How OpenBOM Manages CAD and Other Files Using Connected Cloud Storage

Oleg Shilovitsky
Oleg Shilovitsky
20 April, 2019 | 3 min for reading
How OpenBOM Manages CAD and Other Files Using Connected Cloud Storage

You have asked me about files and how to store them connected to BOM items. Well, here you go! OpenBOM is not your typical PDM system. When we considered how to manage files using OpenBOM OpenBOM gives you some very unique and interesting options on how to connect and manage files using OpenBOM.

OpenBOM gives you a possibility to connect BOM and catalog records to cloud storages. OpenBOM supports some of these cloud storages out of the box (eg. Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and others). However, we can also integrate your custom or corporate cloud storage to OpenBOM).

The connection of OpenBOM with cloud storage is done using OpenBOM “reference” type property. This property is allowing you to add URL link and keep a clickable display value. Edit reference property user interface allows you to integrate with cloud storages by uploading files directly to storage like Dropbox or Google Drive.

The following video shows you how it can be done:

However, we realized that OpenBOM customers are often using desktop CAD as a source of information to create a BOM. How to get those files to the cloud you might be asking yourself?

OpenBOM gives you that option. Imagine you’re using Solidworks integration, but you would like to store and share the data in the cloud storage such as Dropbox. OpenBOM integrations can do it. Here is how we do it.

OpenBOM is able to “cloud-enable” any company using existing CAD desktop systems with it’s the ability to extend collaboration and communication to contractors and suppliers. Moreover, we not only provide BOM sharing and real-time collaboration with distributed teams, we also help make available 3D CAD files and auto-generate neutral geometry files.

Below is a diagram that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to configure an OpenBOM plug-in.

  1. OpenBOM plug-in install. You can download it from OpenBOM integration page. When in CAD systems find “Configuration” or Setting in a specific plug-in.
  2. Select [x] to enable cloud settings in the plug-in and authenticate cloud storage. We recommend configuring one cloud storage account per team, which makes things easier.
  3. Cloud settings are OFF meant plug-in works as before. No content will be taken to the cloud.
  4. BOM is created using metadata only. Thumbnail image preview is included.
  5. Cloud setting is ON. In such configuration, OpenBOM plug-in will upload files to the cloud storage.
  6. Native CAD files will be uploaded.
  7. Neutral geometry files will be automatically generated and uploaded.

Check the following video. It gives you a step by step demo how to send Soldiworks data to connected Dropbox account and show links in OpenBOM.

Conclusion

OpenBOM gives you an easy and robust way to integrate cloud storage into OpenBOM by linking data. It is easy and you don’t need to worry about multiple storages data is located. If your company is already using Google Drive or Dropbox, we will connect and upload data there. However, if you’re using custom or special corporate storage, we will connect OpenBOM to the same storage.

Have questions? Let me know and check OpenBOM today. Out of the box, cloud storage integration is available in OpenBOM user (FREE) subscription.

Best, Oleg

P.S. Let’s get to know each other better. If you live in the Greater Boston area, I invite you for a coffee together (coffee is on me). If not nearby, let’s have a virtual coffee session  —  I will figure out how to send you a real coffee.

Want to learn more about PLM? Check out my Beyond PLM blog and PLM Book website.

Related Posts

Also on OpenBOM

4 6
26 February, 2025

Time is money when running manufacturing. If you want to capture a single thing from what John Cowle of Canadian...

25 February, 2025

Product data is the backbone of modern manufacturing and product development. It drives every process, from design and engineering to...

21 February, 2025

Prototyping is an essential step in product development, allowing you to test designs, validate concepts, and refine your product before...

20 February, 2025

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a major shift, driven by digital transformation and the need for seamless collaboration between engineering...

20 February, 2025

At OpenBOM, we continuously strive to enhance the way engineers and manufacturers manage product data. A core part of our...

19 February, 2025

Managing design projects efficiently requires smooth collaboration and control over file access. OpenBOM has always focused on improving user experience,...

18 February, 2025

Modern engineering and manufacturing demand speed, agility, and real-time decision-making. Yet, one of the biggest roadblocks to product efficiency and...

15 February, 2025

A few weeks ago, I was discussing an interesting trend – PLM and Data Products. The complexity of product information...

14 February, 2025

Bringing a product from design to production is a complex process that requires careful coordination between engineering, procurement, and manufacturing...

To the top