Managing Pro/E systems (part 2)

Continuing from my previous post on the subject, here's a little more...

Once you've got folks starting up the same way, you'll want to look after their standard files.  I believe you can build standards (or best practices) into the software and make it easier for people to do things the "right" way.  You can do more work behind the scenes to make things simpler for your CAD users.

Here I'll explain a method that's had widespread success so far (100s of users, 30+ combinations of "standards"), and I'm keen to improve further...

Custom multi-level configs

• Put some thought into organising your CAD user locations, servers, groups
  
• Define standards that apply at each level: global / server / group / individual
• Build particular "flavour" of config.pro for each CAD session... ensure people get the standards they need
• I was inspired during a PTC/USER presentation from Cummins several years ago where they mentioned using the copy command to append config.pro files

File organisation / distribution

• Store standard files (*.pro/*.pcf etc) on servers across network
  
• Keep "main" version up-to-date on server nearest design group
• Allow access + control by local "CAD Contact"
• Copy around other servers as required by remote groups

Compared to others I've spoken to, I'm not that draconian.  :-)  But you have to make your own decisions for your particular system.

On the same topic I hear via PTC/USER exploder there's to be a special-interest meeting about managing CAD standards + best practices at Long Beach.  I can't make it this year, but it's sure to be another bigger + better event for Pro/E + loads more...

If anyone reading this is going along and fancies "reporting" back, let me know.