We have done this, originally at XAR6 but now with XAR7. I didn't write
any of the code to do it and the programmer we had on staff at the time
is no longer with us. But he is doing some consulting work now and
would probably be willing to help or discuss the process with you. His
name is Dan Sargent and his email address is danielsargent@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Here is my 50,000 foot understanding of how out process works. During
shop packet print we call a CL program passing the item number. That CL
runs an RPG program which read the attachment file to get the PC path
and file name. Then runs a remote command to ensure the PC file really
exists, calling a VB program that updates an AS/400 physical file based
on the existence of the PC file. Then reading the file updated by the
VB program if the file does exist it runs another remote command
executing a PC based print using either Voloview for .dwg files or a PDF
print program for .pdf files.
The process is convoluted but it works pretty well. We have multiple
manufacturing facilities where shop packets/drawings print and the
drawings are stored on multiple servers throughout our WAN.
-----Original Message-----
From: mapics-l-bounces+dmorrison=simonds.cc@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[
mailto:mapics-l-bounces+dmorrison=simonds.cc@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
DaleGindlesperger@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2007 10:08 AM
To: mapics-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [MAPICS-L] Generating blueprints with shop packets
Hello all,
I once again find myself in need of support from the learned members of
this august body. (Oops, been watching CSPAN again!) Seriously, I
would
like to have my MAPICS shop packets also print a copy of the blueprints
automatically. We are on XA/R6 (sigh), using EPDM. I know there's an
attachment file for each item that I can use to load the file names of
the
blueprints, plus the obvious Engineering Drawing Number in the ITMRVA
record. We'd have to use the attachment file, since we frequently have
multiple prints for each item.
Surely someone out there has done this already - it's far too obvious.
I
have wanted to try this for a long time, but until recently we used a
stone-age (1994) DOS-based CAD package and there would be no chance of
the
i5 printing THAT! If anyone is doing this, I would greatly appreciate
any
suggestions as to how it was done. I was thinking of changing the shop
packet print program (we had to customize ours to conform to union
contract
requirements, so I already own that code), to close the print file at
the
end of each order, call a print command for the blueprint(s) for the end
item (we use AutoDesk/Inventor), then go to the next order and reopen
the
print file. That will create a gazillion and two print files during MRP
Order Release and slow down the processing, but I can deal with that.
Help?
Dale Gindlesperger
IT Manager/Special Projects Leader
Fleetwood Folding Trailers, Inc.
258 Beacon Street
Somerset, PA 15501
midrange.com
