Installation Manual

Introduction

Companies in industries such as automotive, aviation, and high-tech create and manage intellectual property (IP) using engineering drawings. These drawings are created digitally using computer-aided design (CAD) applications and are often shared with external users for business collaboration. It is important to understand the risks associated with sharing business information. Protecting sensitive engineering data requires comprehensive security measures. HaloCAD is a data protection solution that helps organizations protect sensitive engineering data.

How HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM Protects Data

HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management (PDM) integrates with the SOLIDWORKS PDM application and includes the features of HaloCAD PROTECT and HaloCAD MONITOR. It uses Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP), formerly Microsoft Information Protection (MIP), to provide Enterprise Digital Rights Management (EDRM) capabilities.

HaloCAD monitors files in SOLIDWORKS PDM folders. When a user cuts or copies a file from a SOLIDWORKS PDM folder to a location outside SOLIDWORKS PDM, HaloCAD intercepts the operation and protects the file in the background before it reaches the destination folder. If a previously protected SOLIDWORKS or PDF file is copied into a SOLIDWORKS PDM folder, HaloCAD decrypts the file and stores the unprotected file in the SOLIDWORKS PDM vault. This helps protect sensitive data when files are shared outside the SOLIDWORKS PDM environment. HaloCAD continuously monitors and logs all cut and copy operations for auditing purposes.

About this Manual

This manual describes the installation and configuration procedures specific to HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM.

Reference Manuals

The following table describes the HaloCAD documentation set and the information available in each manual.

HaloCAD reference documentation

Component Functions

The following components are involved in the HaloCAD architecture when deployed in an integrated environment:

1. HaloCAD Add-on for SOLIDWORKS

2. HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM

3. HaloENGINE GenNXT

4. Microsoft Purview Information Protection

The following sections describe the functions of each component.

HaloCAD Add-on for SOLIDWORKS

• Operates within the Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS application.

• Responsible for protecting newly created files that are exported or saved to non-SOLIDWORKS PDM folders and displaying the permission label with enforcement.

• Logs all add-on related activities for auditing purposes.

HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM

• Resides on the server hosting the SOLIDWORKS PDM Client.

• Watches user-initiated cut, copy, paste, and send-to events in Windows File Explorer (explorer.exe).

• Collects metadata for the selected file.

• Obtains action and label information for the selected file from HaloENGINE GenNXT.

• Responsible for labeling and encrypting files.

• Logs HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM component activities to the local log and sends monitor logs to HaloENGINE GenNXT.

HaloENGINE GenNXT performs the following functions: 

• Is a Java-based server component that exposes a web service to HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM.

• Connects to Microsoft Purview Information Protection to download sensitivity labels and make them available for configuration.

• Implements business logic.

• Logs events received from HaloCAD for SOLIDWORKS PDM.

Microsoft Purview Information Protection

HaloCAD integrates with Microsoft Purview Information Protection to protect sensitive documents. Microsoft Purview Information Protection is an enterprise document security solution that ensures only authorized users can open protected content while controlling the actions they can perform, such as printing, editing, or saving. Even if sensitive data is accidentally or maliciously disclosed, unauthorized users cannot view the content in clear text.

Requirements

The following table lists the system requirements for installing and running SOLIDWORKS PDM.

Requirements

Last updated: October 30, 2026