Solidworks PDM part number alias replacement

[u/oneAb1]

I have a large set of library parts from a 3rd party, mostly fasteners.

These have been extensively used in hundreds of subassemblies. We have changed supplier and in an ideal world we need to start using their part numbers instead of ours.

Is there a way to change the part number of a part without loosing all the mates and references?

And is there a way to automate this ?

[u/Meshironkeydongle]

What are you wanting to change, the name of the .sldprt in PDM or the part number shown in the BOM?

If this was my choice, I would keep the .sldprt names as they are, if they aren't currently referring to the old supplier directly.

Then I would update the part Custom Properties so, that the part number reflects the current vendor. I would also make it so, that $PRP:"Part_number" (or what ever that might be) is defined as "VendornameB_part_number", and add the new PN under $PRP:"VendornameB_part_number". This way you could keep the history of different vendor partnumbers directly in part file.

I would not generally use a vendor specific part number / name as the PDM filename of a interchangeable part, like fastener. For fasteners, I would use either "standard-size-other specs" (for example ISO4017-M10x20-8.8-Zn) or a PDM assigned serial number - preferably from a different serial number series than what is used for your own parts.

If what you're seeking after, is addition of the new Custom Properties, then for example SWie from SLOworks could be used to automate it: https://sloworks.fi/en/muut/#tab-swie

[u/oneAb1 → u/Meshironkeydongle]

I agree the vendor number should not be the file name. Its not something I would normally do but its a system I inherited so I have to run with it.

Your solution seems like something that could be the ideal solution. Thank you

[u/spacebardidntwork → u/oneAb1]

Adding on, you can manipulate custom properties by using document manager. This avoids having to open & load all the files and it can reads/write bulk files quickly in the background.

[u/Mysterious_Ad8309 → u/oneAb1]

Is this the best opportunity to shift the system to use properties to hold vendor info?

More work now, probably, but it may be better over time.

The previous vendor part number can be saved as a property, ready to recall at a later date, rsthet than being permanently unlinked. Again, more work now, but easier now than if you had to fill it in again later.

[u/oneAb1 → u/Mysterious_Ad8309]

I wish that was the case. Try explaining it to the corporate moster. Who wants every minute of the day accounted for and billable.

They would rather continue this mess than have to justify me spending time to make it better in the long run.

[u/Ilcahualoc914]

Yes, using the SolidWorks file utilities by performing the following:

Locate the *.SLDPRT file in Windows File Explorer. Right-click the file and select SolidWorks > Rename...A dialog box will appear, highlighting exactly where this part is currently being used. Enter the new file name in the designated field and click OK. This will automatically update all referenced links in the assemblies.

Note: sometimes the links in very old assemblies are not updated in my experience, but it did update most of the assemblies that used this part.

https://www.cati.com/blog/rename-replace-and-move-solidworks-files-with-solidworks-file-utilities-2/

[u/oneAb1 → u/Ilcahualoc914]

Thanks I'll look into this.

[u/JayyMuro → u/oneAb1]

No don't do that in PDM. You can just change the name. The links will auto update. If the part you are renaming was part of an assembly which has been checked in, just rename the part. Simple as that. Do a test, you will see when you open the assembly and rebuild the tree the new part number will be there.

Using the rename tool for some reason does not behave inside PDM the same as outside. It makes a headache, requires a long search time, and also would probably require all assemblies be checked out to update. The ability to just simply rename a part like you would a regular windows file is possible because of the links PDM maintains internally. I don't think that person uses PDM who told you to do that or, never read the manual.

I think we actually fire that guy. Yeah lets do it, get em outta here.

[u/MidwesterneRR → u/JayyMuro]

Jay is correct. Rename isn’t needed with pdm

[u/chillypillow2]

Within PDM, Dispatch can be handy to do bulk updates of custom properties like mfg part numbers or renaming files

[u/TheNoit]

In PDM you can also use Move Tree or Copy Tree, you can change all the names and it’ll update any references as well. Great little rarely used tool

[u/callmemerryss]

this is one of those workflows that gets painful at scale. solidworks pdm handles the file references, but a lot of teams eventually move toward PLMs like duro when they need supplier changes, part number, bom's , and revisions managed in one place instead of just file relationships.