Software connector keeps PDF backups

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 12, 2008

PDF copies in the MasterControl document control system are synchronised with the native files in the Windchill solution.

MasterControl has released a connector linking MasterControl's integrated solutions with Parametric Technology's Windchill PDMLink software.

Users can now collaborate and red line PDF versions of Windchill drawings using the connector, knowing that secure PDF copies in the MasterControl document control system are synchronised with the native files in the Windchill solution.

"The main goal of connecting MasterControl to the Windchill solution is to foster an effective communication environment by insuring the consistency of data between systems in order to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance", said Matthew Lowe, MasterControl Product Manager, Medical Device Expert.

"The interface with Windchill makes it possible to control the handling of CAD files while helping companies to overcome the inherent difficulties of product data management".

MasterControl's solution manages and tracks the creation, revision and archiving of all information relating to the development of a particular product.

MasterControl's comprehensive automated system eliminates the need for manual revision, publishing, routing and approval.

The system's interoperability with Windchill further improves workflow functionality and promotes effective and seamless management of intrinsically complex CAD files.

The Windchill connector provides users with a straightforward tool to apply document control to CAD data without forcing designers to use a nonnative application for CAD file management.

Even users who lack intimate knowledge of the CAD package can red line and collaborate on a product's CAD files using Adobe Reader.

All CAD files are maintained by the native Windchill solution while MasterControl automates the publishing of the files for official document control purposes such as routing, approval and production.

As collaborations introduce changes to the development process, collaboration managers can make the necessary alterations using the native CAD application.

The MasterControl system then automatically publishes an updated PDF file that reflects the changes that have been made.

MasterControl continuously and automatically monitors the Windchill solution for new and revised drawings.

Using the metadata from the Windchill solution, the MasterControl system publishes a PDF main file for every new drawing located.

Revised drawings will also trigger automatic revisions in MasterControl which draws the metadata and drawing file from the Windchill solution into updated "InfoCards".

MasterControl InfoCards are created for every new and revised drawing in the Windchill solution according to definitions set by the user.

MasterControl can also receive custom field data directly from the Windchill solution.

Whenever the connection between MasterControl and Windchill is initialised, the system automatically synchronises files packets until there are no more files requiring synchronisation.

MasterControl also allows users to sync files manually and automatically identifies and rectifies any gaps in data that may exist after manual synchronisation.

The MasterControl system automatically notifies assignable users when the PDM solution is missing metadata and causes the transfer process to fail.