I’ve written a program that monitors Creo and logs the activity in the software. It’s not like a trail file, but similar in that it uses plain easy to understand text to log software operations. It tracks all the various features and functions including save, undo, cancel, errors, and it even warns of mistakes like weak dimensions and other bad habits. It can document modeling operations in real time.
Let me know if you’re interested in trying it.
At the end of a days modeling session you can copy and paste this output to produce a report like this:
Creo Session Summary Report
This report consolidates the analysis of a Creo session, including the most used features, a breakdown of mouse usage, and potential areas for improvement based on the data.
Report: Most Used Creo Features
Based on the analysis, the following Creo features were utilized most frequently:
Redefining a Feature
Occurrences: 103 times
Description: This feature was used extensively for modifying existing features, ensuring that the model adhered to design requirements. The redefinition often involved updating dimensions, adding or removing constraints, or correcting errors.
Entered Sketcher
Occurrences: 75 times
Description: The sketcher was frequently accessed for creating and editing sketches that serve as the foundation for various features like extrusions, revolutions, and cuts.
Dimension Updates
Occurrences: 64 times
Description: This involved modifying existing dimensions within sketches or features to meet specific design criteria.
Started an Extrusion
Occurrences: 34 times
Description: The extrusion feature was often used to add material to the model by extending a sketch along a specified path.
Model Tree Dragging
Occurrences: 30 times
Description: This action involved rearranging or selecting items within the model tree, reflecting significant interaction with the model's hierarchical structure.
Started a Sketch on a Datum Plane
Occurrences: 20 times
Description: Sketches were frequently initiated on datum planes to create or modify features relative to specific planes within the model.
Started a Round Feature
Occurrences: 18 times
Description: Round features were added to create fillets or rounds on edges, improving the model’s aesthetics and manufacturability.
Started a Shell Feature
Occurrences: 15 times
Description: The shell feature was used to hollow out parts of the model, leaving a specified wall thickness.
Started a Mirror Feature
Occurrences: 12 times
Description: This feature was used to duplicate features symmetrically across a datum plane, enhancing efficiency in model creation.
Started a Thicken Feature
Occurrences: 10 times
Description: Thicken was applied to surfaces to add material, turning a surface into a solid with a specified thickness.
Boolean Operations on Bodies
Occurrences: 8 times
Description: These operations were used to combine or subtract bodies within the model, essential for complex part design.
Conclusion
The most frequently used features highlight the iterative nature of the design process, with a focus on refining and adjusting existing elements to meet precise specifications. The frequent use of the sketcher and redefining features underscores the importance of these foundational elements in Creo modeling.
2. Mouse Usage Analysis
The session recorded a total of 2,500 mouse events, broken down as follows:
- Left Clicks: 1,500 clicks (60%)
- Right Clicks: 500 clicks (20%)
- Middle Clicks: 400 clicks (16%)
- Mouse Wheel Scrolls: 100 scrolls (4%)
The distribution of mouse events shows a strong reliance on left-click operations, indicating frequent selections, feature activations, or other interaction types. Right clicks, often used for context menus or quick options, were used sparingly. Middle clicks were employed mainly for view manipulation, and the mouse wheel was used for zooming or panning.
Michael P Bourque
Boston Regional User Group
