Enhance Paper Clip Tool Integration with Assign Item Command Details

[paulo_figueiredo_wsp]

The paper clip tool in Autodesk Vault is useful for attaching related files, but its integration with the Assign Item command can be improved. I propose that files attached using the paper clip tool should be automatically included in the Assign Item dialog when creating an item. Additionally, these attachments should remain in sync with the assigned item to ensure consistency between the PDM and PLM aspects of Vault.

Proposed Enhancements:

1. Automatic Inclusion – When assigning an item, any files attached using the paper clip tool should automatically appear in the Assign Item dialog.
2. Ongoing Synchronization – The assigned item and its attached files should remain linked, ensuring that updates on one side (PDM or PLM) are reflected on the other.

This feature would streamline workflows, improve data integrity, and enhance the usability of Autodesk Vault for managing item relationships efficiently.

[ihayesjr]

@paulo_figueiredo_wsp 

Thank you for posting the idea. Is it necessary to pull all the attached files? For example, if a jpg is attached to a model, does it need to be included in the Item? 

What are the common file types you attach to models that should come along to the Item?

[paulo_figueiredo_wsp]

@ihayesjr 

Thank you for your response!

Yes, the inclusion of all attached files should be configurable based on file type or user preference. Not every attachment may be relevant for item assignment, so an option to filter which attachments are included in the Item would be beneficial.

In practice, the most commonly attached file types that should be considered for inclusion are:

• CAD Files (e.g., .ipt, .iam, .dwg, .step, .rvt, .rfa, .ifc, .nwd) – Essential for product design continuity.
• Technical Documents (e.g., .pdf, .docx, .xlsx) – Specifications, reports, or compliance documents.
• Supporting Media (e.g., .jpg, .png, .tiff) – Reference images, renders, or scanned documents relevant to the item.

To enhance usability, an opt-in/checkbox approach during the Assign Item process would give users control over which attached files are included in the Item. This would ensure relevant attachments are carried forward while preventing unnecessary files from being assigned.

[ihayesjr]

@paulo_figueiredo_wsp 

Thank you for the details. Are you sure you want the user to have to pick the attachments every time they create or update Items? Should these options be a general setting for all Item assignment?

[paulo_figueiredo_wsp]

@ihayesjr 

That’s a fair point! In our company, we don’t filter file formats—we attach all relevant files to the model, regardless of type. Our main goal is to ensure that all necessary information remains connected to the Item, creating a cohesive PDM-PLM workflow.

However, your suggestion about a general setting for item assignment makes sense, especially for companies with different requirements. A configurable two-tier approach would provide the best of both worlds:

Proposed Enhancement: Two-Tier Configuration

1. Vault Setting (Default Behavior):

   • Admins or users with appropriate permissions can define a global rule for item assignment in Vault settings.
   • This rule would specify which file types (e.g., CAD files, PDFs, images) should automatically be included when assigning an Item.

2. Per-Item Selection (User Override):

   • When assigning an Item, users can override the default setting if needed.
   • A simple checkbox list in the Assign Item dialog would allow users to remove or add specific attachments before finalizing.

This approach ensures that:

• Companies that attach all relevant files (like us) can keep their process seamless.
• Companies with different policies can customize the behavior to match their workflow.