3DEXPERIENCE
PLM Software

Connection issues with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can arise due to network settings, certificate problems, or software misconfigurations. Below are troubleshooting steps to resolve common connectivity issues:

1. Verify network and trusted sites:
   • Ensure that your internet connection is stable and reliable.
   • Add *.3ds.com and https://*.3ds.com to your browser’s trusted sites list:
   • For Internet Explorer, navigate to internet options > security > trusted sites > sites, and add the URLs.
   • For other browsers, check their respective security settings.
2. Address Certificate Issues:
   If the platform’s certificate is not trusted, follow these steps to export and install it:
   • Export the certificate:
     • Open the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in your browser.
     • Click on the padlock icon in the address bar and select connection is secure > certificate is valid (for Chrome) or equivalent options in other browsers.
     • In the certificate viewer window, go to the details tab, select the certificate, and click export.
   • Install the certificate:
     • Open a command prompt as an administrator.
     • Navigate to your JRE security folder (e.g., <installation directory>\jre\lib\security).
     • Copy the exported certificate file into this folder.
     • Run the following command:
       text
       ..\..\bin\keytool.exe -import -trustcacerts -keystore cacerts -storepass changeit -noprompt -alias ‘DS_Platform’ -file .\<cert_filename>
3. Clear cache and temporary files:
   Delete temporary files related to 3DEXPERIENCE:
   • Navigate to %localappdata%\Temp\ and delete swcefcache or similar folders.
   • Clear browser cache and cookies:
   • Use Incognito/Private mode (Chrome/Edge/Firefox) to test connectivity without cached data.
4. Reset browser settings:
   Reset Internet Explorer settings if used for platform access:
   • Delete cache (INetCache) and restore default security levels under internet options > advanced settings.
   • For other browsers, reset advanced settings or reinstall them if necessary.
5. Reinstall Software:
   If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall affected components, such as SOLIDWORKS connected or the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher:
   • Perform a clean uninstall by removing all related files from %programdata% and %localappdata%.
   • Download and install the latest version of the software from Dassault Systèmes’ official support portal.
6. Check roles and permissions:
   • Ensure you have a valid 3DEXPERIENCE login with appropriate roles (e.g., 3DSwymer).
   • Verify that you have access to a collaborative space with write permissions.
7. Use diagnostic tools:
   • Run the eligibility checker tool provided by Dassault Systèmes to identify network or system compatibility issues.
   • Check logs (e.g., PLMCSA Client Log) for specific error codes that may help pinpoint problems.

By following these steps, you can resolve most connection issues with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. If problems persist, contact your platform administrator or Dassault Systèmes support for further assistance.

Here’s how you can effectively manage revisions:

1. Using the collaborative lifecycle app:
   • Open the file you want to revise in the collaborative lifecycle app.
   • Click on the “new revision” icon (a vertical line with a “+” symbol) under the lifecycle tab.
   • A dialog box will appear showing the new revision (e.g., moving from A to B).
   • Optionally, add a revision comment to document changes.
   • Click revise, and the file will be updated with a new revision while maintaining a reference to the previous one.
2. Through bookmark editor:
   • Open the bookmark editor app and locate your file.
   • Under the lifecycle tab, select “new revision.”
   • Enter any optional comments and confirm to create the new revision.
3. From CATIA V5 or SOLIDWORKS:
   • For CATIA V5, use the “save with options” feature in the 3DEXPERIENCE connector to create a new revision before making changes.
   • For SOLIDWORKS, access the lifecycle tab in the CommandManager, select “new revision,” and save changes to update the revision on the platform.

Managing revisions

• Files in 3DEXPERIENCE have maturity states like, in work, released, or obsolete. When creating a new revision, files typically revert to In work for further modifications.
• Use the maturity graph in collaborative lifecycle to track and update states as needed.
• Administrators can configure primary (e.g., A, B, C) or primary-secondary (e.g., A.1, A.2) revision schemes based on organizational needs. These rules ensure consistency across all revisions.
• All revisions are linked within a “revision family,” allowing users to track changes over time and maintain references between versions.

Best practices for revision control:

• Always lock files before making changes to prevent conflicts with other users.
• Use descriptive comments when creating new revisions to document why changes were made.
• Leverage tools like collaborative lifecycle or bookmark editor for centralized control of revisions across projects.

If the embedded certificate in your launcher has expired, or if you’re facing installation issues, follow these steps to update or reinstall the launcher:

1. Identifying certificate expiry:
   • The embedded certificate in older versions of the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher (e.g., version 19.45.2384 or lower) may have expired, preventing the launching of rich client applications.
   • To check your launcher version:
     • Click the Show hidden icons arrow on the Windows taskbar.
     • Right-click the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher icon and select about to view the version details.
     • Alternatively, navigate to apps and features, locate “3DEXPERIENCE launcher,” and check the version.
2. Updating the 3DEXPERIENCE launcher:
   If your version is outdated or affected by certificate expiry, follow these steps:
   • Uninstall the old version:
     • Go to apps and features in Windows.
     • Select “3DEXPERIENCE launcher” and click uninstall.
   • Download the latest version:
     • Obtain the latest version of the launcher (e.g., version 20.2.2283) from your IT administrator or Dassault Systèmes support.
   • Install the new version:
     • Run the 3DEXPERIENCELauncher.msi installer.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions:
     • Click next to proceed with installation.
     • Use the default installation directory unless otherwise specified.
     • Click install, and then finish when completed.
   • Restart your browser:
     • After installation, refresh your browser (press F5) before launching any native apps.
3. Network configuration for proper operation:
   • Ensure your network is configured correctly for local communication between the Launcher and other 3DEXPERIENCE services:
     • Verify that any proxy servers are set up to allow local communications.
     • Use the 3DEXPERIENCE eligibility checker tool to confirm compatibility with your network environment.
4. Installing native apps:
   • Once the launcher is updated:
     • Log in to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform via your browser.
     • Click on any native app icon in the compass; this will prompt installation if not already installed.
     • Choose between “Install all granted roles” or individual apps as needed.
     • Follow on-screen prompts to complete installation.
5. Troubleshooting common issues:
   • If you encounter issues during installation or app launches:
     • Use the 3DEXPERIENCE eligibility checker tool to diagnose network or system compatibility problems.
     • Refer to detailed troubleshooting guides provided by Dassault Systèmes support.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a streamlined, collaborative, and traceable change management process. It integrates tools like issue management, change requests, and change actions to ensure efficient handling of design changes, approvals, and implementation. Here’s an overview of how the process works:

Key features of 3DEXPERIENCE change management

1. Issue management:
   • Users across departments (e.g., shop floor, design) can raise issues related to products or processes.
   • Issues are tracked with attributes like priority, due dates, and affected items.
   • Attachments and markups can be added for clarity.
2. Change requests:
   • Once an issue is validated, a change request is created to formalize the proposed change.
   • Impact analysis is conducted across departments to evaluate feasibility and implications.
   • Approvals are obtained before proceeding to the next step.
3. Change actions:
   • Approved change requests lead to the creation of change actions.
   • Designers or assignees work on implementing changes, such as revising CAD models or updating EBOM parts.
   • The maturity state of files (e.g., “In Work,” “Frozen”) is updated to reflect progress.
4. Approval workflow:
   • Approvers review proposed changes using dashboards or 3D viewers integrated into the platform.
   • They can accept, reject, or request modifications with comments for better collaboration.
5. Traceability and automation:
   • All steps in the change process are tracked for accountability and compliance.
   • Automated workflows reduce manual intervention and ensure consistent execution.
   • Scenarios simplified by 3DEXPERIENCE
6. Single component approval:
   • A designer creates a change action for a single component in the native app (e.g., CATIA).
   • The lead designer/reviewer approves the change after reviewing the proposed updates.
   • The component is promoted from “In Work” to “released.”
7. Multi-object changes:
   • A designer uses the Web App to create a change action for both a physical product (CAD model) and an EBOM part.
   • Changes are implemented in respective apps (native app for CAD, web app for EBOM).
   • Once approved, both objects are released simultaneously.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform by Dassault Systèmes organizes its applications into four main categories, accessible via the Compass interface. These apps are tailored to specific roles and tasks within design, simulation, collaboration, and data management. Below is an overview of the categories and key app examples:

1. Social & collaborative apps:
   These apps focus on teamwork, communication, and project organization.
   • 3DSwym: A social collaboration tool for creating blogs, wikis, sharing media, and engaging with communities.
   • 3DDrive: A cloud-based storage solution for syncing, sharing, and previewing CAD files and documents.
   • 3DSpace: Manages collaborative spaces for organizing project data and controlling access.
   • Collaborative Lifecycle: Tracks object lifecycles and facilitates concurrent access management.
2. Information intelligence apps:
   These apps provide advanced data analysis and insights.
   • EXALEAD: A powerful search engine for accessing structured and unstructured data.
   • Netvibes: Allows users to monitor trends, gather insights, and create dashboards for decision-making.
3. Simulation apps:
   These apps enable virtual testing and process simulation.
   • SIMULIA: Conducts advanced simulations such as structural analysis, fluid dynamics, and thermal studies.
   • DELMIA: Focuses on manufacturing process simulation, lean production planning, and operations optimization.
   • 3DVIA: Creates interactive 3D experiences for training or product demonstrations.
4. 3D modeling apps:
   These apps are designed for creating and modifying 3D models.
   • CATIA: Used for complex product design, including surface modeling and assembly creation.
   • SOLIDWORKS: Integrates desktop SOLIDWORKS with the cloud for file sharing and collaboration.
   • XDesign/XShape: Browser-based tools for parametric design (XDesign) or freeform modeling (XShape).
5. Generative shape design (GSD):
   • Specialized in creating complex reference geometries.
6. Additional features:
   • The platform includes tools like 3DPlay, a model viewer that allows users to manipulate designs, measure distances, annotate models, and view simulation results without needing native CAD software.
   • Custom dashboards can be created to organize frequently used apps and widgets based on specific workflows or roles.
   • The 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s modular structure ensures that users have access to the tools they need based on their assigned roles, fostering collaboration while streamlining workflows across disciplines.