- Overview
- Library Service Options
- Library Footprint Creation
- Library Footprint Validation
- Library Footprint 3D Models
- Library Sustainment
- Quote Request
- Library Introduction
- What's Your Structure?
- Why Conformity Matters
- Who's Your Librarian?
- Library Clean Up
- Symbol Style Guide
- DFM Library Example
- Library Resource Videos (18)
- Avoiding Gotchas
- Altium Vault Offerings
- Configuration Setup
- Vault Management Videos (16)
- Overview
- Point of Entry
- L9 Videos (4)
- L9 vs. Vault
- Evaluation
Been There, Done That, and Now, All the Wiser
You have Altium 365. Now what?
Successfully deploying Altium 365 (A365) requires two non-trivial undertakings:
- Preparing your libraries for migration
- Configuring the A365 environment
Setting up A365 without understanding its intricacies rarely results in "first-pass" success. Before a single file is migrated, managed, or created, the following architectural elements must be carefully considered:
- Design Item IDs: These are unique identifiers for every file in the system. They cannot be changed once established.
- Folder Types: Specific directories must be established for different file types to ensure the system handles them correctly.
- Component Templates: These ensure all new components adhere to your company's specific standards.
- Lifecycle Management: This establishes the "state" of a file (e.g., Draft, Prototype, Production). Different lifecycles can be applied to different categories.
- Revision Control: This provides a formal audit trail. Like any control system, all changes must be documented.
- User Permissions: This dictates who can view, add, modify, or delete files and folder structures.
- Roles: This allows permissions to be granted to a group rather than individuals.
A365 tightly integrates these factors. Consequently, early configuration mistakes can quickly become permanent regrets. Because of how the database is structured, many of these decisions cannot be reversed. This often forces teams to scrap their existing library and build anew.
The Library Hurdle
Library migration is where most challenges manifest. For a migration to be successful, your libraries must be in pristine condition.
Based on data from our 2019 "Library Scrubbing" webinar, cleaning a 1,000-component library manually takes approximately 10.5 work weeks - and that is before the A365 setup even begins. Nine Dot Connects has performed numerous library clean-up operations; you can learn more about our specialized services [Click Here].
The WYSIWYG Reality
There are several misconceptions about what A365 does during migration. It is important to remember:
- No Auto-Correction: A365 follows a "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) philosophy. It will not improve or fix your components.
- Inconsistency Remains: Inconsistent models or missing parameters will remain inconsistent or missing.
- No Parameter Reconciliation: If parameter names differ (e.g., "Volt" vs. "Voltage"), the system will not reconcile them.
- Data Types: The system will not automatically assign the correct value types (e.g., Resistance vs. Temperature).
If critical data is missed during migration, it is often easier to wipe the workspace and start over.
Altium's Example is the Achille's Heel
When initially creating a workspace in A365, Altium gives you the option to start with a blank slate, or with an example set of libraries and templates. With those new to A365, having an example sounds like a great way to see how to work within the environment. However, the example is not isolated. It has effectively created your configuration. Though there are some things you can modify, many configuration elements are now set in stone. Removing the example is nearly impossible once components and templates are employed in the projects.
Conclusion
We understand that your time is valuable. You invested in A365 to gain efficiency, but that efficiency is only realized once the setup is complete. Since configuration is a "one-time" proposition, it pays to get it right the first time.
Whether you want us to handle the heavy lifting or you prefer to learn the intricacies yourself through our 12-hour consultation and 2-day onsite coaching program, Nine Dot Connects is here to help.
Contact us today to protect your investment and get started with as little hassle as possible.
