PTC Technical Specialists E-Newsletter Date: June 1, 2006

Transcription

1 Tips of the Month: Announcements: SPECIAL DOUBLE--SIZED B R8 ANNIVERSARY PTC Technical Specialists E-Newsletter ISSUE!! Date: June 1, 2006 Pro/ENGINEER & PDM USABILITY Most Recent Announcements Upcoming Events & Training Schedule: Events & Training Schedule Tips of the Month Mutual Benefit Can be Achieved With Both CAD and PDM PDM is often viewed as an obstacle to the natural design process because of additional steps and limitations it may impose on CAD tools to ensure proper model management. Many of these steps and limitations are eliminated as a result of the direct connection between Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire and PDMLink/Intralink 8.0. Not only will this direct streamlined connection to PDM help spawn acceptance within the design community but it can provide designers access to valuable information not easily available before. In this article, we will reveal a number of tips and techniques that can aid in the adoption and improved utilization of Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire within PDMLink 8.0 or Intralink 8.0. For additional information about using Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire with Windchill, review the UsingProeWithWCGuide.pdf document on your PDMLink/Intralink server s Publications Page or online at Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 1 of 31

2 Table of Contents Mutual Benefit of CAD and PDM Error! Bookmark not defined. Improving Efficiency within Pro/ENGINEER 3 Direct File Open 3 File Open showing PDM Details 4 File Menu PDM Operations 5 PDM Information within the Model Tree 6 Viewing Content of Non-Active Workspaces 7 Utilizing a Macro Menu for Streamlined Workspace Access 8 Right Click PDM Menu Operations 9 Comparing Multiple PDM Model Versions 10 Managing Exported Model Formats within PDM 12 Leveraging the Search Tab 14 Improving Efficiency within the Workspace 15 Managing Workspace Information using Table Views 15 Table Configuration for Concurrent Design Status Information 15 Table Configuration for Loading Data into a Populated System 16 Table Configuration for Filtering Workspaces by File Type 18 Downloading Non-Latest Configurations 19 Configuring the Left Side Scrollbar within the Workspace 20 Improving Efficiency within the Browser 21 Taking Advantage of the Recently Accessed Pages 21 Leveraging PDMLink Enterprise Search 22 Utilizing Drag and Drop between Browser and Modeling Space 23 Maximizing the Space in your Embedded Browser 23 Streamlining Access to Access Items on Changes 24 Intelligent Hyperlinks within a Pro/E Drawing Rev Block 25 Appendix 27 Table of Figures 27 Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 2 of 31

3 Improving Efficiency within Pro/ENGINEER Improve your ability to Design directly connected to Intralink / PDMLink Direct File Open Prior to model management tools, many customers utilized file systems and networks to vault Pro/E data. Search paths were critical to find all files required within Pro/E s complex relationships. Designers enjoyed the ability to retrieve models and drawings directly into Pro/E by typing in a part number despite the fact that this approach was capable of causing data integrity problems because of the first found- first used approach of search paths. Pro/INTRALINK solved this data integrity problem but introduced a requirement that models must be downloaded into a workspace via a PDM tool operation prior to opening within Pro/E. This can be very frustrating for a Pro/E user that knows the part numbers. Extra PDM operations reduce the working time within Pro/E. As a result of the direct connection between Pro/E and PDMLink/Intralink 8.0, you can leverage the behavior of search paths without sacrificing the value of Model and Workspace Management. This method will open files from PDMLink regardless of your workspace or what product or library they are managed in. This functionality is possible because of the file name uniqueness requirement within the PDM database. By utilizing the direct open, it will automatically download the requested file and all required dependencies (in the Latest Configuration ) to your local workspace. Once the files are downloaded, Pro/E will open them into session. Figure 1 - File Open Window To directly open Pro/E files Choose File Open and enter a complete filename including the extension in the Window Select Open. Accessing a Simplified Rep can also be accomplished with this approach by choosing Open Rep. Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 3 of 31

4 File Open showing PDM Details While within the File Open Window, it is also possible to display more PDM information than just the File Name. Additional attributes that can be shown include File Name, Number, Version, Modified Date, State and Common Name. Often times the Common Name is a description that is much more useful than the number. See the example below. Figure 2 - File Open Details View To display additional PDM Details within the File Open Window Choose Details from the upper left Display Configuration Option. Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 4 of 31

5 File Menu PDM Operations Many of the basic PDM functions have been added to the Pro/E File Menu. See Figure Below. Check Out and Undo Checkout are fairly straightforward. Check-In has two options: Auto and Custom Check-In. Figure 3 - Pro/E File Menu Auto Check-In will first save the file(s) to the workspace (subject to the control of the save_objects config.pro option) and automatically check items in with the default settings. If it is the initial check-in, this will upload the file into the default location on the PDM server as specified in the active Workspace Preferences. There will not be a Windchill WTPart created using this technique (applies to PDMLink only). Custom Check-In allows the user to add additional information. If this technique is used, the user is allowed to also upload converted ProductView files along with the Pro/E file(s). This will eliminate the need to create these viewables through the server-side publishing. The user will also be provided with an intermediate check-in page. Here they can change the destination folder (for initial check-in only), create a Baseline, choose to create Windchill Parts for the Pro/E File(s) as well as specifying some Auto Resolve options. Save and Upload allows the user to upload the Pro/E file(s) up to the PDM server for storage in their personal server-side workspace. These newly uploaded files will not be visible to any other user until they are formally checked-in. This is often used to make the files available on the system for server backup reasons. Uploaded files are also available for additional PDM functions such as Auto-Associating to Windchill Parts (applies to PDMLink only). Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 5 of 31

6 Update will compare Current or All items in Pro/E session against those on the PDM server. If any file(s) have been modified and checked-in by other users, you will be prompted with a window to accept and retrieve the latest files from the server. See Figure below. Figure 4 - Pro/E File Menu PDM Information within the Model Tree Pro/E can publish parameters to PDM through attribute mapping. PDM information is also made available within Pro/E. This information can be displayed within the Pro/E Model Tree. Some valuable attributes shown below include Version, Lifecycle State and Local db Status. Figure 5 - Adding PDM Columns to the Model Tree Adding Parameters Inside the Model Tree Choose Settings Tree Columns Choose Database Params for Type and Select Desired Attributes to Display Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 6 of 31

7 Viewing Content of Non-Active Workspaces Pro/E will only allow you to have one active workspace. This active workspace is Pro/E s default location so choosing File Open will display all items in the active workspace. However, sometimes you may want to view items that are in other workspaces without browsing PDM or performing a search. You can do this by expanding the PDM Cabinet in the Folder Browser Tab. Active WS Figure 6 - Viewing Content in a Non-Active Workspace This technique can also be used for expanding PDM Product or Library Folders. Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 7 of 31

8 Utilizing a Macro Menu for Streamlined Workspace Access Viewing or Refreshing your active workspace is a common task. To view/refresh your active workspace, navigate to the Folder Browser Tab and select either the Active Workspace Icon or Active Workspace Node in the Folder Browser (see figure below). However, if you are working on an active model, you most likely have the Model Tree Tab activated. Over time you may find yourself constantly toggling between navigation tabs just to refresh your workspace. You can streamline this process by creating a simple Mapkey and adding it as an icon to your toolbar. If you prefer to work with the Model Tree Panel minimized, you will need to include expanding this panel prior to choosing the browser tab and workspace in your macro. You may also want to include minimizing this panel at the end of your macro. Record a Macro (With a Model Open) Pick Folder Browser Tab Active Workspace Model Tree Tab Macro Stop Save Mapkey to config.pro To Add a Button to a Toolbar Tools Customize Screen Commands Tab Set Category to Mapkey Highlight New Mapkey and Drag onto a Toolbar Save config.win Workspace Mapkey Default Method Figure 7 - Viewing the Active Workspace with a Mapkey Icon Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 8 of 31

9 Right Click PDM Menu Operations Pro/E Wildfire has added basic PDM operations to the File menu for easy access. It also provides these capabilities from within the Model Tree by via a Right-Click Menu. It is worth noting that Range Select (Shift Click) and Multi-Select (Control-Click) are also supported with the Right Click Menu operations. Model Tree Right Click Operations Highlight an Item(s) Right Click Check Out Other options include Undo Check Out, Check In and Update Figure 8 - Utilizing the Model Tree Right-Click for PDM Operations Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 9 of 31

10 Comparing Multiple PDM Model Versions Pro/E allows for comparisons of any two models for feature or geometry differences. Since PDM tracks all versions of a model, it may be useful to perform comparisons of multiple versions of the same part. An example of this may be a detailed ProE review prior to approving an ECN for a model from Rev C to Rev D. It may also be very useful if you need to refer back to an old change that was made some time ago (for warranty or safety purposes) and see exactly what modifications were made between Revisions. This comparison can be done by accessing multiple versions of the item from within PDM. By default, Pro/E will download the latest version of the model. In this example the bracket is at Revision B.1. I would like to compare it to Version A.1 to see the geometry difference. Geometry Compare Version A.1 Version B.1 Figure 9 - Pro/E Compare Part Results Open a Pro/E model that you would like to compare with (B.1) Choose Analysis Compare Part By Feature or By Geometry In the Open Window browse to PDM location where the other version exists In the upper right corner of the Open Window choose and see All Versions Select Open for other version of the model (A.1) and select OK to Version Conflict Window allowing it to rename the new model in session For Geometry comparisons make sure to set a proper tolerance value and whether you want to show differences only. (See Pro/E help for more details on the Compare Part Feature) Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 10 of 31

11 Figure 10 - Pro/E Compare Part Analysis Menu Figure 11 - Opening Multiple Versions of the Same Model Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 11 of 31

12 Managing Exported Model Formats within PDM Many designers need to share Pro/E data with people in exported formats such as IGES, STEP, or Shrinkwrap. After creating additional formats, it can be difficult to track the versions. Sometimes you may want to share the latest version and other times you may want to share the released version. A good example of this is creating an IGES file along with your sheet metal flat pattern for use in manufacturing. Other examples would be for providing neutral files to outsourced manufacturing or tooling where Pro/E is not available. PDMLink Model Management provides the ability to save additional formats as attachments and tracked along with the native Pro/E file under that Attachments table (see figure below). This capability provides even more power when utilized with ProjectLink for streamlined sharing and collaboration. There is also a PDMLink server property setting that allows tracking whether the secondary content is out of date compared to the model as it gets iterated. (EXPORT.markoutofdate=true inside codebase\com\ptc\windchill\cadx\cfg\default\contentcat.ini). With this setting, it will provide an overridable conflict during check in if the secondary content has not been updated. However, there seems to be a problem in F000 build where this setting is not working properly (SPR ). With a model open in Pro/e choose File Save a Copy (Check out on the fly if necessary) Choose File Type (IGES, STEP, etc) and check Save new files to model Cad Document Check In Model Figure 12 - Save a Copy as Seconday Content Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 12 of 31

13 Figure 13 - Secondary Content Attachments Table Figure 14 - Stale Secondary Content Conflict with Property EXPORT.markoutofdate=true Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 13 of 31

14 Leveraging the Search Tab There are several ways to open PDM files into Pro/E. Once of the most common practices is through searching. There are several ways to search as well. One method inside Pro/E is to use the embedded Search Tab in the Navigation Panel. This method of searching allows for easy access inside Pro/E, leverages searching by attributes such as name, number and also CAD attributes (designated parameters). It also provides the ability for users to use Saved Criteria Searches. Results are displayed both within the Search Tab as well as within the built-in browser. Saved Searches CADDoc Attributes Search Results Figure 15 - ProE Embedded Search Tab Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 14 of 31

15 Improving Efficiency within the Workspace Improve your ability to manage information in a controlled PDM environment Managing Workspace Information using Table Views Workspaces provide the ability to work locally for performance reasons while staying connected to the central server for enterprise model management and collaboration reasons. Different file types, attributes and statuses are available for display within your workspace. There may be many things that you are interested in seeing while working within your workspace but rarely will you always want to see everything. Too many files mean long tables. Too many attributes mean cluttered wide tables. Too much communication with the server may mean slower performance. Workspace tables allow for creating different display configurations for different purposes. These table configurations can be created by system administrators and made available for all users. Users can also individually create their own table configurations that are saved for use at anytime. The basics for table configuration involve three steps: creating a table name/description, defining which columns to display and defining any file filtering rules. Several examples of useful table configurations are provided below. Table Configuration for Concurrent Design Status Information You can configure your workspace to check on each refresh for outdated files in your workspace by adding the Compare Status column. This may seem like it should be a default column in every table configuration but this kind of request to the server could ask for a lot of data each time depending on the number of files in your workspace. It may also take longer if you do not have a high bandwidth connection to the server. Therefore, it is recommended that you create a table configuration that includes this column for use when having access to the latest concurrent design is critical. X Figure 16 - Table Configuration with the Compare Status Column Displayed Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 15 of 31

16 The system will ALWAYS prevent you from an action that is invalid but you may not be aware of the problem until you try to perform that action. For example, if someone else checked out a file you have in your workspace and checked it back in without the Compare Status column displayed in your current workspace table configuration you will not know it. If you attempt to check out your non-latest iteration of this file, it will flag you about the problem. However, if you had the Compare Status column displayed you would have seen in your workspace when the new file was checked-in. You could then proactively perform an Update inside your workspace to receive the latest version of all files. Table Configuration for Loading Data into a Populated System If you have ever tried to load previously modeled Pro/E files from disk into a populated PDM system you may have run into issues with conflicting data that already exists on the server as well as potential missing dependencies (ghost files). To check for these two common upload issues, open your model(s) from disk and save them into your workspace. You can then create a table configuration that includes the Compare Status column (to check for filename uniqueness) and create filters as shown below (make sure to UNSELECT Match All). Figure 17 - Creating a Table Configuration for Detecting Uploading Conflicts Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 16 of 31

17 Figure 18 - Finished Table Configuration Display for Detecting Upload Conflicts FYI - Resolving the File Name Conflicts File Name Conflicts Check the items where a name conflict exists and choose Add to Workspace (+) You will see an Icon in Add to Workspace Wizard warning a name conflict exist between the server and workspace (this is expected) choose Next Check all items and choose Download to replace files in the workspace with server version Select Finish -You will be prompted to Replace Objects in Session from you updated workspace Step 1 Step 2 Figure 19 - Resolving File Name Conflicts on Upload Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 17 of 31

18 FYI - Resolving the Missing Dependencies Conflicts by Adding a Placeholder Status Missing Conflicts Save and Upload ALL files (NOT JUST MISSING Files) Select the Details link for a missing file in the workspace Choose Add a Placeholder (This requires that you have CAD Templates Defined already) Repeat the step above until All missing objects have resolved Complete your Check In Table Configuration for Filtering Workspaces by File Type As you work with more and more files, you may simply want to filter your table to display only a subset of your workspace. Some common filtering rules would be by Type or Name. An example would be Cad Files Only (Type = Workgroup Manager CAD Document), Parts Only (Type = Part) or Drawings Only (File Name = *.drw). Once you define these table configurations, toggling between files for workspace usability becomes very easy and natural. Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 18 of 31

19 Downloading Non-Latest Configurations The most common practice for downloading Pro/E files is to use the latest configuration. However, there may be times when you need to retrieve either older data or configurations (As Stored) or want to increase the default number of items to be downloaded (all dependencies, additional family table instances, drawings, associated parts, etc). The Add-to-Workspace Wizard provides the ability to view and change the default Latest Configuration. A complete understanding of all of the configuration options would require a class of its own but be aware that these advanced options are available. Figure 20 - Add to Workspace Dependencies and Configuration Options Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 19 of 31

20 Configuring the Left Side Scrollbar within the Workspace By default, scrollbars controlling the vertical scrolling for tables are positioned on the right side of tables. Occasionally, the combined number and width of table columns may make it necessary to use the horizontal scrollbar to access the vertical scrollbar. A site-wide property allows you to change the location of table scrollbars from the right to the left side to reduce the need for horizontal scrolling. To position scrollbars on the left side of tables, configure the following property in your site.xconf: <Property name="com.ptc.core.htmlcomp.jstable.positionscrollbarleftside" overridable="true" targetfile="codebase/wt.properties" value="true"/> Figure 21 - Workspace Left Side Scroll Bar Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 20 of 31

21 Improving Efficiency within the Browser Improve your ability to navigate to important information easily Taking Advantage of the Recently Accessed Pages Typical design assignments result in working on the same items over and over for a period of time. Having these items in a workspace makes it easy to access and update these files inside Pro/E. It is also common to have to navigate to these pages in PDMLink over and over. Bookmarks are an option for creating shortcuts to these pages but this would require some maintenance as these items are constantly changing. PDMLink provides recently accessed lists on the top of most pages. The most notable locations to access recent files include the Home Tab, Change Tab and also to switch between Products/Projects/Libraries. PDMLink dynamically tracks your individual recent activity providing you with the ability to quickly and easily navigate to your Recently Accessed Pages. Figure 22 - Recently Accessed Shortcut Lists Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 21 of 31

22 Leveraging PDMLink Enterprise Search Different people have different styles of searching for data. PDMLink has several ways to search to satisfy most any user s preference. PDMLink provides a web based Enterprise or Advanced Search for those who prefer to work in a browser environment rather than the Pro/E Wildfire Embedded Search tab. Product Level Search Enterprise Search Figure 23 - Web Based Search Interface Searches initiated on the top blue navigation banner search across the entire server based on your access. If you prefer to search only within a Product/Project/Library, you will find a search input field just under the Product/Project/Library submenu. Advanced Search provides the ability to filter beyond just the object type (i.e. Cad Docs only) such as include additional attribute criteria. Search criteria can also be saved for reuse later via the Saved Searches Dropdown lists. Those customers who also implement PartsLink have the option of performing a Classification Search. This allows a company to classify items into a logical navigation hierarchy that users can browse to and ultimately enter classification specific attribute criteria. An example of standard fasteners is shown below. Figure 24 - PartsLink Classification Search Interface Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 22 of 31

23 Utilizing Drag and Drop between Browser and Modeling Space Pro/E content is listed in the content table within the Cad Document Details pages. Since Wildfire is capable of understanding URLs, it is possible to Drag-and-Drop this URL into your Modeling Space. However, because Internet Explorer has added extra security filters, this functionality may not work by default on all desktops. It may be required to add the PDM server as a Trusted Site in order for Drag-and-Drop to work properly. Uncheck this if HTTPS is NOT used Figure 25 - Adding an Internet Explorer Trusted Site for Drag-and-Drop Maximizing the Space in your Embedded Browser If you are like me then you rarely use the embedded Browser Toolbar or Address Bar yet they can consume almost an inch of valuable browser real estate. Pro/E allows you to hide these options freeing up that space. Hiding the Embedded Browser Address and Toolbar Select Tools Customize Screen Toolbar Tab Uncheck Browser Toolbar and Address Bar Save config.win Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 23 of 31

24 Figure 26 - Configuring the Dispaly of the Browser Toolbar and Address Bar Streamlining Access to Access Items on Changes PDMLink incorporates change into the same system as the CAD data vault. This makes it possible to easily navigate from an assigned ECN task to the change line items associated. By utilizing Drag-and-Drop, it looks very powerful and straight forward to use the following steps for accessing change items. In PDMLink 8.0, it is possible from within the ECN Details to select both the CadDoc and WTPart and utilize the Revise action within the Affected Items table. This will preserve the proper relationship between the new WTPart Revision and the new CadDoc Revision for the ACTIVE link only (Revised Drawings would need to be manually updated to passively associate to the correct version.) For PDMLink 8.0 In the embedded browser 1) Navigate to the ECN Task 2) In Affected Items Table Check CadDoc AND related Part and Revise Button (need both to maintain proper relationship) 3) View CAD Details for the new revision in the Resulting Items table 4) Drag-and-Drop content link into the Model Space 5) Start Modifying with Check-Out on the fly For PDMLink 7.0 released data, the requirement to revise prior to modifying adds an extra step but this can be minimized if done efficiently as shown below. For PDMLink 7.0 or 8.0 In the embedded browser 1) Navigate to the ECN Task 2) View CAD Details from the Affected Items table 3) Drag-and-Drop content link into the Model Space 4) Open Workspace and 5) Check items to change 6) Choose Edit/Revise Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 24 of 31

25 Intelligent Hyperlinks within a Pro/E Drawing Rev Block Revision Blocks on drawings often list ECN numbers that were responsible for changes between revisions. Most companies do not have easy access to these ECN Forms making this simply a historical reference. Significant value is captured on these change forms along with the work done in the change process. Often times an ECN holds test data, lessons learned, change requestors, etc. Designers have easy web-based access to this information within PDMLink. Pro/E Wildfire can make this even easier while adding additional value to the traditional Revision Block. Wildfire supports adding a hyperlink to any text value on a drawing. This hyperlink can point to the actual change form in PDMLink making the Revision Block interactive. In a browser, navigate to the ECN Details Page Highlight URL and Control-C to copy Within the Drawing, find the Revision Block Table To add the ECN Number and Hyperlink Double Click on the empty table cell Type the ECN Number - Click Hyperlink to Paste the URL from your browser To navigate to the link in the embedded browser - Control-Click Figure 27 - Creating an ECN Number with a Hyperlink Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 25 of 31

26 Hyperlink to this URL Figure 28 - Intelligent Rev Block with Hyperlink to ECN Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 26 of 31

27 Appendix Table of Figures Figure 1 - File Open Window... 3 Figure 2 - File Open Details View... 4 Figure 3 - Pro/E File Menu... 5 Figure 4 - Pro/E File Menu... 6 Figure 5 - Adding PDM Columns to the Model Tree... 6 Figure 6 - Viewing Content in a Non-Active Workspace... 7 Figure 7 - Viewing the Active Workspace with a Mapkey Icon... 8 Figure 8 - Utilizing the Model Tree Right-Click for PDM Operations... 9 Figure 9 - Pro/E Compare Part Results Figure 10 - Pro/E Compare Part Analysis Menu Figure 11 - Opening Multiple Versions of the Same Model Figure 12 - Save a Copy as Seconday Content Figure 13 - Secondary Content Attachments Table Figure 14 - Stale Secondary Content Conflict with Property EXPORT.markoutofdate=true Figure 15 - ProE Embedded Search Tab Figure 16 - Table Configuration with the Compare Status Column Displayed Figure 17 - Creating a Table Configuration for Detecting Uploading Conflicts Figure 18 - Finished Table Configuration Display for Detecting Upload Conflicts Figure 19 - Resolving File Name Conflicts on Upload Figure 20 - Add to Workspace Dependencies and Configuration Options Figure 21 - Workspace Left Side Scroll Bar Figure 22 - Recently Accessed Shortcut Lists Figure 23 - Web Based Search Interface Figure 24 - PartsLink Classification Search Interface Figure 25 - Adding an Internet Explorer Trusted Site for Drag-and-Drop Figure 26 - Configuring the Dispaly of the Browser Toolbar and Address Bar Figure 27 - Creating an ECN Number with a Hyperlink Figure 28 - Intelligent Rev Block with Hyperlink to ECN Back To Top Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 27 of 31

28 Announcements Educational Resource Library Learn things you always wanted to do - but didn't know you could. This one stop educational resource library will help you learn more about PTC Solutions and provide you with technical materials developed by the product experts to help you become more productive. Get tutorials, how-to videos and expert advice for: Pro/ENGINEER Conceptual and Industrial Design Detailed Design Simulation/Analysis Production Design Collaboration Windchill PDMLink Windchill ProjectLink Pro/INTRALINK PTC Online Tools Check out the Educational Resource Library today. PTC Tips & Techniques Newsletter Archives Miss an issue! Can t find that awesome technique you read about? Fear not, you can click on the link below and go through our Customer PTC E-Newsletter archives. It s better than finding the Covenant of the Ark! Click Here To Access PTC Tips & Techniques Webcasts: Work Smarter. Not Harder. Click below to see regularly scheduled Tips & Techniques technical Webcasts that are designed to provide you with the most popular time-saving tricks that Pro/ENGINEER users of all skill levels will find useful. Get more out of your maintenance dollars! Tips & Techniques: Work Smarter Not Harder! E-PROFILES IS HERE!! We have been eagerly anticipating the debut of the new electronic version of Profiles Magazine and now it is here! This new web site will supplement the print edition of the magazine and will Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 28 of 31

29 provide new useful features not feasible with paper media. e-profiles will provide you with 24x7, worldwide access to key information previously available exclusively in the print version. "Tips & Tricks," a popular feature pioneered by Pro/USER, has also moved to the web and will be expanded as the site matures. Please take a few minutes to check out this new web site. We don't think you will be disappointed. Back To Top Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 29 of 31

30 Upcoming Events & Training Class Schedules Upcoming, 2006 June 4-7, 2006 Your local Pro/Engineer User Groups Dallas, Texas PTC/USER International Conference Events Our seminars and conferences seek to provide you with relevant information regarding product development trends in your industry as well as innovative software learning experiences. Think of them as a constructive day off where you can share experiences and swap ideas with your peers. If you can't manage to get away, we'll bring it to you. Check back often for regularly scheduled live webcast events. You re Invited to Attend Please visit the PTC Education Services website for the latest training information including course descriptions, schedules, locations, and pricing. Attend a course at any PTC Center and receive a free copy of Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire Student Edition! Live Instructor-Lead Virtual PTC Training Courses Virtual Classrooms provide interactive learning with a trained PTC instructor in convenient and manageable sessions that last approximately 4 hours over a series of days. It's easy to join a class right from your desk using a phone or voice-over IP technology. Sessions are performed just like a traditional ILT (including interactive exercises where you and the instructor can work on lab exercises together) and feature some of our most popular ILT courses. These sessions cover the exact same material as the traditional ILT in-center courses. Also look for some of our most frequently requested mini-topics delivered in the same format that are only an hour - two hours in duration. If you have any questions about these sessions or would like to see getting other courses, not on this list, on the schedule please feel free to contact me for more details. They are a great way to bring training to you without you having to worry about location or being out from work for long stretches. Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 30 of 31

31 You can register for these sessions just as you would for any normal ILT class either by: 1. calling order admin at or 2. you can go to PTC University directly at and submit a registration request directly. All you have to do is search the catalog by typing in virtual in the search field and you will see a listing. PTC Note: This PTC E-Newsletter will continue to be used for the following: 1) Inform you on events related to PTC products (user groups, conferences, training schedules, etc.) 2) Educate you on solutions that are available at PTC 3) Tips & Techniques using PTC Products Note: These messages are compiled in the local PTC office and will be distributed via . Back To Top Customer PTC E-Newsletter 5/31/2006 Page 31 of 31