Top-Ten List success

[jcapriotti]

2021-11-22 09_11_23.jpg


Okaaaaaayyyyy. Several questions:
1) I thought the TTL was only for SWX. Adding other software just dilutes it. On second thought, maybe that's intentional.
2) xShape hasn't had a fillet tool until now?!?!?

Since our subscription is going toward them developing xdesign when we didn't ask for it, I'd say Desktopworks is already diluted. It doesn't have a quarter of the features of DesktopWorks yet they give it other capabilities we've been asking for.

[Lucas]

Seeing this makes me think the best top ten improvement would be to rename everything properly and and display in a tree (showing their exploitation ).

Lots of 3D, SolidWorks, eXperience, eXes...

I feel that I have twice my age for not being able to understand this nonsense; same goes for Abaqus and Simulia and whatever mix they are doing...

[jcapriotti]

Seeing this makes me think the best top ten improvement would be to rename everything properly and and display in a tree (showing their exploitation ).

Lots of 3D, SolidWorks, eXperience, eXes...

I feel that I have twice my age for not being able to understand this nonsense; same goes for Abaqus and Simulia and whatever mix they are doing...

There are two product lines.

• SolidWorks (Desktop)(Standard, Pro, Premium)
• 3DX Apps
  -xDesign
  -xShape

What they are calling 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is just desktop with the 3dx add-in for uploading/download files, plus I think they give you access to xDesign as well. It would be like calling it "PDM SOLIDWORKS" if you just had PDM with DesktopWorks, and call that a product....but they don't. It's what happens when people major in marketing.

[Tom G]

I'd still like to see the added ability to color-code Comment Indicators. It looks like a Post-It Note anyway. I'd love to categorize them into red for critical immediate needs, orange or yellow for later contextual procedural needs, and green for resolved, or something like that. Colors are more flexible than rigid Status choices, as any user could assign their own meanings to colors.

However, I've mentioned this before on their Forum. Devs have supposedly 'heard' all users suggestions from their forum, so I don't need to add it to TTL for them to get the idea which has already been ignored. I am entirely uninclined to contribute this idea for their ego-stroking marketing promotion, nor to pursue the use of their platform at all.

I would hope that excruciatingly miserable results may even kill the TTL. Bye bye TTL. I don't miss this exercise anymore.

[mattpeneguy]

I'd still like to see the added ability to color-code Comment Indicators. It looks like a Post-It Note anyway. I'd love to categorize them into red for critical immediate needs, orange or yellow for later contextual procedural needs, and green for resolved, or something like that. Colors are more flexible than rigid Status choices, as any user could assign their own meanings to colors.

However, I've mentioned this before on their Forum. Devs have supposedly 'heard' all users suggestions from their forum, so I don't need to add it to TTL for them to get the idea which has already been ignored. I am entirely uninclined to contribute this idea for their ego-stroking marketing promotion, nor to pursue the use of their platform at all.

I would hope that excruciatingly miserable results may even kill the TTL. Bye bye TTL. I don't miss this exercise anymore.

Tom,
We shouldn't just ask for something simple here. They should look at what's available and works well. For instance, here what Bluebeam Revu does for commenting is phenomenal. They should just copy that functionality:

These comments should be sortable, we should be able to generate reports, etc.

[Tom G]

Tom,
We shouldn't just ask for something simple here. They should look at what's available and works well. For instance, here what Bluebeam Revu does for commenting is phenomenal. They should just copy that functionality:
image.png
These comments should be sortable, we should be able to generate reports, etc.

They should do their jobs better, improve their product, sure. I'm not actually asking anymore.

[Lucas]

There are two product lines.

• SolidWorks (Desktop)(Standard, Pro, Premium)
• 3DX Apps
  -xDesign
  -xShape

What they are calling 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is just desktop with the 3dx add-in for uploading/download files, plus I think they give you access to xDesign as well. It would be like calling it "PDM SOLIDWORKS" if you just had PDM with DesktopWorks, and call that a product....but they don't. It's what happens when people major in marketing.

The add-in in DesktopWorks is the 3DExp Marketplace, no?
Isn't the 3Dexp SW the cloud version of the DesktopWorks? That's what I see people complaining when buying.
https://www.solidworks.com/product/students

And xShape and xDesign are apps from 3D Sculptor and Creator which are browser stuff. The SW for Makers includes them in the package

Which made me wonder if my company got access to 3D Sculptor with the SW Professional we bought. But its not mentioned on the product list.
https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-3d-cad

[jcapriotti]

The add-in in DesktopWorks is the 3DExp Marketplace, no?
Isn't the 3Dexp SW the cloud version of the DesktopWorks? That's what I see people complaining when buying.
https://www.solidworks.com/product/students

Not sure about that add-in, I don't think that's the 3dx PLM add-in though. 3dx Solidworks is just Desktop with the add-in and some cloud space. Not the "X" apps.

And xShape and xDesign are apps from 3D Sculptor and Creator which are browser stuff. The SW for Makers includes them in the package
image.png

Which made me wonder if my company got access to 3D Sculptor with the SW Professional we bought. But its not mentioned on the product list.
https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-3d-cad

No, you wouldn't have access unless you bought them. The "makers" version bundles desktop and the online apps for students.

Here are some of them, notice they are all subscription only.
https://store.javelin-tech.com/Store-Ca ... Roles-Apps

[dave.laban]

3dx Solidworks is just Desktop with the add-in and some cloud space.

These two posts / responses seem to imply some not insignificant functional differences between CloudWorks and DesktopWorks.

https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexp ... 1w_Tv11yNQ (can't export eDrawings files from CloudWorks)

https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexp ... JjmvfHp57w (no virtual components / assembly level features in CloudWorks)

The fact we're having this conversation at all says that DS marketing department are AWFUL at their job.

[dave.laban]

Also, would it be interesting to host our own TTL here and see what the comparable results are?

[Lucas]

Not sure about that add-in, I don't think that's the 3dx PLM add-in though. 3dx Solidworks is just Desktop with the add-in and some cloud space. Not the "X" apps.



No, you wouldn't have access unless you bought them. The "makers" version bundles desktop and the online apps for students.

Here are some of them, notice they are all subscription only.
https://store.javelin-tech.com/Store-Ca ... Roles-Apps

I see, thanks for the explanation.

I have the professional version, which might have the bundle. Will check tomorrow, my account isn't properly connected with the VAR, but now there's a reason to deal with it lol ( )
https://store.javelin-tech.com/Store-Ca ... -Offer-YSC


(pretty expensive for one year license btw)

[Frank_Oostendorp]

The fact we're having this conversation at all says that DS marketing department are AWFUL at their job.

It's much worse. DS has lost the overview completely. They are as inconsistent in marketing as they are in writing software.
And some customers are trapped:
https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexp ... EwjPdcWApw

Help!
how to unsubscribe. how do I unsubscribe from the solidworks 3dexperience student version. How do I get out of here?

They don't even want a refund, just to get rid of the 3DEXPERIENCE

[mike miller]

Also, would it be interesting to host our own TTL here and see what the comparable results are?

https://www.cadforum.net/viewtopic.php? ... 278#p15278

[dave.laban]

TTL update 2021-11-26:

1. Replace 3DEXPERIENCE with Desktop SWX (25 votes) [Excluded idea]
2. Focus More on Increasing Stability (22)
3. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (20)
=. Some Method of Deactivating / Activating a License from any Machine (20)
5. One and Two. (15) [Excluded idea]
6. Split Solidworks into a separate company (14) [Excluded idea]
=. Actually implement the ideas from the Top Ten lists that you create. (14)
8. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (13)
9. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (12)
10. Ability to replace templates (10)
11. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (8)
12. Add the hyphen in fractions from custom properties (7)
=. Return to : SOLIDWORKS Remains Dedicated To Helping You To Be Productive No Matter Where You Are! (7)

[mattpeneguy]

TTL update 2021-11-26:

1. Replace 3DEXPERIENCE with Desktop SWX (25 votes) [Excluded idea]
2. Focus More on Increasing Stability (22)
3. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (20)
=. Some Method of Deactivating / Activating a License from any Machine (20)
5. One and Two. (15) [Excluded idea]
6. Split Solidworks into a separate company (14) [Excluded idea]
=. Actually implement the ideas from the Top Ten lists that you create. (14)
8. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (13)
9. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (12)
10. Ability to replace templates (10)
11. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (8)
12. Add the hyphen in fractions from custom properties (7)
=. Return to : SOLIDWORKS Remains Dedicated To Helping You To Be Productive No Matter Where You Are! (7)

If they implement this, they also need to create sheet level properties. Each drawing file can have multiple sheets, and those sheets should have properties that can be propagated to the sheets.

Otherwise, I find it funny that almost all the top ideas are to fix SW corporate...

[berg_lauritz]

If they implement this, they also need to create sheet level properties. Each drawing file can have multiple sheets, and those sheets should have properties that can be propagated to the sheets.

Otherwise, I find it funny that almost all the top ideas are to fix SW corporate...

This also is connected to their PDM - you have different sheets in PDM for drawings but you don't have different custom properties.
So if you don't click 'update in all configurations' for the properties in SolidWorks you may get things on 'Sheet 1' (which only exists in PDM) and it will not propagate into your custom properties of your drawing.
So ANYTHING that is on your drawings basically NEEDS to have this checkbox (update all cfgs) checked just because this is not yet integrated....

[AlexB]

This also is connected to their PDM - you have different sheets in PDM for drawings but you don't have different custom properties.
So if you don't click 'update in all configurations' for the properties in SolidWorks you may get things on 'Sheet 1' (which only exists in PDM) and it will not propagate into your custom properties of your drawing.
So ANYTHING that is on your drawings basically NEEDS to have this checkbox (update all cfgs) checked just because this is not yet integrated....

Agreed, we had to have a workaround to get ours to update all the "sheet" configurations on the data card. It seems like one of those things that's 95% done but the last 5% is pretty important.

[dave.laban]

TTL update 2021-12-03:

Ex. Replace 3DEXPERIENCE with Desktop SWX (27 votes)
1. Focus More on Increasing Stability (24)
2. Some Method of Deactivating / Activating a License from any Machine (22)
3. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (21)
Ex. One and Two. (17)
Ex. Split Solidworks into a separate company (16)
Ex. Actually implement the ideas from the Top Ten lists that you create. (15)
4. Ability to have the optimize face command in SOLIDWORKS (15)
5. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (13)
=. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (13)
7. Ability to replace templates (12)
Ex. Return to : SOLIDWORKS Remains Dedicated To Helping You To Be Productive No Matter Where You Are! (8)
Ex. Revive the home use licenses (8)
8. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (8)
=. dimensioning of external threads (8)
Ex. Bring Back the Priority Slider (7)
10. Add the hyphen in fractions from custom properties (7)
=. add an option to not see this worthless warning again (7)
=. Improve Move/Copy Bodies (Ref. Geo. as entities) (7)
=. Bidirectional Linear Patterns (7)

[SamSpade]

TTL update 2021-12-03:

Ex. Replace 3DEXPERIENCE with Desktop SWX (27 votes)
1. Focus More on Increasing Stability (24)
2. Some Method of Deactivating / Activating a License from any Machine (22)
3. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (21)
Ex. One and Two. (17)
Ex. Split Solidworks into a separate company (16)
Ex. Actually implement the ideas from the Top Ten lists that you create. (15)
4. Ability to have the optimize face command in SOLIDWORKS (15)
5. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (13)
=. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (13)
7. Ability to replace templates (12)
Ex. Return to : SOLIDWORKS Remains Dedicated To Helping You To Be Productive No Matter Where You Are! (8)
Ex. Revive the home use licenses (8)
8. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (8)
=. dimensioning of external threads (8)
Ex. Bring Back the Priority Slider (7)
10. Add the hyphen in fractions from custom properties (7)
=. add an option to not see this worthless warning again (7)
=. Improve Move/Copy Bodies (Ref. Geo. as entities) (7)
=. Bidirectional Linear Patterns (7)

I really like the list... now how do we get her done?

[DennisD]

I really like the list... now how do we get her done?

[mike miller]

TTL update 2021-12-03:

Ex. Replace 3DEXPERIENCE with Desktop SWX (27 votes)
1. Focus More on Increasing Stability (24)
2. Some Method of Deactivating / Activating a License from any Machine (22)
3. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (21)
Ex. One and Two. (17)
Ex. Split Solidworks into a separate company (16)
Ex. Actually implement the ideas from the Top Ten lists that you create. (15)
4. Ability to have the optimize face command in SOLIDWORKS (15)
5. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (13)
=. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (13)
7. Ability to replace templates (12)
Ex. Return to : SOLIDWORKS Remains Dedicated To Helping You To Be Productive No Matter Where You Are! (8)
Ex. Revive the home use licenses (8)
8. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (8)
=. dimensioning of external threads (8)
Ex. Bring Back the Priority Slider (7)
10. Add the hyphen in fractions from custom properties (7)
=. add an option to not see this worthless warning again (7)
=. Improve Move/Copy Bodies (Ref. Geo. as entities) (7)
=. Bidirectional Linear Patterns (7)

The eighth idea in the list is the first one to actually address a specific CAD issue. That's shocking, but also predictable.

[dave.laban]

Well I thought it was too good to be true, they've sacked off the Online licensing idea I submitted despite originally approving it.

[SPerman]

The solution is to use the product we are discontinuing. Got it.

[SPerman]

I wanted to find Dave's post to comment, but I have no idea how to navigate that site.

I am here, and clicking on the different posts seems to do nothing. My only option appears to be to "preview", but that doesn't seem to lead anywhere either.

How can it be this bad and no one cares?

[mattpeneguy]

I wanted to find Dave's post to comment, but I have no idea how to navigate that site.

I am here, and clicking on the different posts seems to do nothing. My only option appears to be to "preview", but that doesn't seem to lead anywhere either.

How can it be this bad and no one cares?

image.png

You care, I care, lots of people care...But the people that don't use the platform who make the decisions don't care.

[DennisD]

You care, I care, lots of people care...
But the people that don't use the platform who make the decisions don't care.

[dave.laban]

I wanted to find Dave's post to comment, but I have no idea how to navigate that site.

I am here, and clicking on the different posts seems to do nothing. My only option appears to be to "preview", but that doesn't seem to lead anywhere either.

How can it be this bad and no one cares?

image.png

https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexp ... fZjtnFXCoQ

And you have to use the other search (yes, really) to have a vague hope of getting useful results.

[SPerman]

I'm just flabbergasted. The site is a nightmare. All of the feedback I've seen has told them this over and over. The "Experience" doesn't even appear to work based on the feedback I've seen.

Where is the success story? How can management ignore all of these failures and continue to plod down this road? Are there people who love the new direction the company is taking and I'm just not seeing it? I don't understand how management continues to make these horrible decisions unless somewhere they can point to something and claim "success."

Most importantly, why do I continue to invest in a company that constantly reminds me that they are doing their best to destroy the product?

[SPerman]

And you have to use the other search (yes, really) to have a vague hope of getting useful results.

image.png

Maybe I'm just senile. What other search?

[dave.laban]

Maybe I'm just senile. What other search?

image.png

See the picture I posted - there's a dropdown where you can switch from "Search" to "Search in Current Page". So you just need to be in the right Community, then running the Search in Current Page will effectively filter the conversation list to show only your search terms, at which point you can dive straight in to the topic.

Yeah, it's ridiculous.

[bnemec]

See the picture I posted - there's a dropdown where you can switch from "Search" to "Search in Current Page". So you just need to be in the right Community, then running the Search in Current Page will effectively filter the conversation list to show only your search terms, at which point you can dive straight in to the topic.

Yeah, it's ridiculous.

And the wind direction? Where does that factor in?

[SPerman]

Yeah, it's ridiculous.

[jcapriotti]

This site sounds like how we were recommended to implement Windchill, you just search to find stuff, you don't need folders or other other organization, just attributes. Tens of thousands of objects in one container I have to attempt to filter through, 2000 objects at a time because it's too slow to show them all. Lucky we ignored that and had folders added, unfortunately the system doesn't make it easy to search a folder (It's possible just not evident to the user).

Sometimes searching doesn't cut it. Sometime I want to "browse" because I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. Most often I want to search and browse together. Yeah I can go to a "community" but I can't browse when I get there. I just get a stream of nonsense err.... conscious social media wall.

It's like shopping, if I know exactly what I want, online is fine. But sometimes I just want to walk the damn store and discover something.

[bnemec]

This site sounds like how we were recommended to implement Windchill, you just search to find stuff, you don't need folders or other other organization, just attributes. Tens of thousands of objects in one container I have to attempt to filter through, 2000 objects at a time because it's too slow to show them all. Lucky we ignored that and had folders added, unfortunately the system doesn't make it easy to search a folder (It's possible just not evident to the user).

Sometimes searching doesn't cut it. Sometime I want to "browse" because I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. Most often I want to search and browse together. Yeah I can go to a "community" but I can't browse when I get there. I just get a stream of nonsense err.... conscious social media wall.

It's like shopping, if I know exactly what I want, online is fine. But sometimes I just want to walk the damn store and discover something.

SW PDM claims the same thing, fortunately our VAR guided us around that one and said keep some folder structure with intent to stay roughly < 2k entries per folder. We have most people using the search tool but as you mention, sometimes I just need to walk the aisles. Also, in PDM, it seems I must be in a folder to look up the deleted items. Be nice if a right click in the search tool result would offer a path to deleted files that match search criteria. Wait, is there an option in the complete search to show deleted files? I must go check that now...

[jcapriotti]

@bnemec It's a fine line to walk. Too many folders is bad as well. You need to spend time to come up with a well thought folder structure that fits your business model. You also have to take into consideration the limitations that the PDM/PLM may impose which is not always clear without experience.

[mike miller]

SW PDM claims the same thing, fortunately our VAR guided us around that one and said keep some folder structure with intent to stay roughly < 2k entries per folder. We have most people using the search tool but as you mention, sometimes I just need to walk the aisles. Also, in PDM, it seems I must be in a folder to look up the deleted items. Be nice if a right click in the search tool result would offer a path to deleted files that match search criteria. Wait, is there an option in the complete search to show deleted files? I must go check that now...

Teamcenter works the same way (putting everything on a big pile). I'm currently researching their Classification option. This can be added to Rapid Start at no cost, it just needs to be set up.

From what I've seen so far, Classification seems to be the hybrid we're looking for. In a nutshell, it creates a bunch of attributes for objects that can be used to filter results. For example, I can search for "hydraulic" and I'll see everything from pumps to valves to cylinders. I can then further narrow the results by choosing "cylinders". It works much the same way as McMaster's website, or any other well designed shopping site.

I've demoed PDM that used folders. It's nice in a way, but things don't always fit nicely into the boxes we create. Attributes makes this easier IMHO.

[jcapriotti]

Teamcenter works the same way (putting everything on a big pile). I'm currently researching their Classification option. This can be added to Rapid Start at no cost, it just needs to be set up.

From what I've seen so far, Classification seems to be the hybrid we're looking for. In a nutshell, it creates a bunch of attributes for objects that can be used to filter results. For example, I can search for "hydraulic" and I'll see everything from pumps to valves to cylinders. I can then further narrow the results by choosing "cylinders". It works much the same way as McMaster's website, or any other well designed shopping site.

I've demoed PDM that used folders. It's nice in a way, but things don't always fit nicely into the boxes we create. Attributes makes this easier IMHO.

Classifications works best for well defined standard parts. It falls down some for unique parts that don't fit well into any classification. Trying to create a classification for every type of part your are likely to encounter or design can be a challenge. Of course, some larger companies have people dedicated to policing this.

Folders could be viewed like "classifications" as well. Although you are usually limited to only one folder for a file. PDM allows for some cross folder viewing (Paste Shared ) but I'm not sure how well it works or if it can cause SolidWorks issues.

[dave.laban]

TTL update 2021-12-10:

Ex. Replace 3DEXPERIENCE with Desktop SWX (27 votes)
1. Focus More on Increasing Stability (26)
Ex. Some Method of Deactivating / Activating a License from any Machine (23)
2. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (23)
Ex. One and Two. (18)
Ex. Split Solidworks into a separate company (16)
3. Ability to have the optimize face command in SOLIDWORKS (16)
4. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (14)
=. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (14)
6. Ability to replace templates (13)
Ex. Revive the home use licenses (12)
7. Bidirectional Linear Patterns (9)
=. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (9)
9. Option to Skip Individual Feature/Component from Pattern (8)
=. add an option to not see this worthless warning again (8)
=. dimensioning of external threads (8)

[RichGergely]

Number 1 should be -

Give users their money back you pissed up the wall on 3DEXPERIENCE

[berg_lauritz]

@dave.laban is FLOODING the TTL. I love it!

[AlexB]

@dave.laban is FLOODING the TTL. I love it!

I just saw all this and it's calling out all of the broken things that still need fixing

[KevinC]

I just saw all this and it's calling out all of the broken things that still need fixing

It's broke good now:

[bnemec]

It's broke good now:
image.png

As opposed to being broken bad? So they're making improvements.

Sorry.

[SPerman]

How can you tell the difference?

[jcapriotti]

It's broke good now:
image.png

You mean it's broke well.

[dave.laban]

@dave.laban is FLOODING the TTL. I love it!

Glad to be of service

This is my last week being in the office before the TTL closes so I need to get my ideas in now. By leaving it as late as possible they'll be as high up the scroll of doom as possible so there's a better chance of more people seeing it #gamingthesystem

[Reennie]

...scroll of doom...

I love it!!

[dave.laban]

TTL update 2021-12-17:

1. Focus More on Increasing Stability (28)
2. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (25)
3. Ability to have the optimize face command in SOLIDWORKS (16)
4. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (15)
=. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (15)
6. Ability to replace templates (13)
7. Bidirectional Linear Patterns (9)
=. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (9)
=. add an option to not see this worthless warning again (9)
=. dimensioning of external threads (9)

Well they've now deleted all of the "supplemental ideas" so that's trimmed the list down a bit.

[mattpeneguy]

TTL update 2021-12-17:

1. Focus More on Increasing Stability (28)
2. Focus More on Fixing Bugs (25)
3. Ability to have the optimize face command in SOLIDWORKS (16)
4. Extrude Cut direction should be where there is material (15)
=. Provide a better way of re-attaching dangling dimensions (15)
6. Ability to replace templates (13)
7. Bidirectional Linear Patterns (9)
=. Link Drawing Sheet Names to Custom Properties (9)
=. add an option to not see this worthless warning again (9)
=. dimensioning of external threads (9)

Well they've now deleted all of the "supplemental ideas" so that's trimmed the list down a bit.

Looks like all that focus they had on 1 & 2 that they tried to convince us was now taken care of paid off.
Really though when the top item only has 28 votes, how do you use these numbers to decide what you allocate resources to? 9 people want "dimensioning of external threads" so lets throw $1,000,000 at implementing that...

[dave.laban]

In fairness actual voting doesn't begin until Jan 3rd, however because Likes = Votes and they can't disable Likes temporarily, anyone with half a brain has been voting already as Ideas are generated rather than waiting to wade through the ridiculous list come January.

I've just been amusing myself keeping track of it during this phase, mostly to see how the deleted Ideas would stack up come the final reckoning.