Archive for December, 2009

EPDM Dispatch for File Renaming

SolidWorks’ Enterprise PDM (EPDM) system contains what some might call a “poor man’s API” known as the Dispatch Tool.  The Dispatch Tool allows non-programmers (those who don’t write formal code in Visual Studio.NET) to create basic programs, scripts, and functions within EPDM without having to learn a programming language.  The tool is limited in functionality of course and is a procedural language, but it does provide a lot of ways to manipulate data inside EPDM.  This article highlights the capabilities of the Dispatch Tool through an example that renames a file with the information contained on the file’s Data Card.  Sample code for this example is provided.  Continue Reading

Production, Test & Development Environments

Many of the systems our clients work with could rightly be considered business critical systems.  Whether its Design Automation (DA) tools, a PLM/PDM system, a custom application, or a tool for electronic process automation Razorleaf’s clients would be hard-pressed to efficiently complete their day’s activities if the system was down or not operating as it should.  There are a number of items that should be considered when making a change to one of these systems including ensuring proper documentation, training, system design, and testing.  One of the most overlooked best practices to ensure success is having a staging area where applications can be rigorously developed, tested, and deployed.  Continue Reading

Leveraging 3D CAD Downstream

Engineering isn’t done just for engineering’s sake, so it is critical for engineering deliverables to make it outside to marketing, sales, and even out to the customer.  Tools like 3DVia Composer are great for more directly connecting engineering content with the consumers that need it, and doing so in a way that saves everyone time and reduces costly mistakes.  Continue Reading

Razorleaf Named to 2009 Weatherhead 100

2009 Weatherhead 100 LogoRazorleaf is pleased to announce our recent naming to the 2009 Weatherhead 100 list.  Due to steady growth over the past number of years, Razorleaf was awarded the 38th position in the 2009 Weatherhead 100.  The Weatherhead 100 is a distinctive honor given to Northeastern Ohio businesses by the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE).  Placement on the list is awarded to those businesses demonstrating exceptional growth over a 4 year period, and 2009 was Razorleaf’s third year of being named to the list.  Continue Reading

Design Automation with SolidWorks Macros

The new Design Automation (DA) tools for SolidWorks are wonderful. DriveWorks, TactonWorks, and a host of others all give you the power to drive SolidWorks models…within reason. However, there are times when you want more control than the tool is willing to give you. Recently, a client asked us to remove instances from a linear pattern through DriveWorks. We all know that it’s possible to do manually through SolidWorks, but to control it through DriveWorks required a SolidWorks macroContinue Reading

Tacton Modeling Blog Announced

Attention all Tacton Studio and TactonWorks modelers! The folks at Tacton have just added a new blog designed to pass along tips, tricks and experiences from the field. The new Tacton Modeling Blog will feature the best insights from the Tacton team and perhaps even some guest blogs. Continue Reading

Using SQL Replace

Have you ever wanted to globally replace one value with another inside of a database?  Have you ever wanted to globally alter string data, replacing one word with another in a database?  If so, the SQL Replace statement could be just what you’re looking for!  It allows you to search for one string within another and either remove the string or replace it with a different string.  The Replace() statement is available for use on most major database management systems in use today, including Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.  Continue Reading