Problem & Context
Engineering teams were managing Creo CAD files manually through Windows File Explorer, leading to version conflicts, missing references, and poor traceability. As the dataset grew, this workflow became inefficient and error-prone. To streamline data management, secure revision control, and automate metadata tracking, a centralized Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system was needed.
Scope of Work
- Evaluated system requirements and specified a lightweight server configuration to host Creo 10 as well as PTC Windchill 12.0 for a small team and less than 100GB of CAD data.
- Installed and configured Windows Server 2022, user permissions, and network access rules; opened and routed ports for internal CAD clients.
- Deployed and pre-configured a SQL Server 2022 Express database for Windchill data storage and a ApacheDS directory service for authentication.
- Installed and tuned Windchill PLM, then integrated Creo 10 as the primary CAD client for direct check-in and check-out of parts, assemblies, and drawings.
Technical Approach
Worked with PTC’s license administrator to generate a new license host file tied to the server’s MAC address.
Configured Creo 10 to connect to the newly deployed Windchill server over the office LAN, enabling seamless collaboration between design workstations.
Created standardized start parts/assys, drawing templates, and formats incorporating company parameters and automated field population for title blocks and BOM tables.
Technical diagram or schematic would be displayed here
Results
Project results visualization
The Windchill PLM server and supporting database are fully operational on the internal office network.
Users can now check-in/out CAD models, maintain revision history, and access synchronized metadata directly from within Creo.
Custom drawing templates, start parts/assys, and formats reduce setup time and enforce standardization across all new designs.
The integrated system significantly improves file organization, version control, and collaboration efficiency for mechanical design workflows.