SOLIDWORKS PDM Mixed Authentication Logins

SOLIDWORKS PDM 2019 and newer allows for mixed authentication of logins, meaning an administrator of a vault can set the option to allow users to log in as their Windows login from active directory and SOLIDWORKS PDM users. Previously, the administrator had to choose between setting up the vault logins with Windows users or SOLIDWORKS PDM users. The vault administrator can now have multiple users either with a PDM account and a Winodws login account access the vault at the same time. 

How to set up Authentication Users with Mixed Logins

To authenticate users with mixed logins: 

1. Click Start > All Programs > SOLIDWORKS PDM > Archive Server Configuration. 
2. Select Tools > Default Settings. 
3. Select Windows login. 
4. Select Allow SOLIDWORKS PDM login.
5. Click Apply and OK.
   
   

In the Administration tool, when adding a new user in the Add Users dialog box: 

• The renamed option, List Windows User, lists the Windows users defined in the archive server configuration tool available to add.
• The renamed option, New Windows User, adds a Microsoft Windows user if you know the name of the user you'd like to add explicitly. 
• The new option, New SOLIDWORKS PDM User, adds a SOLIDWORKS PDM user. 
  
  

Benefits of SOLIDWORKS PDM Mixed Logins

Mixed authentication in SOLIDWORKS PDM is beneficial because it provides the PDM Administrator with flexibility in determining how users access the vault, balancing security and accessibility. By supporting both Windows (Active Directory) and PDM logins, this allows users to log in seamlessly with their existing Windows login credentials while still allowing access for external users/contractors who might not be part of the company domain.

If there are any additional questions pertaining to the setup and configuration, we recommend consulting with your IT department and reaching out to our support team for any additional assistance.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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