Automated drawing comparison for Windchill: SF Drawing Compare

Drawing comparison in Windchill: Why manually comparing revisions is too risky

See changes to drawings immediately – via an automatic difference drawing

SF Drawing Compare automatically generates a comparison drawing in PDF format for every drawing in the Windchill approval process: featuring redlining and greenlining of all amended areas compared with the previous revision. This completely eliminates the need for time-consuming manual searches for differences.

In the manufacturing industry, drawings are the technically and legally binding document. Inspectors and those responsible for approval must visually compare changes to PDF neutral formats: the current revision against the previous version, sheet by sheet, PMI by PMI.
For large drawings comprising several sheets and hundreds of entries, this is time-consuming, prone to errors and doubly labour-intensive in two-stage reviewer-approver processes. SF Drawing Compare fully automates this step and provides the reviewer with a ready-to-use comparison drawing.

Fully automatic

Welding contours are exported directly from the CAD model, significantly reducing manual effort and programming times.

Visible straight away

Redlining and greenlining highlight all changed areas in colour directly in the PDF comparison view.

Fail-safe

Reduced reliance on experienced welders thanks to digital and automated processes, which also take the strain off your skilled staff.

Team-building

Seamless connection of design and production ensures greater transparency, quality and process reliability.

Automatic generation of a difference report for each approval stage

How the difference diagram is created

SF Drawing Compare automatically generates a geometric comparison with the previous revision for all drawings and sheets included in a Windchill approval process. The difference drawing appears as a PDF in Windchill, directly linked to the original drawing revision – and is available to the reviewer at the click of a button.

This means that reviewers and approvers receive exactly the document they need to carry out a thorough review: not two separate PDFs that have to be compared manually, but a single file containing all the relevant differences.

What the differential diagram shows

The diff view highlights all relevant changes between two revisions in colour:

Redlining: removed elements, dimensions, PMIs and geometry
Greenlining: added elements, dimensions, PMIs and geometry
Comparison of each individual sheet in a multi-sheet drawing
Automatic linking to the Windchill drawing revision
Retrieval at the touch of a button, directly from the Windchill approval workflow

Linking the difference drawing to the Windchill drawing revision ensures that the correct version comparison is always available – even months after release.

Efficiency gains in two-stage approval processes

As the change log is generated automatically when the process starts, it is available to both reviewers and approvers in exactly the same format. Both work with the same file, which reduces the need for queries and speeds up the entire two-stage process. Digitised change logs also promote cross-departmental collaboration and external communication with customers and suppliers.

Supported versions

SF Drawing Compare is available for the current versions of Windchill supported by PTC. Compatibility is checked with new Windchill releases.

Quickly spot the differences between two versions of a drawing.

Analysis

We will document your approval process and the requirements for reconciliation and the presentation of differences.

Furnishings

SF integrates Drawing Compare into its Windchill approval workflow and configures redlining and output.

Operation

We support the go-live process and are on hand to provide ongoing support and further development.

Enquiry & advice

Describe your current review and approval process – our experts will show you how SF Drawing Compare automates your drawing comparison process.

General questions about SF Drawing Compare

What is SF Drawing Compare and what is it used for?

SF Drawing Compare is an extension for PTC Windchill that automatically generates comparison drawings for the approval process. It compares drawings geometrically with the previous revision and highlights all changes using redlining and greenlining in a PDF.

When is the difference statement generated automatically?

The difference drawing is generated automatically when the Windchill approval process begins. As soon as a drawing enters the approval workflow, SF Drawing Compare creates the comparison – without the need for manual intervention.

What exactly does the difference diagram show?

The difference drawing is a PDF that highlights all modified areas in colour: redlining for removed elements and greenlining for added elements. All sheets of a drawing are included.

How can I access the differential drawing in Windchill?

The difference drawing is directly linked to the original drawing revision in Windchill and is available to the inspector at the touch of a button – without having to switch systems.

Does SF Drawing Compare support multi-sheet drawings?

Yes – SF Drawing Compare creates a separate geometric comparison for each sheet. Even with large drawings, all changes are recorded in full.

How does SF Drawing Compare help with two-stage approval processes?

As the difference report is generated automatically when the process starts, it is available to reviewers and approvers in exactly the same format. Both work with the same file, which reduces the need for queries.

Does SF Drawing Compare encourage collaboration with customers and suppliers?

Yes – digitised change information can be easily shared and significantly improves communication between development, production, quality management and external partners.

Which versions of Windchill are supported?

SF Drawing Compare is available for the current versions of Windchill supported by PTC. Compatibility is continuously checked with new releases.