WHAT IT DOES
In your program, on the PORTWARE record.
- Saves the board project to PLM; every save is a new version.
- Check out locks it, Check in saves and releases the lock.
- PLM Part Library adds PORTWARE parts to a symbol library named PORTWARE.
- A command line for scripts and CI: python -m portware_kicad --help
Before you start
- KiCad 9 or 10
- To save, your user needs the PLM integration user right; your administrator grants it.
- Ready: run and checked end to end inside the program itself.
INSTALL
Set it up once.
- Enable the KiCad APIKiCad › Preferences › Preferences › Plugins: Enable KiCad API.
- Install the packageKiCad › Plugin and Content Manager › Install from File..., choose the zip. KiCad builds the plugin's Python environment the first time it starts.
- Create an API keyIn PORTWARE: your name (top right) › My Preferences › Security › Add API Key. It asks for an expiry date and shows the key once, so keep it somewhere safe.
USE
Every day.
The add-in signs in as you: it sees only what you may see in PORTWARE, and every save is a new version you can go back to.
- SettingsOn the PCB editor's top toolbar: PORTWARE › Settings: server and API key.
- First saveSave to PORTWARE once.
- Every dayCheck Out, edit, Check In.
Let's discuss your business.
Tell us how your organisation works today, and we will present PORTWARE through your own processes.