The 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers multiple options for naming your models to ensure unique identifiers for your data. These options range from manual entry to automated numbering systems using formula-driven attributes and counters.
When initially saved to the platform, a title is defined for the file and stored as an attribute used for for searching and organizing. However, the filename of the locally cached file may be different than the title and is done so for specific reasons. The filename remains static to ensure file references remain intact but since the title is only an attribute, it can be easily renamed without affecting file references. For more information on filenames and titles, see our article Differentiating between 3DEXPERIENCE Title and File Name.
Using Auto-name
There is an option for auto-naming files in the Collaborative Spaces Configuration Center app. When a file is saved to the platform, the title can be defined automatically using a counter system. This is enabled or disabled under CAD Collaboration>SOLIDWORKS>Settings>Auto-name. The naming convention used when auto-naming is defined under Content Naming Rules>CAD Family. This is currently limited to defining a static Prefix, Suffix, and Interfix, along with a separator. The counter will use sequential numbering across all content within the Content Type selection for your tenant.
3DEXPERIENCE Content Naming Rules
Defining Enterprise Item Numbers
Enterprise Item Numbers (EIN) provide more control over the naming structure and apply themselves as a separate attribute. The EIN is assigned and independent of the title, filename, or other attributes and properties. This gives an advantage where the title can be more descriptive but the EIN is used as the unique identifier and can be leveraged in custom properties and Bills of Materials.
EINs are set up in the Collaborative Spaces Configuration Center app. The formula is defined under Engineering Definition>Enterprise Item Number: Formula Configuration. Fields within the EIN can be added in any order and can include static text, manual user inputs, attributes, and counters.
Enterprise Item Number definition
In the example above, we have defined an attribute, “Project”, that is linked to a SOLIDWORKS custom property. Therefore, when assigning the EIN, 3DEXPERIENCE combines this project number and then the counter. Another advantage of using an attribute is the ability to instantiate a new counter for each value so new projects will have a separate counter. For more information on defining attributes, review our article How to link 3DEXPERIENCE Attributes to SOLIDWORKS Properties.
Assigning Enterprise Item Numbers
To assign an EIN, select one or more components from the MySession pane within SOLIDWORKS. Navigate through Tools>Set Enterprise Number and Request New Enterprise Item Number. In this example, the components already have a custom property linked to the attribute ‘Project’ with the value AB123 which is read before assigning the EIN.
Assigning EIN in SOLIDWORKS
Note: With the Product Release Engineer role, the Engineering Release app will allow users to assign EINs directly within a browser.
The Enterprise Item Number is now saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE Properties and is visible in SOLIDWORKS as well as the browser. This can also be referenced in the SOLIDWORKS properties to be included in a Bill of Materials or referenced in any other downstream application.
EIN in 3DEXPERIENCE Properties
Showing the Enterprise Item Number
By default, the SOLIDWORKS design tree will show the component title. If desired, this can be changed to show the Enterprise Item Number as the primary or secondary value through the Tree Display options by right-clicking at the top of the SOLIDWORKS Feature Tree. There are also options to show additional Secondary or Tertiary information such as Revision, Description, and Configuration.
Component display options
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