SolidWorks World Tech Session: 7 Habits of Highly Effective SolidWorks Users

by Josh on February 9, 2009 · View Comments

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.

sww09-tech-session

7 Habits of Highly Effective SolidWorks Users
J. Pancoast

So, first up we’ll hear some talk about HABITS. *ShreeeK!* Don’t worry, these may actually be helpful.

Highlights:
Based on book by Steven Covey – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
1. Be Proactive -Customized User Interface
Take control of how you interact with SolidWorks. What do you use most often?

Use the ‘S’ key (Shortcut Bar to gather your favorite functions. Break your mold and try it out. (I totally agree) Turn off the Command manager. Hit ‘S’ and right click on the Shortcut Bar to Customize.
If you use Command Manager, add custom tab via Tools, Options, Customize
Set up Hotkeys – recommended – Measure, dimension, view planes, most commonly used commands.
Try a 3D Mouse – Using Alternative Human Interface Devices to increase productivity

2. Begin with the end in mind – Implement Corporate Standards
Making sure there are conditions set for your company that uses SolidWorks functionality

Focus on File Properties, Document Templates, File Locations, Configurations
Save sheet formats to use on subsequent sheets and reload if formats update.
Save Drafting Standards (SLDSTD) and apply document templates
Set up common File Locations are on network drive so everyone can access them.

3. Take time to do the important stuff – Don’t Skimp on Hardware
Looking at Long-range planning

Plan regular upgrades – workstation 2-3 yrs, Video Cards 1-2 yrs, Monitors 3-5 yrs, Network and Servers 3-5 yrs.
Engineers should get special treatment – Firepower is cheaper than manpower.
A good desktop system should last about 3 years.
Laptops are good, more upgrade possibilities with workstation
Video Cards – look at Best Cost-Benefit Ratio
Monitors – Widescreen is a Must

4. Search for solutions that help solve problems – Buy and Use Partner Products

Third-party software solve variety of engineering problems.
Look at SolidWorks bundles to see if any software in those could help.
Many Using API to integrate with SolidWorks

Hmmm. Looks like Jason lost a few people on this one.

5. Get Ideas out to Others – Capture and Communicate Design Intent
What’s important in communicating your design and how things are going to change? FeatureManager Usage, Editing, Design Intent Dividends, Animations and Rendering

Use ‘name feature on creation’ – click feature hit F2 to go into rename mode.
Use comments in features – right-click, add comment
Use folders to organize FeatureManager
Use automation via configurations – pays back on effort
Use eDrawings to help collaborate

6. Synergize – Manage data and Collaborate
Working in a team environment with creative cooperation.

PDM should be looked at as a freedom, not restriction
Use Libraries of reusable data
Link Features
Reuse sketches as features
Check out 3DContentCentral (261 companies)

7. Sharpen the Saw – Get Training

Take time out and away
Educate yourself
Network with others
Web-based training (solidProfessor, Igetit, Inspirtech)
One-on-One can be most effective, but expensive
Go to SolidWorks Users Groups

Tagged as: solidworks world 2009, technical sessions

{ 16 comments }

Dave Moore February 9, 2009 at 1:14 pm: I wish my boss had come to SWW. This session would've been good for him.
burhop February 9, 2009 at 2:01 pm: “Monitors – Widescreen is a Must”

Interestingly, dual monitors may be the best way to go according to this NY times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/technology/pe...

Rather than a single 23 (or larger) widescreen monitor, a couple standard size 20in monitors might be better for some people at about the same cost.
Rod_Uding February 9, 2009 at 2:54 pm: I have to agree with you. I have found several studies that show dual monitors increase productivity. If I want another monitor at work right now, I would have to buy it myself and I have been pondering doing it.
diverso February 9, 2009 at 2:54 pm: Josh,
I was on this session also, best one of the three i've attended today. I'm not leaving without my SolidSmack Sticke.r
burhop February 9, 2009 at 3:00 pm: That is what I did although some people think I shouldn't have. I have two thought processes with this.

1.) Being a product designer (software or real) is like being a mechanic. You want your own tools

2.) If I'm more productive, I'll eventually get a bigger raise or bonus paying back that $120 “investment”.
Rod_Uding February 9, 2009 at 3:25 pm: Very similar to what I was thinking about. I need to be more productive in my enviroment. We have half of the people we had 10 years ago and about the same amount of work. Being the lead designer, I get saddled with being Mr Fixit and The Shell Answer Man. Besides, I can always write the monitor expense off on my taxes.
Rod_Uding February 9, 2009 at 3:54 pm: I have to agree with you. I have found several studies that show dual monitors increase productivity. If I want another monitor at work right now, I would have to buy it myself and I have been pondering doing it.
diverso February 9, 2009 at 3:54 pm: Josh,
I was on this session also, best one of the three i've attended today. I'm not leaving without my SolidSmack Sticke.r
burhop February 9, 2009 at 4:00 pm: That is what I did although some people think I shouldn't have. I have two thought processes with this.

1.) Being a product designer (software or real) is like being a mechanic. You want your own tools

2.) If I'm more productive, I'll eventually get a bigger raise or bonus paying back that $120 “investment”.
Rod_Uding February 9, 2009 at 4:25 pm: Very similar to what I was thinking about. I need to be more productive in my enviroment. We have half of the people we had 10 years ago and about the same amount of work. Being the lead designer, I get saddled with being Mr Fixit and The Shell Answer Man. Besides, I can always write the monitor expense off on my taxes.
Dave Moore February 9, 2009 at 7:14 pm: I wish my boss had come to SWW. This session would've been good for him.
burhop February 9, 2009 at 8:01 pm: “Monitors – Widescreen is a Must”

Interestingly, dual monitors may be the best way to go according to this NY times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/technology/pe...

Rather than a single 23 (or larger) widescreen monitor, a couple standard size 20in monitors might be better for some people at about the same cost.
Rod_Uding February 9, 2009 at 8:54 pm: I have to agree with you. I have found several studies that show dual monitors increase productivity. If I want another monitor at work right now, I would have to buy it myself and I have been pondering doing it.
diverso February 9, 2009 at 8:54 pm: Josh,
I was on this session also, best one of the three i've attended today. I'm not leaving without my SolidSmack Sticke.r
burhop February 9, 2009 at 9:00 pm: That is what I did although some people think I shouldn't have. I have two thought processes with this.

1.) Being a product designer (software or real) is like being a mechanic. You want your own tools

2.) If I'm more productive, I'll eventually get a bigger raise or bonus paying back that $120 “investment”.
Rod_Uding February 9, 2009 at 9:25 pm: Very similar to what I was thinking about. I need to be more productive in my enviroment. We have half of the people we had 10 years ago and about the same amount of work. Being the lead designer, I get saddled with being Mr Fixit and The Shell Answer Man. Besides, I can always write the monitor expense off on my taxes.