How to Use SOLIDWORKS Revision Control on 3DEXPERIENCE

For engineers and designers, keeping track of revisions, collaborating effectively, and understanding the status of design files can feel like a chaotic guessing game. Classic file and data management methods on network shares or common cloud sync services often introduce more headaches than they solve.

Trying to decipher revisions or design status often involves wading through complex folder structures and relying on cumbersome coded file names, leading to guesswork and uncertainty. Opening a file only to find it’s read-only with no clear indication of who has write access, the anxiety of potentially overwriting a colleague’s work, or the nightmare of file corruption – these are all too common frustrations. When working with discrete files, it isn’t easy to gain a holistic view of our project progress, plan efficiently, or control revisions.

Using 3DEXPERIENCE for Revision Control

For SOLIDWORKS users, controlling revisions can be easily achieved through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. With the introduction of SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services, all SOLIDWORKS users have access to best-in-class data management tools to help them share files and easily control revisions.

By vaulting your data in 3DEXPERIENCE, your design files are stored as records in a secure online database. This approach allows you to work with your models as a single entity or object, with its various revisions and history already all baked in. There is no need to manage separate files for each revision or iteration.

Native SOLIDWORKS Revision Control

You can easily access your data through the MySession panel in the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane. MySession acts as your “command center,” providing essential information about the design data currently open in SOLIDWORKS.

In a familiar tree-type view, you can instantly see the current Revision (such as A.1) displayed along with other relevant information about each component. It even tells you if it’s not the latest revision.

Creating a New SOLIDWORKS Revision

Creating a new SOLIDWORKS revision is as streamlined as getting started with Cloud Services. From a right-click on the part, assembly, or drawing in the MySession pane, you can select New Revision. From here, you get prompted to input revision comments and create the new revision.

Revision B.1 set to In Work after creation

Once created, the revision is automatically synced to the 3DEXPERIENCE database and visible to anyone with access to the file vault. The file will also be set to In Work enabling the SOLIDWORKS user to begin work on the file and continue through the rest of the product lifecycle.

Getting the Latest Revision

When you want to see a different revision, that’s just a right click away! Select the component(s) in MySession and tell 3DEXPERIENCE to replace the current revision displayed in SOLIDWORKS with an older or newer one.

Using the MySession panel to Replace by Revision

For example, from revision B.1, you could grab A.2 to go backwards or grab a newer revision like C.1. The system communicates with the cloud storage database, and the requested revision loads directly into SOLIDWORKS, updating the model and information shown in MySession.

Exploring SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services

For years, SOLIDWORKS  has come packaged with powerful revision control and collaboration tools through SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services. These tools enable your team to efficiently share files and avoid costly mistakes.

Revision control is just scratching the surface of what is possible with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. With different domains dedicated to different engineering disciplines, you can ensure your business is set for current projects and future growth.

Learn more about leveraging the 3DEXPERIENCE platform »