A recent comment on an old MindManager post alerted me to this MindManager/Solidworks integration. PROJECTSCHEMA uses MindManager to visualize and interact with Solidworks Assemblies in a graphic format. It reminds me of the MindManager For AEC DWF part Michael Scherotter experimented with back in, oh my was that really, 2004!
MindManager is ideal for visualising hierarchies and summarising task information. PROJECTSCHEMA uses MindManager topic & task features (icons, progress an date) to show/edit part status. You can view parts in the MindManager browser pane (using SolidWorks or its free viewer) and plan/report progress with MindManager (9+) Gantt View.
I’m not a SolidWorks user but as a MindManager fan think this sort of integration with design project information has real potential.
PROJECTSCHEMA for SolidWorks® & MindManager - www.ProjectSchema.com
PROJECTSCHEMA allows an entire SolidWorks assembly to be opened as a MindMap. It imports thumbnails, custom properties, eDrawings and attachments. It's meant to allow anyone to quickly gain insight into (and brainstorm) the project without needing to open SolidWorks.
Once the mindmap is generated, you can interrogate the entire project by filtering and changing the views. You can even use the Gantt Chart view to plan and track your progress.