Refresh only selected files

[steve_lindley]

Our typical top level assembly files might have between 10,000 and 20,000 parts in and when we have those assemblies open a refresh takes considerable time. However, if we're working on lower level sub-assemblies, with a top level assembly open alongside, or even something completely different, we sometimes need to refresh what we're working on.

I believe the refresh currently refreshes all files that are open, rather than just the active document.

For efficiency, I would like to see the option to 'Refresh Active Document Only'. 

[Apologies: I thought I was posting on the Ideas forum and can't now find how to move it!]

[steveh3]

Steve...

Look at Tools / App Options / Save tab...

This basically determines when you will get prompted for a save. The more you check the more prompts you will get..

This is a screen shot from 2019. I know that in 2021 there's even more options, but we are running 20,000 piece assembles routinely. With these unchecked...it only prompts for actual changes.

HTH.

Best,

Steve H.

[steve_lindley]

Hi Steve. Thanks for the suggestion.

We're currently running 2022 and I'm aware of the options for saving prompts. However, unless I'm missing something, I'm not sure how these options affect the refresh process?

To give you some more background, we don't have Vault or any other PLM software and in an office of 5 designers, it's common that at least two of us are working on the same design. This leads to situations where, for example, my open copy becomes out of date. If I need to ensure I'm looking at the most recent file, I go to File, Manage, Refresh.

When this happens, I presume Inventor somehow works out what version I've got open, vs. what the most recent saved version is stored on our network.  That process of comparing and then re-loading any out of date items takes time. If you've only got a few parts open, it's pretty quick. If we've got a top level assembly open, with 1000's of parts, it can take a while. 

Currently, I see no way of instructing Inventor to only check the files in the active document as opposed to all open documents.

Since you have comparable sized assemblies, I'd be keen to hear what your process is for this sort of situation?

Kind regards

Steve

[steveh3]

Steve...

I think I see your pain now. I assumed you were a Vault user.

Sorry...I don't have much expertise outside of not using Vault.

I've always preached that whether you have one user or 100's using Inventor....Vault is almost a necessity.

Even for my non-work files I use Vault. If it's not for the file management, it's for the search capabilities.

But, that's a whole other conversation.

I know it's not going to help your situation.

So...just for comparison....

Vault tends to manage this for us (40+ Inv users) and let's us know exactly where we are at and where others are at.

I have a 20k piece file open right now and did a refresh which tells me exactly where all the file version are at and how they compare to what Vault has. It took seconds.

Next, I cleared my workspace and got the entire 20K component file from Vault and opened it. This would be the worse case scenario. It would be like grabbing every file and updating all assemblies including the top level assembly.

It opened in 3 min, 29 sec. using INV2019.

Next, I reopened the same top level again from Vault..... Since, no files changed it opened the same assembly in just over a minute. It really didn't have to update or grab any files. 2 min , 4 sec.

Now, if only a few assemblies or parts were out of date by  one or more users, Vault will only download the files that have been updated or not in the original assembly on my workspace. Normally a 5 to 30 seconds..... all depends on the number of files that change or need to be brought down from Vault.

I know it doesn't really help your situation...but at least it might give you a comparison in regards to not using Vault and using it.

Good Luck,

Steve H.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve L and Steve H,

I agree with all points. You guys accurately describe the behaviors and status quo. To certain degree, it is somewhat irrelevant to the PDM system. Vault, like any PDM system, helps manage file ownership. But, it has limited ability to interfere what happens in the memory, which is primarily managed by the CAD system.

Indeed, to support selective refresh, it will have to be an enhancement in the CAD system. In theory, it should be doable. When the files can be refreshed all, it can be done selectively. The trouble here is that there will be a workflow to define, user selection to capture, options to offer, status to show, exceptions to be handled, undo to roll back, and so-on. It is a very good idea regardless but I am not aware of a simple solution yet.

Many thanks!

[steve_lindley]

@johnsonshiue @steveh3 

Thanks to both for your comments. I have some experience with Vault from a previous employer, so I'm already an advocate for the product myself, but unfortunately I don't have the authority here to spend the pennies on it! 

I'm pleased to hear it's a viable suggestion. To Johnson, I have complete faith in you... you can do it! Find a way! 😉

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve L,

Many thanks for your kind words! I have to say, sometimes faith can be dangerous. This is not something on the radar at the moment. Please feel free to share your ideas on Inventor Feedback Community, Ideas forum, and any ITF event.

Thanks again!

[steve_lindley]

To anyone that sees this thread, it has now been posted on the Ideas Board too.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/refresh-only-selected-files/idi-p/10328468