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1-Visitor
September 16, 2015
Question

name and common name

what is difference between name and common name  when we select new part creation dialog box???


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7 replies

23-Emerald III
September 16, 2015

Name is mapped to the filename and the number field in Windchill.

Common Name is mapped to the name field.

In my case, for name I enter 1234567 and Windchill shows the File name and Number as 1234567.prt and I enter test Part for the Common Name, it shows as the Name.

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22-Sapphire I
July 6, 2016

Yes, one of the great mysteries when you start working w/Windchill.

The mapping is very flexible - can configure many ways, but basically two fields in CAD map to three: one filename and two Windchill database record fields (CAD Doc Name and Number).

If the user doesn't fill in the 2nd line (Common Name) there are rules such that the system fills in.

Also, the filename includes the extension (.PRT .ASM .DRW .FRM) and the Number does also - but this can be manipulated.

Many further considerations if you use WTParts for how these map to them (without extensions).

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1-Visitor
July 7, 2016

‌Some other differences not mentioned:

Common Name was intended to allow the user to specify a more detailed description.

It allows more characters, 132 I think.

Allows the use of spaces and special characters, underscores are not necessary.

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18-Opal
August 8, 2016

I really wish PTC would correct this naming contradiction, along with another.

1) Name should be Name, not filename or Number.  This is part of our training to explain this, and people usually give a confused look of 'why in the world would they do that!?!".  All I can say is chuckle in agreement that is stupid and just say that is the way it is and we have no control over it.  Some people have even given a look of technological disgust / horror.  Engineers just cannot believe the have to waste brain power remembering something so stupid!

Another location where they do this is if you look at a mapkey in the config.pro.  Here I compare the dialog to the mapkey:

Dialog:

Mapkey in config.pro file:

    mapkey test @MAPKEY_NAMEDescription;@MAPKEY_LABELname;;

That is the exact mapkey saved and copied for the above dialog.  That's right, description is Name, and name is label!!!!

So to summarize:

1) Starting a new part:

Name = Filename = Number

Common Name = Name

2) Mapkey config.pro file:

Mapkey_Label = Name

Mapkey_Name = Description

Ah, the inanity of it all!  Anybody know of any product ideas to correct this?  I haven't found any yet.  Or perhaps PTC could just correct it...at least one of them?

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23-Emerald IV
August 8, 2016

Anybody know of any product ideas to correct this?

This is the main one:  Improve consistancy between Creo and Windchill

There are also these:

Consistency between products

CAD Identity Synchronization for Name, Number and Filename

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18-Opal
August 8, 2016

Already voted for the first, but just voted for the 2nd.  Thanks!

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