager is a crucial tool within OpenBOM PLM, providing functionalities for managing design projects and synchronizing files between local folders and the cloud.
Fig 2: Access Design Projects and Workspace Manager Download
Fig 3: Workspace Manager Installation
1. Complete Installation:
2. Open Workspace Manager:
3. User Interface:
4. Enter Credentials:
5. Sign In:
Fig 4: Workspace Manager Signing In
6. Workspace Manager Opens:
7. Expand View:
Fig 5: Workspace Manager Versions
The Minified Workspace Manager version enhances productivity by reducing distractions, offering a sleek, modern look for a simplified, user-centric view.
Fig 5a: Workspace Manager Update
Design Projects: Access and manage all your design projects
File Sync Reports: View reports on file synchronization between your local folders and the cloud
Data Upload Status: Check the status of your data uploads to the cloud
File Upload Status: Monitor the status of your file uploads
Fig 6: Workspace Manager Functions
Local Folder Preparation: Ensure all your CAD data is stored in a local system folder (e.g., “F:\Consulting\OpenBOM\TrainingMaterial\Neel SMARTEC\CAD Design”).
Map Folder Path: In the Workspace Manager, map the local folder path to your project
(e.g., map “F:\Consulting\OpenBOM\Training Material\Neel SMARTEC\CAD Design” to the project “NPD”).
Fig 7: Workspace Manager Local Folder Path Mapping
Smart Sync: Click “Smart Sync” to start syncing your local folder with the project.
Monitor Sync Progress: Enable “Show Progress” to monitor the sync progress.
Completion: Wait for the export to complete and ensure you receive a success message.
Fig 8: Workspace Manager Smart Sync
File Sync Reports:
Navigate to “File Sync Reports” in the Workspace Manager to view detailed reports on the synchronization process.
File Sync Options:
Example: Assembly.pdf is up to date but locked by the user.
Verify Sync:
Confirm that all files have been synced correctly and resolve any issues if necessary.
Fig 9: Workspace Manager File Sync Reports
Fig 10: Workspace Manager Data Uploads and File Uploads
1. Clear All Project Mapping:
2. Confirm Action:
To update the project list, click on “Refresh Projects” in the Workspace Manager.
Select a project and generate its file sync report by clicking on “File Sync Report for Selected Project”.
Fig 11: Project Folder Functions
1. Navigate to Design Menu:
2. View Assigned Projects:
3. Select Project:
4. Access Project Page:
Creating New Projects – If you need to create a new project, please contact your admin, product manager, or project manager for assistance.
Collaborative Lock prevents multiple users from editing the same file simultaneously, avoiding conflicts and ensuring data integrity.
1. Lock Files:
Fig 12: Design Project File Lock
2. Make Changes:
3. Check Sync Report:
4. Smart Sync:
5. Release Lock:
6. Managing Locked Files:
Administrators can override locks if necessary.
Example:
Fig 13: Design Project File Unlock
1. Share Project:
2. Assign Access:
Fig 14: Design Project Sharing
1. Track Changes:
2. Version History:
Fig 15: Design Project Versions
Add Files:
Fig 16: Design Project Add Item
Remove Files: Use the “Delete Item” command to remove unwanted files or documents from the project.
Organize Properties: Use the “Property Order” feature to arrange and customize the order of properties displayed for items in the project.
Fig 17: Design Project Property Order
Utilize the “Share” button to seamlessly collaborate with your team members on projects, ensuring smooth communication and workflow.
Make use of the revision control features to track changes in CAD files effectively. Access the version history for easy review and restoration of previous versions if needed.
Enable “Show Progress” to monitor sync progress, ensuring that all files are successfully synchronized between local folders and the cloud.
Use the “Property Order” feature to customize the order of properties displayed for items in your project, optimizing organization and clarity.
Regularly verify data uploads and file sync reports to confirm that all files are correctly synchronized and up to date, maintaining data integrity.
Utilize the “Share” button to invite team members and assign appropriate permissions, ensuring efficient collaboration while maintaining data security.
If you encounter a file locked by another user, refrain from attempting to unlock it. Contact the user who locked the file to coordinate changes and prevent conflicts.
Use the revision control features to track changes made to CAD files. Access the version history to review or revert to previous versions if necessary, ensuring data integrity throughout the project.
If you encounter errors during file sync, ensure a stable internet connection and retry syncing. Contact technical support if the issue persists, ensuring smooth project progression.
Yes, utilize the “Property Order” feature to customize the order of properties displayed for items in your project. This allows for optimized organization and clarity within the project workspace.
Congratulations on completing effective design document management with OpenBOM PLM. Utilize Workspace Manager for streamlined collaboration, data integrity, and seamless synchronization. Embrace best practices for successful project execution within the OpenBOM ecosystem, optimizing productivity and achieving project goals with confidence.
OpenBOM™ is a registered Trademark of Newman Cloud, Inc. | © 2022