How do you use SolidWorks? SolidWorks wants to know.

SolidWorks Corporation is continually looking at ways that they can improve the SolidWorks software, accompanying software, and your experience with using their software.  There are a variety of methods that SolidWorks uses to get this information from you, the user.

User Survey
Periodically SolidWorks will ask users to participate in, and answer questions via surveys.  Many of these surveys are directed towards particular areas of the software that are under review for potential change.  These surveys generally ask about your experiences in using the software, and for opinions on what improvements you would like to see in the software.  The results of this type of survey will help identify the areas of SolidWorks that people are interested in seeing improvements.

Customer Visit
The customer visit consists of a SolidWorks Product Specialist coming to your office to sit down with representative(s) from your company.  These visits last for a few hours and are directed at SolidWorks learning about your product development process, engineering processes, testing processes, approval processes, and so on.  The results of this type of meeting will help identify areas where SolidWorks may need to develop solutions that will help other areas of your engineering department.

Usability Studies
The purpose of these studies is to see how the user interacts with SolidWorks and understand the user’s thoughts while they are completing a series of tasks.  These studies also reveal user’s responses to various feedback that the software presents to the user.  During these studies, users sit down in front of a computer, and are directed to complete some relatively simple tasks.  While completing these tasks, users are asked to verbalize what they are doing and thinking.  During this study, there is someone from SolidWorks overseeing what you are doing, and how you are using SolidWorks.  If you are having trouble, they can guide you thru completing the task.  These sessions are recorded and are evaluated back at SolidWorks.  You will typically see the results of these studies in the next major release of SolidWorks. 

Consulting Visits
These visits are more in depth, and can last 1 to 5 days.  During these visits, SolidWorks personnel come to your workplace, sit down with you and see how you use the software.  These visits are beneficial for both SolidWorks and the customer because SolidWorks gains insight on how you use the software and any issues you are having, and your employees have an opportunity identify problems they are experiencing, or improvements they would like to see.  These visits also offer the opportunity for your users to learn about some features that they have not had the opportunity to learn otherwise. 

SolidWorks is very serious about understanding the needs of their customers and providing functionality that makes their job easier. To that end, SolidWorks personnel complete dozens of customer visits each year.  The support for this program goes all the way to the top of the company.  Jeff Ray, CEO, has also participated in some of these customer visits.

A Recent Customer Visit
Right before posting this blog, the company I work for was visited by Sal Lama of the Product Definition Group at SolidWorks Corporation.  This was a 3 day customer visit where Sal spent a half day with each of our 3 engineering groups.  Our marketing director also took advantage of this visit by talking with Sal and learning about additional SolidWorks products they could obtain that allow them to use SolidWorks documents for Sales and Marketing purposes.  On the third day, after a couple more discussions with other people in our engineering department, we held an “Open Discussion” and lunch where Sal demonstrated some of the SolidWorks features that could help improve our productivity.

As a CAD Administrator and PDM Administrator, I took some time to show Sal some of the issues I have faced as an experienced SolidWorks user, how I provide tips and tricks to other users, macros I have created to simplify tasks, and experiences and suggestions I have after a recent integration of PDMWorks Enterprise (now Enterprise PDM).

Near the end of this visit, I noticed that Sal had quite a lot of data to bring back to SolidWorks.  I also know that I, and fellow employees, have learned some good tips on using SolidWorks.  This visit has already had immediate benefit for SolidWorks and our company.  Once SolidWorks has reviewed this data, along with data from many more companies, the benefits will continue in current and future development of SolidWorks and its accompanying software.

You Can Participate!
1. If you get an email about a SolidWorks Survey, or see a web link or a blog mentioning a SolidWorks survey, please take the time to fill out the survey and provide feedback to SolidWorks.
2. At SolidWorks World, when you have some spare time (about 1 hour) find the usability study booth (usually in the Vendor Pavilion) and ask how you can participate.  I recommend setting up an appointment early because the schedule can fill up quickly.
3. Again, at SolidWorks World, if someone asks you to participate in a customer survey, please take the time (about 1 hour) to talk with them.
4. At any SolidWorks sponsored event, if you hear a SolidWorks representative talking about customer visits, please give them one of your business cards with the words “Customer Visit” written on the back.  SolidWorks will then contact you to set up a visit.

Each of these situations provides you the opportunity to provide feedback to SolidWorks that could have an impact in current and future product development at SolidWorks Corporation.

User Community Survey

SolidWorks is interested in improving your experience with the SolidWorks User Community.  This experience can range from the SolidWorks Forums, Customer Portal and 3DContentCentral to SolidWorks Blogs and SolidWorks User Groups.

If you are active in, or even have a passing interest in the SolidWorks User Community, please take a few minutes(about 10 minutes) to take the survey and provide valuable information to SolidWorks.

Help SolidWorks improve your experience with the SolidWorks User Community!

123GO is now FREE

123GO is a mechanical fastener library that was originally only available to LOGOPRESS3 users.  This mechanical fastener library was extracted from the LOGOPRESS3 software and released as a stand alone product, called 123GO, and has been made available to all SolidWorks users. This mechanical fastener library is now available for FREE.  This software not only adds fastners to your assemblies, it automatically cuts all holes in all components and adds the mates.

To obtain this software for free, send an email to 123go@accuratediedesign.com and they will send you a link to download the software and libraries.  Do it now, because rumor has it that some of the library components may be removed by the end of March.  Registration is required.

Why is this free?  By distributing 123GO for free, it becomes a marketing tool that will dramatically promote the Logopress3 name throughout the world, even beyond its current scope.  They have also added a 123GO Advanced product to the mix of Logopress3 products and there is some percentage of users that they feel will wish to purchase that after having used the 123GO for awhile.  They know users will be "hooked" and once you are "hooked" they will want more!  Both 123GO and 123GO Advanced are also available with option Logopress3 hole charting functionality which surpasses SolidWorks hole charting functionality.

Logopress3 is a Gold Certified SolidWorks Solution Partner that provides a 3D progressive die design solution for SolidWorks.

Accurate Die Design is a Logopress3 Technical Center and distributor for the U.S.A. and is based in New Berlin, WI.

Personal note: I have known Ray Prober, President of Accurate Die Design, for many years as an fellow SolidWorks user and usergroup member.  I first saw the LOGOPRESS3 product many years ago and I was impressed with how easy the software was to use, and it's power.  A short time later, LOGOPRESS3 introduced the 123GO mechanical fastener library.  I was impressed again because it was adding features as the part level, unlike Toolbox only creating assembly features.  I couldn't get the company I work for to spend the $500+ per seat for 123GO so I had to do without.  Now that 123GO is free, I look forward to downloading and using it. 

The only reason I wrote this "sales pitch" is because I am impressed with the capabilities of the product, and the product is now available for FREE to all SolidWorks users.  No reimbursements have been received or expected.

Free CSWA and CSWP tests extended

If you are interested in getting your CSWA or CSWP certification, get on over to SolidWorks' website and check out the Certification Pages.  SolidWorks users with Subscription service support may obtain one (1) free exam by using a coupon code.  This promotion has been extended until June 3, 2008, and the test must be completed by July 31, 2008.

Good Luck!

SolidWorks on a Stick

If you read the other blogs, you have probable heard about the SolidWorks on a Stick that SolidWorks passed out to CSWP's as SolidWorks World in San Diego.  To learn more about it, check out Mike Puckett interview with Bill Taylor, of SolidWorks, where he asked about the reasons behind developing the SolidWorks on a Stick.

Here are some ideas I had for using the SolidWorks on a Stick.

• Testing computer system performance before potential purchase.
• Doing presentations on a computer that does not have SolidWorks installed.

Do you have any other ideas?

MidWest User Group Conference Update

I just returned home from the SolidWorks MidWest Regional Conference.  This was a great 2-day tricks packed educational event that had everything from.  This event started with a keynote address from Jon Hirschstick who talked about evolving technologies (such as web based applications, gaming, vide technology, etc…) and trends, outside of CAD, that is monitored by SolidWorks.  This does not mean that SolidWorks will be investing in these technologies, but they are watching these trends to see if there is anything they can use to provide additional services for their customers.

During this event, I gave presentations on the SolidWorks API and Design Tables. I received good feedback from the users who attended these presentations, which helps me prepare for doing these presentations at SolidWorks World 2008 on San Diego. 

Other presentations included Curvy Stuff by Ed Eaton, Weldments by Richard Doyle, Automating Assemblies by Matt Cummins, Drawing Productivity and Design Intent by Greg Jankowski, and many more.  There were 4 sessions for each of 3 time slots on each day.  With only a couple of empty slots, there were 21 presentations given at this event.

This was the 5th year of an event that started in 2003 with the combined efforts of the Milwaukee, Chicago and Rockford user groups. The meeting in 2003 lasted just 1 day.  SolidWorks recognized the advantage of this event and sent Jon McEleney to be our keynote speaker in 2004-2006.

Unfortunately, it looks like this year’s event may be the last 2 day event of its kind on SolidWorks’ schedule.  This is due to the expense and efforts to set up this event.  Much of the expense (cost of location, food, etc…) of this event has been shared by vendors, resellers and SolidWorks.  There is also a large effort involved in setting this big of an event.  Those efforts include finding a suitable location, negotiating reduced hotel room rates, arranging technical presenters, food service, etc… 

The bulk of this effort (for the last 4 years) has been taken on by Mark Peters, President, Impact Engineering, and Committee Member and one of the founders of the SolidWorks User Group Network (SWUGN).  Mark has been involved with SWUGN and setting up SolidWorks user groups in the MidWest, but after 10 years, he will be resigning his position on the SWUGN Committee. 

Mark, Thanks for your efforts and contributions to the SolidWorks user community for the last 10 years, and good luck on your other ventures.

SolidWorks CSWP and CSWA Exams Online

Now Available:  The Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) and Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) exams can now be taken online, and for a limited time, you can take the exams for FREE via an online promotion. A limited number of vouchers are available for a limited time, and they will be given out on a first come, first served basis.  These vouchers do expire on

November 1, 2007

, but you need to allow at least 5 business days to process your request.

Please note, doing this exam online will require downloading a 10.5MB TesterPro Client software to your computer.  If you are planning on doing it from your office, get permission from your IT department.

2007 Midwest SolidWorks User Conference

The 2007 Midwest SolidWorks User Conference will take place at the Racine Mariott (Highway 20) November 7th thru 9th.  This is the 5th year for an event that started out with the combined efforts of a few user groups (SMART/Milwaukee, CSUG/Chicago, RASUG/Rockford) in the region.

Highlights include:

• Reception on Wednesday evening provides networking opertunities and time to talk to CAD vendors.
• SolidWorks founder and CAD Industry expert John Hirshtick will deliver the keynote address on Thursday.
• 25-30 user focused presentations from expert users, application engineers, and SolidWorks employees.

A one day pass for this premier event is $40, and a pass for both days is only $55. The admission price includes all sessions, meals, and evening reception.

This is one of the best SolidWorks education and networking events worldwide. If you can't get to SolidWorks World in San Diego in 2008, make plans to attend this years Midwest SolidWorks User Conference.

You can get additional information here:

• SolidWorks Corporation.
• Midwest SolidWorks User Conference.
• SolidWorks World 2008.
• SolidWorks User Group Network (SWUGN).
• SolidWorks Milwaukee Area Resource Team (SMART).
• Chicago SolidWorks User Group. (Website is down?)
• Rockford Area SolidWorks User Group. (Website is down?)

SolidWorks 2008 SP0 is live!

SolidWorks Corp. has put SolidWorks 2008 SP0 up on the SolidWorks’ website.  It should be shipping on a DVD soon.  If you can’t wait for the DVD, you can download it from the SolidWorks website.

If you are looking for reviews on SolidWorks 2008, check out the Matt Lombard’s - Matt Writes blog.  He also has reviews for SolidWorks 2008 and Vista.

SolidWorks 2008 Interface

Here are a few first impressions of my hands-on experiences with SolidWorks 2008.

The interface is definitely new.  Matt Lombard’s blog has in depth reviews and his own impressions on the interface.  I don’t intend on going into everything, but I do want to highlight some changes you will come across during everyday use.

Command Manager
I did not like the Command Manager when it first appeared in SolidWorks 2004.  The intent of the Command Manager was to free up valuable desktop space.  I always turned off the Command Manager, and turned on the toolbars because I wanted instant access to the icons I always use.  With the new tabs, the Command Manager looks like it deserves another evaluation.  This version of the Command Manager looks different than what you see on on other reviews because I turned off the text display to minimize the screen area.

Context Toolbars
One of the first things I noticed is that some of the familiar commands on the right click menus have been moved to a Context Toolbar full of icons that float above the right click menu.  Now I have to decipher what each icon represents, or float over it and wait for the tool tip to pop up.

This Context Toolbar briefly appears while you’re editing the model in the graphics area.  At this point, I’m impartial to this.  I do like the text menus, but the Context Toolbar’s use of icons does save screen space.

Recent files list
The recent files list (in the file pull down menu) now has bitmaps of the recently opened files.

Switch Documents
The [CTRL]-[TAB] function, to switch between documents currently open in SolidWorks, now shows a bitmap of each of these documents.  This helps you quickly switch to the document you want without having to wait thru rebuilds of other documents.

Heads Up View Tools
This is a nice way to simplify the zoom and view options, and keep them in front of the user.  As you can see in the picture, the icons in the flyout are logically arranged to help represent what the icon does.  This is great for new users.

Opinions
Years ago, toolbars were added to programs to reduce mouse clicks.  People then had to memorize the icons and locations of the tools they use the most.  The more tools they used, the more toolbars were placed on the screen, which reduced available screen space to see what you were working on.

It seams that the trend these days, at least in the CAD arena, is to minimize the screen space used for menus and toolbars, and maximize the graphics area to improve visibility.  While many of the features in this new interface do save space, many of them require an additional mouse click or two to access them. 

While you can still turn off the Command Manager and place the desired toolbars on the sides of your screen, I do recommend trying out these features and make your own decisions.  These enhancements are not something that should be “forced” on users, especially those who may not want to change.  This is why SolidWorks has included options to turn most some of these features.

New Experiences
One of the best ways to experience and learn the new features in SolidWorks 2008 is to just experiment with them.  Load up the model “Samples\HandsOn\RealView\tray-objects.sldprt”.  Click on an object, grab a handle, and see what happens. Depending on the features (face, edge, etc…) the grab handles may provide different results.  Click an edge, and you can resize the model.  Click a face, and you can resize and move the model.

Well, I think that's enough in the interface,  Next time we'll get some work done.