How to set up Vault Basic | Autodesk Vault

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the essential steps to set up Autodesk Vault Basic after installing the ADMS server. You'll learn how to create a local working folder, establish a folder structure within Vault, and connect Autodesk Inventor to Vault. This setup is crucial for effective data management in your engineering environment.

Step 1: Create a Local Working Folder

1. Open your C drive.
2. Create a new folder and name it $WorkingFolder.
   • The dollar sign ensures it appears at the top of your Windows Explorer view.
3. Optionally, change the folder icon to something distinctive for easy identification.

Subfolders

1. Inside $WorkingFolder, create the following subfolders:
   • Content Center Files
   • Engineering Data (or a sensible name that reflects the contents)
   • Optionally, create a Libraries folder.

Step 2: Log into Vault

1. Open the Vault client.
2. Navigate to File > Login.
3. Enter your credentials:
   • Username: administrator
   • Password: (leave blank by default)
   • Server: Name of your PC or localhost.
4. Select your Vault from the available options and log in.

Step 3: Create the Folder Structure in Vault

1. Open Project Explorer in the Vault client.
2. Create a new folder for Engineering Data.
3. Create library folders:
   • Right-click in Project Explorer > New Library Folder.
   • Name it Content Center Files (ensure correct spelling).
   • Repeat for Libraries.

Step 4: Set Up the Project in Autodesk Inventor

1. Open Autodesk Inventor.
2. Go to Get Started > Projects.
3. Click New to create a new project:
   • Select Vault Project.
   • Name your project (e.g., Vault).
   • Ensure the project workspace folder points to $WorkingFolder.
4. Activate the default project and delete the old project file:
   • Move your project file to the root of $WorkingFolder.

Define Project Folder References

1. Go to Workspace settings in project settings.
2. Ensure Vault is ticked.
3. Right-click Workspace > Edit:
   • Browse to $WorkingFolder/Engineering Data.
4. Set up the Libraries folder:
   • Right-click on Libraries > Add Path and browse to $WorkingFolder/Libraries.
5. Set up Content Center Files:
   • Go to Content Center Files settings and browse to $WorkingFolder/Content Center Files.

Step 5: Log Inventor into Vault

1. In Inventor, go to the Vault ribbon tab.
2. Click Login and enter the same credentials used in the Vault client.

Step 6: Map Local Folders to Vault Folders

1. In the Vault ribbon tab, select Access.
2. Click on Map Folders:
   • Edit the project root to link to the top level of the Vault.
   • Link Content Center Files to the corresponding Vault folder.
   • Link Libraries to the Vault Libraries folder.

Step 7: Test the Setup

1. Create a new part file in the Engineering Data folder.
2. Save it as Test Part.
3. Use the Vault plugin in Inventor to check in the file:
   • Right-click on Test Part > Check In.
4. Refresh the Vault client to confirm that Test Part appears in the Engineering Data folder.

Conclusion

You have now set up Autodesk Vault Basic and connected it with Autodesk Inventor. This setup will streamline your workflow by enabling efficient file management and collaboration. For further steps, consider exploring more advanced Vault features or checking in additional files. If you have questions, feel free to reach out or comment for assistance.