Inventor Windchill Workgroup Manager - "Reference model" management

[rbocchi1]

Inventor can include in his assemblies files created with other CAD tools (i.e.: SolidWorks) in two different ways, "Reference Model" or "Convert Model" (as well as Creo Parametric, Unite Technology, ways "Open" or "Import").

We are noting that a "converted model" can be checked-in Windchill (not a surprise: with the conversion, the file becomes a native Inventor file), while a "referenced model" can not.

The "Reference Model" way is essential for a prospect who decided to standardize/consolidate Inventor as unique CAD tool (SolidWorks is also currently in use) and is planning to manage the transition phase leveraging the Inventor's "Reference Model" capability, in order to reuse - as they are - the historical SolidWorks files.

Is there a solution for that ?

Many thanks in advance.

[avillanueva]

So, I assume your Solidworks models are not in Windchill currently? If not, I think the reference model would require checking in that Solidworks model via the Solidworks WGM as its own CAD Document.  I believe you can have both in your workspace and available to Inventor but just guessing here. 

Page 156 of the User Guide talks about attachments where you can upload any file you want. I am wondering if that might allow you to put the Solidworks model in as an attachment to the same CAD Document (Inventor). I am not sure if Inventor will treat them the same as what you are describing as a Reference model.