How to Identify Your SOLIDWORKS PDM Infrastructure
SOLIDWORKS PDM is more than a file vault. Behind the scenes, several server components work together to store files, manage metadata, process background tasks, authenticate users, and provide licensing. When troubleshooting, planning upgrades, migrating servers, or working with technical support, it is important to know:
- Which servers host each PDM component
- Which vaults exist
- How the components communicate
In smaller environment, all components may reside on a single server. Larger deployments often distribute components across multiple to improve performance, scalability, and redundancy.
Notes:
- If you do not know the PDM ‘admin’ (system administrator) password, it can be reset on the Archive Server following our guide How to Reset SOLIDWORKS PDM Admin User Password
- You can view the PDM software versions and client license type within the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool by selecting Help > about SOLIDWORKS PDM.
Click to jump to each section:
How PDM Works and Communicates (including services)
A SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) environment consists of three primary components: the Archive Server, Database Server, and Client Workstation. The Archive Server stores the physical file data and version history, while the Database Server (Microsoft SQL Server) stores metadata such as file properties, workflows, permissions, and user activity.
PDM clients connect to both servers through a local vault view, allowing users to browse, search, check out, and check in files as if they were working in a standard Windows folder. When a user retrieves a file, the client communicates with the Database Server to determine what data as needed and then transfers the file content through the Archive Server.
Communication Port Numbers
The following port numbers need open for communication both inbound and outbound traffic on any firewall or switch between the client and server.
TCP: 25734, 25735, 3030, 1433, 1434
UDP: 25735, 3030, 1434
Addition when using Web2:
TCP: 80, 443
Server Component Services
The following services must be running for PDM to function correctly.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Server Service
Maintains file vaults and provides client access to SOLIDWORKS PDM.
SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server Service
Helper service for SOLIDWORKS PDM file vault databases on the local SQL Server
How to find PDM Server Components
PDM server components can be deployed on a single server or multiple.
Single-Server Deployment
Many smaller and medium-sized organizations install all core components on a single server. This configuration is simpler to maintain and is common for smaller vaults.
- Archive Server
- Database Server
- SQL Server
- License Server
Multi-Server Deployment
Larger organizations often separate components across multiple systems. Distributed environments provide greater scalability and flexibility as vault size and user counts increase.
Example:
1) Vault Properties (Database name, Database Server, Vault Type)
The easiest way to identify your server components is by reviewing an existing PDM client by selecting Windows Start > SOLIDWORKS PDM > Administration then right-click a vault and select Properties
Database name = Microsoft SQL database name
Database server = which server the database is installed on
Local folder = where the local vault view resides on the client
Archive version = This version value is primarily used for compatibility and upgrade management and may help support personnel determine whether a vault has been upgraded to the latest archive format.
Vault ID = Unique ID assigned to the vault in the database
Vault Type = PDM Standard or Professional
2) Archive Server Communication Port
Right-click the server name and selecting Properties. Default port is 3030
The port number is also stored in the client registry keys.
3) License Server
Log into the vault and select License > Server List.
Format is port@servername
The license server can also be viewed in the following Windows registry key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\FLEXlm License Manager
4) Client Registry Keys
Shared vault view:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\Databases\<VAULTNAME>
Private vault view:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\Vaults\<VAULTNAME>
DbName = The vault database name (case sensitive)
DbServer = The SQL server name
ServerLoc = The archive server name
ServerPort = The archive server port (default is 3030)
ShellRoot = Location of the local vault view on the client machine
VaultType = (1) PDM Standard, (0) PDM Professional
5) Archive Server Configuration and Location
On the PDM Archive Server, you can view the Archive Locations by selecting Windows Start > SOLIDWORKS PDM > Archive Server Configuration.
6) Archive Tables
You can view the Archive directories/tables in the Windows registry on the Archive Server. These are the hexadecimal folders that store the physical files and versions.
The Archive can be split or moved to a new directory by following our guide How to Relocate Vault Archive Folders to Another Drive
Windows Registry Key :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\ArchiveServer\Vaults\ACME\ArchiveTable
Core SOLIDWORKS PDM Architecture Overview
At a high level, SOLIDWORKS PDM consists of two primary repositories:
Archive Server
The Archive Serber maintains vault archives and handles user authentication requests. Think of the Archive Server as the file storage component of PDM.
SQL Database
The SQL database stores information about the file rather than the files themselves. Think of SQL as the intelligence behind the vault. While the Archive Server stores the files, SQL stores everything PDM knows about the files.
Examples include:
- File names
- Data cards
- Revision information
- Workflow states
- User permissions
- History records
- Search data
SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Component Descriptions
Depending on the vault configuration, you may find some or all of the following components installed on one or more servers.
1) Archive Server
The Archive Server stores and manages the physical vault files.
Responsibilities Include:
- Storing vault archives
- Transferring files to users
- Receiving checked-in files
- Managing replicated archives
- Authenticating vault connections
Note: A single Archive Server can host multiple vaults.
2) Database Server
The Database Server is frequently misunderstood because it is not Microsoft SQL Server.
Instead, it is a SOLIDWORKS PDM service that communicates with SQL Server and processes background operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Processing tasks and jobs
- Managing notifications
- Handling replication activities
- Polling vault databases for updates
- Managing import and export rules
- Supporting message system functions
Think of this component as the traffic controller that coordinates activity between PDM and SQL Server.
3) Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server hosts the PDM vault database and is often considered the most critical component of the system.
- SQL Server provides
- Database storage
- Query processing
- Transaction management
- Access control
- Data retrieval
Because nearly every PDM operation interacts with the database, SQL Server typically has the greatest impact on overall system performance.
For PDM Standard, SQL Server Express may be used. PDM Professional requires a licenses edition of SQL Server.
4) SolidNetWork License Manager
The SolidNetWork License Manager provides licensing for SOLIDWORKS PDM users. Without a valid license server, users cannot obtain the licenses necessary to access the vault.
Depending on the environment, this component may reside on:
- The PDM server
- A dedicated licensing server
- A server shared with SOLIDWORKS network licensing
5) Web2 Server (PDM Professional Only - Optional)
The Web2 Server allows users to access vault data through a web browser. This component is commonly used when:
- External users require limited vault access
- Users need browser-based access without installing the PDM client
- Organizations want lightweight remote access
6) Web API Server (PDM Professional Only – Optional)
The Web API Server provides an interface that allows external applications to communicate with SOLIDWORKS PDM.
Common uses include:
- EXALEAD OnePart integration
- Custom software integrations
- Data retrieval from third-party applications
- Automation projects
Many organizations never install this component, but it becomes important when advanced integrations are required.
7) Replication Servers
Archive Replication (PDM Professional Only – Optional)
Archive replication allows multiple Archive Servers to host copies of vault archives at different geographic locations. Replication affects only the archive files. The vault database remains managed separately through SQL Server.
Benefits include:
- Faster file access for remote offices
- Reduced WAN traffic
- Improved user performance across multiple sites
Database Replication (PDM Professional Only – Optional)
Database replication allows SQL data to be replicated to secondary SQL servers. This feature is typically used in larger enterprise environments where remote offices require improved database responsiveness.
Database replication is significantly less common than archive replication. Contact MLC CAD Systems technical support if you think you need to deploy database replication. We would be happy to answer any questions.
Technical Support
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