Taking the leap, not sure what's the best way to go

[dbvanhorn]

I'm a long time Altium user, and what I'm after with Diptrace is probably very close to what Altium would call a database library, with the addition of linking to Aligni for component management.

Let's say we're adding a resistor to the library:
Find the exact part number. (No "generic" parts like "resistor", where the details are left for later)
Download the part image, data sheet, step file, and any other relevant technical docs.
Create a DB entry in Altium (Access DB) which has the schematic symbol and PCB footprint, Step file, and a field in the DB for the Aligni part number.
In Altium I would also add fields for min/max temperature, washable (boolean), ROHS compliant (boolean), custom part(boolean) and so on and finally a field in the DB that contains the Aligni part number.
In Aligni then I create the part and add all the appropriate info, and link a picture, datasheets etc as appropriate.

Seems like a lot of work, but in the end you have data as complete as you like on a given part, and if you use it more than once you're way ahead of the game.
When I'm ready to build, I create a min/max temperature report, custom part report, ROHS report, and that goes into the final review.
Even the PCB itself gets an Aligni part number, and in Aligni I attach the binaries and gerbers/drill etc used to create the board. Production then knows exactly how to order more of this part number, without ever wondering "are these really the right gerbers for PN 100626 rev C"


So now I'm using Diptrace and I'd like to get to more or less the same approach. I don't need it to be exactly like Altium, but the general approach has proven solid and I'd like to keep using it.


So within Diptrace, what's the best way to create a single library (no non-vetted parts allowed) linking the schematic symbol, footprint, aligni part number, and a few more fields of information such that my BOM is complete and detailed?

I'm a bit nervous to plunge in because I don't want to waste time and make a mess.

[Alex]

You can use additional fields in DipTrace. You can open "Component -> Default Additional Fields" in Component Editor and specify as much fields as you need. Every new component you create will have all these fields from beginning. You will only need to enter values into the fields.
For each component, you can create more than default additional fields. Just edit component properties in Component Editor.
All these additional fields will appear in component properties in Schematic and PCB Layout once you use the component(s) there. And you can export BOM with all or specific properties to Excel for review or further manipulations.