New in Altium NEXUS Server

PLM Integration

This release brings the ability to hook up your NEXUS Server to one or more PLM instances, with out-of-the-box support for Windchill PLM and Arena PLM. Interface configuration is performed through the NEXUS Sewrver's browser interface, with most configuration defined within an XML-based configuration file (uploaded to the Server). With the interface set up and working, features and functionality are provided when working in the following distinct areas:

• Library (components) - catering for the uni- or bi-directional synchronization of your components, component parameters, and part choices, between your NEXUS Server and your PLM instance. Configuration allows you to specify which parameters are mastered in which system. In addition, the arrival of Item parameters enable you to update properties in Altium NEXUS (configurable per field), without having to formally release a new revision of that Component Item. A dedicated Part Request workflow is also now available that supports the automatic creation of a Component in your PLM instance, and then propagation of the generated part number back to the component in NEXUS.
• Design (projects) - a dedicated Project Creations workflow is now available that supports the automatic creation of part numbers in your PLM instance, and then propagation of these as Server Parameters of the NEXUS Managed Project. Such parameters can be used in special strings (e.g. for sheet border annotations). You now have the ability to publish your design to your PLM instance, as part of running the Project Releaser in Altium NEXUS. The publishing operation uses a publishing template - defined as part of the PLM instance integration configuration - to control how data should be propagated to the PLM. And if you're publishing for the first time and part numbers (on the PLM side) are not yet associated with the managed project, those part numbers will be created in the PLM and associated to the project as part of that initial publication. You also have the ability to define component entries for NEXUS managed components in the PLM instance, as part of the publishing operation (optional, based on configuration). And you'll always be able to see exactly what has been created, such as part numbers in the PLM instance, as part of the process workflow's history (History tab).

Web Review Enhancements

This release brings some powerful enhancements to the Web Review arena. Firstly, you no longer have to worry about adding and configuring a WebReview Output Job as part of the release of a managed project - it's all handled for you, automatically by the system. Release your project and enjoy the fruits of the Web Review feature. You can also now start a Web Review session for any released revision, of any managed project, directly from the NEXUS Server's browser interface. This cements the use of this powerful, browser-based collaboration feature, putting access literally at your fingertips - true on-demand reviewing. And when you're in a Web Review session, why not check out the new support for a Light Theme.

Additional Features &  Enhancements

A number of additional new features and enhancments are available with this release, including:

• Wizard-like workflow execution - if the same user is assigned to multiple actions in a workflow, these will be triggered in sequence, saving time and streamlining the execution of that workflow.
• User forms have been enhanced - you now have the ability to open (as well as download) attachments, click navigatable links through to related objects, use long (in addition to short) text, and enter default values for simple types.
• For the signed-in user within Altium NEXUS, the Tasks panel has been improved with respect to its readability, and also to show tasks for which that user is a candidate - so no longer having to go to the browser interface to claim a task.
• Item-level (Dynamic) parameters
• Server-level parameters