Check In/Check Out Feature

Objective: To instruct SolidWorks administrators how to check in and check out files of their PDM integration with Duro.

Difficulty: Easy

In this article:

1. Feature overview
2. Preliminary requirements
3. PDM Admin role
4. How to check out a file
5. How to check in a file

Duro’s PDM One integration with SolidWorks enables check-in and check-out capabilities, helping teams establish efficient file management without the need for a full-scale PDM solution. Discover the advantages of this feature, such as data protection, preventing file overwrites, and promoting synchronized collaboration. Plus, don't miss insights into the crucial PDM Admin role. 

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Feature overview

When working on a file in CAD, engineers and designers require a method of preventing others from simultaneously opening the same file and overwriting existing content. The check-in and check-out features of Duro’s SolidWorks plugin simplify collaboration between team members, protecting your data from being lost as you make changes.

Checking out files grants a single user exclusive editing rights, allowing users to lock specific files from external alterations when editing. State changes and modifications to the file are only permitted by the editor when the file is checked out. Once the file is checked back in by the editor, the file becomes available once again for other team members to edit.

Upon logging in, users are immediately notified if any files they need to access are currently checked out by someone else. Hovering over the locked files reveals the associated users. The system distinguishes between different states of files, presenting users with a "File Checked Out" message when a file is checked out in a read-only state.

Preliminary requirements

Prior to checking out a file, users must perform a "pull part" action,* ensuring Duro PLM is tracking the component(s). Duro has to first understand where the file is located before asking the system to perform an action on it. Pulling the part number sends Duro the part information and generates a CPN for the part, thus enabling the user to check out the coordinating files. 

Once a file is checked out, the user gains editing rights and can later check it back in, signifying that they have finished their modifications. The system also keeps track of the number of files checked out by users for easy monitoring.

Note: for more information on how to pull a part number, please visit the SolidWorks PDM Overview.

PDM Admin role

The "PDM Admin" role is a vital component of this feature, allowing administrators to check in files on behalf of others, ensuring smooth workflows even during user unavailability. Its purpose is to prevent organizations from losing access to checked-out files when the file editor is unavailable due to vacation, leave, or other reasons. Authorized individuals can utilize this role to obtain component and product data and check in files, fostering a resilient work environment and minimizing disruptions to team productivity. With a focus on preparedness and adaptability, the PDM Admin role plays a pivotal part in maintaining seamless workflow and sustaining organizational success.

How to check out a file

Please follow the instructions below to check out a file:

1. Login to the SolidWorks plugin.
2. Open the file you would like to check out. 
3. Pull the part number.*
4. Select the component or product in the task pane tab.
5. Click the Check Out button.

The file in question is now checked out. Your teammates will have read-only access while you maintain exclusive editing rights to the file. Please remember to check the file back in once you have completed your changes, allowing other team members to resume their own alterations when needed. 

Note: For more information on utilizing the Pull Part Number feature, please refer to the SolidWorks PDM Overview.

How to check in a file

To check a file back in and allow other users to edit, please follow the below instructions:

1. Login to the SolidWorks plugin. 
2. Open the file you have checked out.
3. Select the component or product in the task pane tab. 
4. Click the Check In button. 

The file in question is currently checked in and is open for editing to your team members.