Chapter 4. Strategic Parts Management

Table of Contents

4.1. Introduction
4.1.1. Integration
4.1.2. Target groups
4.1.3. Complete workflow
4.1.4. Integrating LinkDB
4.1.4.1. LinkDB
4.1.4.2. Data transfer and linkages
4.1.4.2.1. Cyclic replication
4.1.4.2.2. Online replication
4.1.4.2.3. Direct online linking of the LinkDB to the ERP-DB
4.1.4.2.4. Creation of new parts using an ERP interface
4.1.5. User-Role concept
4.1.6. Support for internal company workflows
4.1.7. Modules
4.1.7.1. PARTsolutions/base module ERP linkdb
4.1.7.2. PARTsolutions/base module ERP
4.2. Installation Link database
4.2.1. Hardware requirements
4.2.2. PARTsolutions Enterprise Setup
4.2.3. Configuration of the database server connection (exemplified by MSSQL)
4.2.4. Create database scheme and users for ERP (exemplified by MSSQL)
4.2.4.1. Installation scripts
4.2.4.2. Explanation on the database tables
4.2.4.2.1. LOCKTABLE
4.2.5. Set up ODBC data source
4.2.6. JDBC driver
4.2.7. ERP connectivity from PARTsolutions via ODBC/JDBC and ERP activation
4.2.7.1. plinkcommon.cfg ➝ Block [Common] ➝ Key "DBName" - Database connection
4.2.7.2. plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [PARTdataManager] -> Keys "ERPenabled" and "ERPenabledPPrj" - Activate ERP
4.2.7.3. Configuration database login
4.3. Add / remove database columns
4.3.1. Create database columns via SQL scripting
4.3.2. Add database column with PARTlinkManager
4.3.3. Make database column visible for display in PARTdataManager
4.3.4. Remove database column
4.4. Backup/restore database
4.5. PARTapplicationServer Installation/Configuration
4.6. Name rule for the CAD file name
4.7. Set up ERP environment
4.7.1. ERP environment overview
4.7.2. Database connection
4.7.3. Create and configure roles
4.7.3.1. Roles: General " tab page
4.7.3.1.1. Dialog box for role selection - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role name] -> Keys "DESC" and "IMAGE"
4.7.3.1.2. Preferred series - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "PREFRANGE"
4.7.3.1.3. Display condition for part selection - Colored catalog index - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "CONDITIONTREE"
4.7.3.1.4. Display condition for table rows - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "TABRESTRICTION"
4.7.3.1.5. Filter condition for data records - plinkgroups.cfg -> [role name] -> key "CONDITION"
4.7.3.1.6. Columns to be displayed - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "VARSUSED / VARSHIDDEN"
4.7.3.1.7. Export condition - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [role name] -> Key "EXPORTRESTRICTION"
4.7.3.1.8. Export information (tooltip) at status lights - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "TOOLTIPTEXTEXPORTON" / "TOOLTIPTEXTEXPORTOFF"
4.7.3.1.9. Release certain directories for export - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [Role_name] -> Key "EXPPRJTAB" / plinktemplates.cfg
4.7.3.1.10. Catalogs to be suppressed / Show only these catalogs - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [role name] -> Key "HIDELIST" / "EXCLUSIVELIST"
4.7.3.2. Roles: PDM" tab page
4.7.3.3. Rollers: Tabbed page "Display"
4.7.3.3.1. Status icons for table - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [<role name>] - key "BMPCONDITION<number>"
4.7.3.3.2. Status colors for catalog index - plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [role name] -> Key "COLORCONDITIONTREE<number>"
4.7.3.4. Roles: Tabbed page "E-Mail"
4.7.3.5. Roles: Translations " tab page
4.7.4. Role sets
4.7.4.1. Mapping Role set - Roles / plinkusers.cfg -> [<Role name>] -> Key "GROUPS"
4.8. ERP toolbar and menu
4.9. Table layout for PARTdataManager/3Dfindit and (PARTlinkManager)
4.9.1. Customize table values -> Customize text / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [MAPPING_<COLUMN_NAME>] - Key for visible text
4.9.2. Adjust table values -> Adjust color / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [COLMAPPING_<variable name>] - Key COLORCODE<number>
4.9.3. Adjust table values -> Adjust text and color / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [MAPPING_<variable_name>] -> Key for visible text
4.9.4. Adjust table values -> Adjust color with condition / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [COLMAPPING_<column name>] -> Key "COLORCOND<number>"
4.9.5. Adjust table values > Set bitmap (PDataMgr only) / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [BMPMAPPING_<column_name>] - Key "BMPCODE<number>"
4.9.6. Adjust table values -> Set bitmap with condition (PDataMgr only) / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [BMPMAPPING_<column_name>] -> Key "BMPCOND<number>"
4.9.7. Background color for ERP/PDM columns / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [GROUP_COLORS] -> Key GROUP<number>
4.9.8. Determine column color by indicator in ERP column (very special) / plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [<Role_name>] -> Key "COLORNUMBERTREE"
4.10. Configure column display - plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [LINKDBFIELDS] -
4.11. Design "New ident number " dialog box - erpcustom.cfg -> Block [USERDIALOG]
4.11.1. SAP / ERP investment dialog - GET function for classification values
4.11.2. USERDIALOG Translations
4.11.3. material_assign.cfg (with ERP integration)
4.11.4. Ignore custom set values for the combobox - Key "USERDIALOG_SKIPDBLOAD"
4.11.5. Change default description text for ERP_PDM_NUMBER - erpcustom.cfg -> Block [VARS] -> Key "USERDIALOG_ERPNR"
4.12. Manual data administration
4.12.1. Creating ERP numbers
4.12.1.1. How and from where datasets come into LinkDB? - An overview
4.12.1.2. Create ERP number with 3Dfindit / PARTdataManager
4.12.1.2.1. Create timestamp ERP number yes/no (3Dfindit)
4.12.1.2.2. Create timestamp ERP number yes/no (PARTdataManager)
4.12.1.2.3. Create ERP number directly on export
4.12.1.2.4. Additional features
4.12.1.2.4.1. ERP Number Generator - erpcustom.cfg -> Blocks [ERP_NRGENERATOR] and [ERP_NRGENERATOR_CONDITIONS]
4.12.1.2.4.1.1. Prerequisites
4.12.1.2.4.1.1.1. SQL commands for applying the "Sequencer" table in the LinkDB
4.12.1.2.4.1.1.2. Activating ERP Number Generator
4.12.1.2.4.1.2. Assign/display ERP number in PARTdataManager
4.12.1.2.4.1.3. Further number generations based on the example of the default setting
4.12.1.2.4.1.4. Adjust conditions for number generation
4.12.1.2.4.2. Duplicate check in the course of ERP number assignment
4.12.1.3. Create ERP number with PARTlinkManager
4.12.1.3.1. Import a project into LINKDB – Assign ERP number
4.12.1.4. Create ERP numbers with PARTdataCenter
4.12.2. Create variants in PARTdataManager
4.12.3. Create variant in PARTlinkManager
4.12.4. Edit variant
4.12.5. Editing LinkDB in PARTlinkManager
4.12.5.1. Editing columns
4.12.5.2. Edit row
4.12.5.3. Deleting data records
4.12.6. Edit/delete data record with PARTdataManager
4.13. Complex workflows for data maintenance
4.13.1. Overview
4.13.2. Initial filling of the LinkDB / article assignment
4.13.2.1. Data export via CSV using SAP as an example
4.13.2.1.1. Manual export
4.13.2.1.2. Automated Export
4.13.2.2. Cost estimate
4.13.3. Updating data
4.13.3.1. Online replication
4.13.3.2. Cyclic replication
4.13.3.3. Automated and cyclical update of data
4.13.3.4. Direct online linking of the LinkDB to the ERP-DB
4.13.3.5. Configuration file nightupdate.cfg
4.13.3.5.1. Block [LOG]
4.13.3.5.2. Block [MISC]
4.13.3.5.3. Block [LOAD]
4.13.3.5.4. Block [ERPTABLE-IDENTIFY-COLUMNS]
4.13.3.5.5. Block [ERPTABLE-UPDATE-COLUMNS]
4.13.4. Create ERP numbers with direct link to SAP system
4.13.5. New application of parts with ERP Gateway
4.13.6. Distributed Locations - LinkDB Replication
4.14. Index update
4.15. Catalog update with ERP integration
4.15.1. Catalog update Standard information
4.15.2. Standard check on problems with mapping LinkDB entries
4.15.3. Catalog update with ERP link - Fix assignment problems with Update Manager
4.15.3.1. Catalog update (Tutorial) - Example 1
4.15.3.1.1. Preparation
4.15.3.1.2. Status after update installation to Bikecompany V2 and before editing with Update Manager
4.15.3.1.3. Editing in the Update Manager
4.15.3.2. Catalog update (Tutorial) - Example 2
4.15.3.2.1. Preparations
4.15.3.2.2. Catalog update - Download
4.15.3.2.3. Assignment / release – Overview on the best approaches
4.15.3.2.4. PARTadmin - Check | Compare | Install
4.15.3.2.5. PARTlinkManager
4.15.3.2.6. Update Manager - Assignment of projects and LinkDB data records
4.15.3.2.6.1. Update Manager - projects with simple assignment process
4.15.3.2.6.1.1. Assign project.prj (Standard name adjusted)
4.15.3.2.6.1.2. Assign project2.prj (Adjusted directory)
4.15.3.2.6.1.3. Assign project4.prj (directory relocated and Standard name adjusted)
4.15.3.2.6.2. Update Manager - projects with a more complex assignment process
4.15.3.2.6.2.1. Assign project3.prj (project and Standard number renamed)
4.15.3.2.6.2.2. Assign project5.prj
4.15.3.2.6.2.3. Assign project6.prj
4.15.3.2.6.2.4. Assign project7.prj
4.15.3.2.6.3. Final check
4.15.3.3. Install update version
4.15.3.3.1. Update without connection to the LinkDB
4.15.3.3.2. Correct version numbers
4.15.3.3.3. Update structure table
4.15.3.4. User interface of Update Manager
4.15.3.4.1. Icons in the Catalogs dialog area
4.15.3.4.2. Symbols in the Line assignment dialog area
4.15.3.5. Functions
4.15.3.5.1. ACTIVE_STATE and REQUESTED_STATE
4.15.3.5.2. Changed standard name
4.15.3.5.3. Moved dataset
4.15.3.5.4. No correlation to the old dataset found
4.15.3.5.5. Conduct assignments across lines
4.15.3.6. Catalog update with ERP link - check assignment problems BEFORE installation (table and 3D view)
4.15.3.7. Background information
4.15.4. PARTsolutions with LinkDB - Troubleshooting at catalog updates
4.15.4.1. Revision / Updating the LinkDB
4.15.4.2. Manual revision via parameter calls
4.16. Further settings in plinkcommon.cfg
4.16.1. Keep original row / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [PARTdataManager] -> Key "KeepOrgRow"
4.16.2. Pin dimension feature on/off / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [PARTdataManager] -> Key "LockDimRange"
4.16.2.1. Background information
4.16.3. Login options / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [PARTdataManager] -> Key "LoginMode"
4.16.4. PARTlinkManager: Line color at missing ERP_PDM_NUMBER / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [COLORS]
4.16.5. E-mail settings / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [MAIL]
4.16.6. Custom template for requesting an ERP number by e-mail / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [MAIL] -> Key "TEMPLATE"
4.16.7. Update full-text search index after LinkDB changes / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [Common] -> Key "UPDATESEARCHINDEX"
4.16.8. Standard designation - Standard designation (short) - Adapt parts list designation / plinkcommon.cfg -> Block [PARTdataManager] -> Key "NB" "ShortNB" "LINA"
4.17. Translation file "plinkcommon.def"
4.18. Further settings in "plinkgroups.cfg"
4.18.1. E-mail setting for "New ident number " dialog / plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [<Role_name>] -> Key "SENDTO" "SUBJECT" "SERVER" "ISHTML"
4.18.2. Own template for requesting an ERP number by e-mail / plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [<Role_name>] -> Key "TEMPLATE"
4.18.3. Standard designation - Standard designation (short) - Adapt parts list designation / plinkgroups.cfg -> Block [<Role_name>] -> Key "NB" "SHORTNB" "LINA"
4.19. Translation file "plinkgroups.def"
4.20. Further settings in erpcustom.cfg
4.20.1. Load additional scripts - erpcustom.cfg -> Block [LOAD]
4.20.2. Default value for "ACTIVE_STATE" for new part creation / erpcustom.cfg -> Block [VARS] -> Key "NEWASTATE"
4.20.3. Values of the "New ident number " dialog window - erpcustom.cfg -> Block [VARS] -> Key "SENDTO", "SENDFROM", "SUBJECT", "SERVER"
4.20.4. Values of the "New ident number " dialog window - erpcustom.cfg -> Block [VARS] -> Key "SENDTO", "SENDFROM", "SUBJECT", "SERVER"
4.21. Getting started - Demo database
4.22. Troubleshooting
4.22.1. Link database troubleshooting
4.22.1.1. Disabling Journaling on DB2/400
4.22.1.2. Database login - Error message
4.23. PARTadmin Reference
4.23.1. Menus
4.23.1.1. File
4.23.1.2. ? (Help)
4.23.2. Icons
4.23.3. ERP environment settings
4.23.4. "Roles" dialog - Buttons
4.23.5. "Roles" dialog - Tabbed pages
4.23.5.1. General " tab page
4.23.5.2. Tabbed page "PDM"
4.23.5.3. Display " tab page
4.23.5.4. E-mail " tab page
4.23.5.5. Translations " tab page
4.23.5.6. "Standard designation ","Standard designation (short) ","Parts list designation " tab page
4.24. PARTlinkManager Reference
4.24.1. PARTlinkManager call from start menu
4.24.1.1. License selection dialog for license server licensing
4.24.2. Call PARTlinkManager from PARTdataManager
4.24.3. Access rights
4.24.4. Menus
4.24.4.1. File
4.24.4.1.1. Connect
4.24.4.1.2. Connect as...
4.24.4.1.3. Switch role
4.24.4.1.4. Disconnect
4.24.4.1.5. Export as -> CSV table
4.24.4.1.6. Import -> CSV table
4.24.4.1.7. Execute Script
4.24.4.1.8. Exit
4.24.4.2. View
4.24.4.2.1. Show tree
4.24.4.2.2. Display filtered tree
4.24.4.2.3. Hide old versions of parts
4.24.4.3. Extras
4.24.4.3.1. Database
4.24.4.3.1.1. Add / remove database columns
4.24.4.3.1.1.1. Create database columns via SQL scripting
4.24.4.3.1.1.2. Add database column with PARTlinkManager
4.24.4.3.1.1.3. Make database column visible for display in PARTdataManager
4.24.4.3.1.1.4. Remove database column
4.24.4.3.1.2. Show database columns
4.24.4.3.1.3. Backup/restore database
4.24.4.3.1.4. Editing additional tables in the PARTlinkManager
4.24.4.3.2. Configure ERP environment
4.24.4.3.2.1. Tabbed page "PARTlinkManager preferences"
4.24.4.3.2.1.1. Set row color
4.24.4.3.2.1.2. Group definitions / Set column color
4.24.4.3.2.1.3. Adjust table values
4.24.4.3.2.1.4. Modify column display
4.24.4.3.2.1.5. Column position in PARTlinkManager
4.24.4.3.2.2. Tab page PARTdataManager Settings
4.24.4.3.2.2.1. Login mode
4.24.4.3.2.2.2. e-mail notification
4.24.4.3.2.3. Database tab page
4.24.4.3.2.4. Export tables tab page
4.24.4.3.2.5. Translations tab
4.24.4.3.2.6. Tabbed pages "Standard name", "Standard name (short)", "BOM name"
4.24.4.3.2.6.1. Examples
4.24.4.3.2.6.2. Change NB via vbs scripting
4.24.4.3.2.6.3. Change NB according to project
4.24.4.3.2.6.4. Syntax
4.24.4.3.3. Preferences
4.24.4.3.3.1. PARTlinkManager - Search fields
4.24.4.3.3.2. Network
4.24.4.3.3.3. Logging settings
4.24.4.3.4. Catalog update - Update Manager
4.24.4.3.5. PARTadmin
4.24.4.4. ? (Help)
4.24.5. Menu buttons
4.24.6. Display filtered datasets
4.24.7. Buttons
4.24.8. Context menu commands
4.24.8.1. Context menu commands: Overview on the different options
4.24.8.2. Context menu commands in detail
4.24.8.2.1. Set fields
4.24.8.2.2. Duplicate
4.24.8.2.3. Edit variant
4.24.8.2.4. Create variant
4.24.8.2.5. Assign / delete ERP numbers
4.24.8.2.6. Importing a project into the database
4.24.8.2.7. Edit project table
4.24.8.2.7.1. Change standard descriptions according to project
4.24.8.2.7.2. Explicitly specify sorting order of variants for PARTdataManager table
4.24.8.2.7.3. Column sorting of geometry columns in PARTdataManager
4.24.8.2.7.4. Update structure table
4.24.9. Filtering display
4.25. General tips
4.25.1. Change dialogs in windows