Overview

FlexSim includes Autodesk Vault integration that enables seamless interoperability with Autodesk Vault. This integration allows you to efficiently manage FlexSim models within the Vault environment and also work with Factory Assets and Layouts stored in Vault.

Getting Started

Autodesk Vault is a data management software that helps organize, manage, and track data creation, simulation, and documentation processes. With the integration of Vault with FlexSim, you can now store all your models within Vault and share them across your organization, effectively enhancing collaboration. Refer this documentation to learn more about Vault - What is Vault?

Setup Vault

Autodesk Vault Professional must be configured in a specific way to manage Factory data. Refer Configuring Vault for Factory Design for detailed instructions. Additionally, you will need the Autodesk Vault Professional Client installed on your system.

Set Working Folder

The files stored in a vault cannot be directly edited. To work with these files, you need to set up a working folder on your system, which acts as a local Vault Workspace. When you check out files or retrieve versions from the vault, they are copied to this local folder, ensuring that all vault workflows remain intact.

Learn how to Set the Working Folder.

Working Folder

When working with Vault, ensure that any new model you create is saved within this working folder. This is necessary for Vault to recognize the model and maintain the correct Vault status for your files.

Vault Menu Commands

FlexSim provides a dedicated Vault menu for Vault-related commands. This section provides an explanation of each command in that menu.

Log In

This command allows you to log in to Autodesk Vault Professional. You will need to provide your Vault credentials, including the server details, username, and password. Once logged in, you can access and manage your Vault data directly from FlexSim.

Log Out

This command logs you out of Autodesk Vault Professional. You will not be able to access any Vault commands once you are logged out.

Open Model

This command opens a dialog that allows you to browse and select a FlexSim model or Factory Layout stored in Vault. Once you select a file, it will be downloaded to your local working folder and opened in FlexSim.

Best Practices

It is best practice to always use this option rather than opening models directly from the local folder. This ensures that you are always working with the latest version of the file available in Vault.

Refresh Status

This command updates the Vault status of the currently open FlexSim model. It checks for any changes made to the model in Vault, such as check-ins or check-outs by other users, and refreshes the status displayed in FlexSim accordingly.

Check In

This command checks in the currently open FlexSim model to Vault. Checking in a model saves any changes made and updates its version in Vault. During the check-in process, you will be prompted with a Check-In dialog to provide comments about the changes made.

Models Outside Working Folder

If the model is not saved within the local Vault Working Folder, a Folder Selection dialog will appear, prompting you to choose where to check in the file within Vault. Once you select a folder and proceed with the check-in, Vault will copy your model to the designated folder in the local Vault Workspace. It will then check in the model and reopen it from the local Vault Workspace. To ensure that Vault workflows remain intact, continue working on the model within the local Vault Workspace.

Check Out

This command checks out the currently open FlexSim model from Vault. Checking out a model allows you to make changes to it while preventing other users from modifying it simultaneously. You can modify and save the model only when it is checked out.

Undo Check Out

This command undoes the check-out of the currently open FlexSim model. It discards any changes made after the last check-out and reverts the model to its previous state in Vault. This option is useful if you want to abandon your changes and restore the model to its last checked-in version.