SolidWorks PDM to PLM Integration: Automate Part Numbers & BOM Sync | Propel DesignHub Demo
Learn how Propel's direct integration with SolidWorks PDM Pro automates part numbering, BOM synchronization, and change state workflows, keeping engineering teams in their existing PDM environment while syncing data bi-directionally with PLM.
In this demo, we show how engineering teams with on-prem SolidWorks PDM Professional can extend their PDM investment by integrating directly with Propel PLM using DesignHub. If your team wants to eliminate manual PLM data entry, preserve PDM workflows, and automate the handoff from engineering to enterprise (without forcing engineers to leave PDM), this integration is built for you.
📌 What is Propel's Direct Integration with SolidWorks PDM Pro?
Propel DesignHub provides native integration with SolidWorks PDM Professional, enabling engineers to pull part numbers from PLM, push assembly BOMs, and sync file attachments, all from within the PDM interface. The integration preserves existing PDM change state workflows, automates data mapping, and provides bi-directional updates between PDM and PLM environments. Engineers maintain their standard CAD/PDM processes while DesignHub handles the structured handoff to enterprise PLM automatically.
⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:
0:00 – What is Propel's Direct Integration with SolidWorks PDM Pro?
0:05 – How to Pull Part Numbers from PLM Inside PDM Pro (Right-Click Workflow)
0:24 – Automatic Data Card Updates When Part Numbers Are Assigned
0:30 – Review CAD BOM Structure in PDM Pro Before Pushing to PLM
0:38 – Automate Assembly Push to PLM Using PDM Change State Workflows
0:58 – Bi-Directional State Updates: PLM Change Orders Sync Back to PDM
1:08 – Audit Import Sessions in DesignHub (Behind-the-Scenes View)
1:21 – Preview Added, Updated & Deleted Items Before PLM Sync
1:42 – View Final Import: Assembly BOM & Attachments in Propel PLM
1:56 – Add New File Formats (STEP Files) to Released Items in PDM
2:07 – Export File Formats from CAD and Check Into PDM Pro
2:19 – Push New File Formats to Existing PLM Items Automatically
2:33 – Intelligent File Matching: Add Attachments to Existing PLM Items by Name
2:44 – Summary: Seamless PDM Pro-PLM Workflow Benefits
🔧 How SolidWorks PDM Pro-to-PLM Integration Works (Step-by-Step):
1. Pull part numbers from PLM in PDM Pro – Right-click on assemblies or parts in PDM Pro and request part numbers from Propel based on category and numbering rules. Data cards update automatically.
2. Review CAD BOM structure – Verify that all assembly components have part numbers assigned in PDM Pro before pushing to PLM.
3. Use existing PDM change state workflows – Push assemblies to Propel by following your standard PDM Pro change state process (e.g., "In Work" → "Released"). DesignHub automates the PLM sync behind the scenes.
4. Bi-directional state updates – When change orders are completed in Propel, PLM sends state updates back to PDM Pro automatically—keeping both systems synchronized.
5. Audit import sessions – Review DesignHub import sessions to see uploaded files, mapping configurations, and preview what was added/updated/deleted in PLM.
6. View assemblies in PLM – Navigate to synced assemblies in Propel and verify that BOM structure, quantities, and attachments match PDM exactly.
7. Add new file formats to released items – Export additional file formats (STEP, IGES, PDF) from CAD, check them into PDM Pro, and push them to PLM using the same change state workflow.
8. Intelligent file matching – DesignHub matches new files to existing PLM items by name, adding them as attachments without re-importing the entire assembly.
✅ Key Benefits:
– Pull part numbers from Propel PLM directly in SolidWorks PDM Pro (right-click workflow)
– Automate data card updates when part numbers are assigned
– Push assembly BOMs to PLM using existing PDM change state workflows
– Bi-directionally sync state updates between PLM change orders and PDM
– Audit import sessions to validate what was synced to PLM
– Preview added/updated/deleted items before committing to PLM
– Preserve full BOM structure, quantities, and attachments from PDM to PLM
– Add new file formats (STEP, IGES, PDF) to existing PLM items automatically
– Intelligent file matching by name—no manual linking required
– Maintain engineering workflows while automating enterprise handoffs
– Extend your SolidWorks PDM Pro investment without replacing it
🚀 Ready to integrate SolidWorks PDM Pro with Propel PLM?
Request a demo at https://www.propelsoftware.com/produc...
📚 Related Resources:
Read our blog on solving PLM-CAD integration: https://converged.propelsoftware.com/...
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