Shop Data Systems PeddiNest Extension for Tekla PowerFab - Step 2 Create a Nest Request

If you're using the original integration with SDS refer to our 2023i or earlier documentation or this getting started guide. Contact Shop Data about the new Extension outlined below. It's made some nice improvements with communication between our softwares. 

If you're using the new Shop Data Systems Extension for Tekla PowerFab, this article will walk you through the workflow. If you haven't already, start with the setup article.

Create a Combining Run

A Combining Run in Tekla PowerFab functions as a staging area for sending work orders or nest requests to SDS. You can create a Combining Run in most PowerFab modules, including Combining, Estimating, Production Control, Purchasing (under Requisitions) and in Order Entry. Most users will run external nest requests only from Production Control and Purchasing, and use Tekla PowerFab's internal nesting for the other modules. 

From the Requisition or Production Control menu, select Combine:

Image

Click the Nest (F2) button to bring up Combining Run Filters. From this screen you can filter for the parts to nest, as well as Inventory and Suppliers to use:

Image

After you've made your filter selections, click the Optimizations button. From the Plate Nesting Settings tab select Extension in the Plate Nesting Software list. Check out this link for more information on Combining Setup. (You can save these settings as defaults in Company Standards for each module: Production Control Requisitions)

Click Save then click Nest (F4).

The Combining Run Results screen lists the parts you've selected to send to SDS to nest. Note that in the tree at the left all parts are currently "Not Combined", as the external software will do the combining. The "Run Description" is time-stamped by default, but you can click the lower right button to customize the name. Be sure to save the combining run, as SDS will be saving information to it. 

Image

From the Combining Run menu, select Export Parts for Nesting, then ProNest Server.

In the Export Parts for Combining screen, Include Available Inventory will send a list of compatible inventory based on your previous filter selections. Include orderable Inventory sends a list based on what your selected Supplier has available in Pricing Maintenance. Note that the SDS Extension requires that Include CNC Files: is set to Embed. It's recommended that you have all CNC files loaded in PowerFab. If any included parts don't have CNC files, generic rectangle files will be generated and sent. 

Image

When you click Send the work order will be available for PeddiNest.