Exporting Production Data

MAKE has two built-in exports, a Bill of Materials CSV and a Machining XML, both accessed from the MAKE menu.

Export BOM CSV

To export a bill of materials CSV from the MAKE menu select MAKE -> Export BOM CSV. MAKE will generate a downloadable CSV file that contains assembly, subassembly, panel, edgeband and hardware information. Large and/or very detailed models may take a few minutes to export.

The downloaded CSV can be opened in a spreadsheet application where the data can be filtered, sorted and amended as needed. CSV files can be imported into many third-part applications such as optimizers, report writers, ERP systems and other applications that can import comma delimited files.

SketchUp also has a built-in Report Generator that can be used to make custom reports as well, but be advised that quantities based on DC copies are not reported correctly. Hidden components also are reported incorrectly.

Export Machining XML

MAKE generates an XML document to export machining and related manufacturing information. Although you can export DXF files from SketchUp, these files only contain geometry. MAKE does not support DXF exports for machining.

To export a machining XML document from MAKE, click on the menu item MAKE -> Export Machining XML. MAKE will create a downloadable XML file that contains machining operations as well as job, assembly, subassembly, panel, edgebanding, material and hardware information. The generated file is checked against a schema to ensure that all data is valid. If you want to check the XML for validity, use Microsoft XML Notepad 2007, which is free and easy to use.

Currently Skooter XML files can be imported into CADCode and Eurosoft CAM programs. Contact Skooter for more information about using with other CAM applications. Third-party report writers and custom exporters are available at additional cost. Contact Skooter for more information.