SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

About SigmaTEK Systems, LLC

SigmaTEKSystemsprovidesrobustCAD/CAM,Nesting,andAutomation
softwaresolutionsforeverysizebusiness,fromnewjobshopsto
establishedmanufacturers.
Sinceourfoundingin1993,wehavebeendedicatedtoresearch,
development,andextensivesupportforourproducts,including
SigmaNEST,SigmaTUBE,SigmaBEND,SimTrans,andSigmaMRP.
SigmaNESTleadstheworldinnestingsystemsforfabrication,providing
unsurpassedmaterialutilization,motionoptimization,manpower
efficiency,manufacturingautomation,anddatamanagement.
Supportedbyanexpertteamofmathematiciansandengineers,SigmaTEK
reachestheglobefromitsheadquartersinCincinnatiOhio,USAwith
branchesinEurope,Asia,Australia,Africa,andSouthAmerica.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Table of Contents
Get Ready to Nest with the BEST!
AboutThisGuide

1
1

System Requirements

SingleSystem/WorkstationMinimumRequirements

SingleSystem/WorkstationRecommendedRequirements

ServerRecommendedRequirements

SigmaNEST Terminology

Before Installation

SingleSystemInstallation

NetworkInstallation

CustomInstallation

UpgradeInstallation

10

Installation Instructions

12

SingleSystemInstallation

13

NetworkInstallation

16

CustomInstallation

21

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

ParallelUpgradeInstallation

24

SIM & License File Management

26

SigmaNESTX1Licensing

26

NetworkSIMManagement

30

RemoteServerConfiguration

31

Post Installation

33

Troubleshooting

34

SigmaNEST Technical Support & Training

36

TechnicalSupport

36

SigmaNESTTraining

39

ContactSigmaTEKSupport

41

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Get Ready to Nest with the BEST!

ThankyouforchoosingtoinvestinSigmaNEST,theleaderinCAD/CAM
nestingsoftwaresolutionsforallmajorprofilecuttingandpunching
machines.
ThismanualisareferencetoSigmaNESTX1.Someoptionalfeatures
describedinthismanualmaynotbeincludedinyourversionof
SigmaNEST.ContactyourSigmaNESTsalesrepresentativeformore
informationonthesemodulesifdesired.
Weappreciateyourbusinessandlookforwardtoworkingwithyoutomake
sureyougetthemostfromyourSigmaNESTsolution.

About This Guide

ThisguideprovidesinstructionsforinstallingandupgradingSigmaNEST.It
alsoincludesinformationaboutsystemrequirements,licensemanagement,
postinstallation,troubleshooting,technicalsupport,andtraining.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

System Requirements
TheSystemRequirementsforSigmaNESTX1arelistedonthenextfew
pages.AllspecificationsassumethatSigmaNESTistheprimaryproduct
usedonthecomputerorserveronwhichitisinstalled.Ifotherdemanding
productsarerunonthesamecomputer,thentherequirementsshouldbe
adjustedaccordingly.
Note: SigmaNESTX1isonlycompatiblewith64-bitsystems.AUSBport
orhigh-speedinternetconnectionisrequiredtoinstallthesoftware.For
licensingpurposes,aUSBportmustbeavailableoneachindividual
workstationoronacomputeraccessiblethroughaninternalnetwork.For
moreinformationonlicensing,see"Before Installation" on page 7
Individualsiterequirementsmayvaryfromthespecificationslistedinthis
guide.Forexample,somesitesmayrequiregreaterstoragecapacity,while
otherspreferahigherscreenresolution.Inthesecases,SigmaTEKassumes
thateachsitewillassesstheirspecificneedsandmakeappropriatedecisions
onnecessaryhardware.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Single System/Workstation Minimum

Requirements
Thefollowingconfigurationoutlinestheminimumrequirementsforboth
independentsystemsandworkstationsthatareconnectedtoaserver.
Processor:
Memory(RAM):
Harddiskcapacity:
Harddisktype:

64-bitIntel/AMDdualcoreprocessor
4GB
120GB
7200RPM
SigmaNEST:1280x1024

Screenresolution:
Videocard:

Companion:1024x768
IntegratedChipsetwithOpenGLsupport

Operatingsystem:

64-bitWindows7Professional

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Single System/Workstation
Recommended Requirements
Thefollowingconfigurationoutlinestherecommendedrequirementsfor
bothindependentsystemsandworkstationsthatareconnectedtoaserver.
Thesespecificationsarerecommendedforbestsoftwareperformance.
Processor:
Memory(RAM):
Harddiskcapacity:
Harddisktype:
Screenresolution:
Videocard:
Operatingsystem:
Network:

64-bitIntel/AMDdualcoreprocessororbetter
8GB
250GB
2ormoreSATAdrivesconfiguredasRaid0or
Raid5(min.3drives),7200RPMorgreater,or
SSD
1920x1080
Dedicatedvideocardwithatleast512MBvideo
RAMandOpenGLsupport
64-bitWindows10Professionalorhigher
High-speedInternetconnection

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Server Recommended Requirements

Thefollowingconfigurationoutlinestherecommendedrequirementsfora
servertostoretheSigmaNESTdatabaseandconfigurationinformation,
whileserving5to10connectedSigmaNESTworkstations.These
requirementsapplytobothphysicalandvirtualservers.
NotethatifanexistingMicrosoftSQLServerisusedforthedatabase,it
mustbethe64-bit2014versionorlater.
Processor:
Memory(RAM):
Harddiskcapacity:
Harddisktype:
Operatingsystem:
Filesystem:
Network:

Intel1or2IntelXeondualcoreorbetter
AMD1or2AMDOpterondualcoreorbetter
4GB
500GB
3ormoredrivesconfiguredasRaid5,7200
RPMorgreater,orSSD
64-bitWindows2008Serverstandardeditionor
higher
NTFSorReFS
1GB/swithaccesstoashared,high-speedInternetconnection

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

SigmaNEST Terminology
SigmaNESTrequiresthefollowingfivemajorcomponentstoruncorrectly:
l TheSigmaNEST program isinthelocalinstallationfolder.The
defaultpathisC:\ProgramFiles(x86)\SigmaTEK\SigmaNESTX1,but
youcanchangethisdestinationduringtheinstallationprocess.
l TheSIMisadevicewhichplugsintothecomputer'sUSBportand
authenticatesthesoftwarelicense.Itmustbepluggedinwheneverthe
softwareisinuse.
l ThePost Processorisascriptfilethatcommunicatesinformation
aboutthetoolpathfromSigmaNESTtoyourcuttingorpunching
machine.P ostsareuniquetoeachmachine.
l The SNData Folderissharedbetweenusers,andcontainsdatasuch
aspostprocessors,partfiles,andshapes.TheSNDatafoldershouldbe
installedtoasharedlocation,suchasamappednetworkdrive.
l TheMicrosoft SQL Serverisadatabaseplatformthatmanagesthe
datausedinSigmaNEST.SigmaNESTiscompatiblewithSQLServer
EnterpriseEdition.MSSQLServerExpress2014isincludedwiththe
SigmaNESTsoftware.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Before Installation
BeforeinstallingSigmaNEST,considerthefollowing:
AllinstallationsofSigmaNESTrequireaccesstoanSQLserver.Forfirsttime
installations,anewMicrosoftSQLserverinstancenamedSIGMANESTis
installedtohosttheSigmaNESTdatabase.Forupgrades,theexisting
MicrosoftSQLserverinstancenamedSIGMANESTisupgradedtoSQLServer
2014.Allotherinstancesremainunchanged.
Note: YoucaninstalltheSQLserverlocallyoronanetwork,butitmustbe
accessibletoallSigmaNESTusers.
SigmaNESTusesaSIMforlicensingandsecurity.Forlocallicenses,the
greenSIMmustbepluggedintothelocalcomputerwheneverSigmaNEST
isinuse.Fornetworklicenses,theredSIMmustbepluggedintoa
computerorserverwhichwillremainactiveonthenetworkwhenever
SigmaNESTisinuse.
Note: WheninstallingorupdatinglicensefilesonanetworkSIM,youwill
needtophysicallyorremotelyaccessthehostingcomputer.
IfapreviousversionofSigmaNESTisinstalled,youneedtodecidewhether
tooverwritetheexistinginstallationorinstallthenewversioninparallel.A
parallelinstallationallowsyoutobecomefamiliarwiththenewversion
beforeremovingtheoldone,andcheckforcompatibilityissuesbetween
thenewversionofSigmaNESTandotherexistingsoftware.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Single System Installation

InaSingleSystemInstallation,theSigmaNESTsoftwareandallits
components(SIM,database,SQLserver&program)areinstalledonone
computer.

Network Installation
InaNetworkInstallation,theSigmaNESTsoftwareisinstalledonaclient
computerandtheothercomponentsareinstalledonaserverthattheclient
computerconnectsto.Networkscanhavemultipleclientcomputerswhich
connecttoasingleserverormultipleservers.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Custom Installation
ACustomInstallationissimilartoaNetworkInstallationexcepttheSNData
folder,SQLServerandSIMarestoredondifferentserversinsteadofasingle
server.Thisconfigurationistypicallyusedforlargenetworkswithservers
andclientsinmultiplelocations.

Note: Theaboveillustrationshowso netypeofcustomconfiguration,but

manymorearepossible.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Upgrade Installation
AStandardUpgradeoverwritesanexistinginstallationofSigmaNEST,while
aParallelUpgradeinstallsSigmaNESTparalleltoanearlierversion.Before
beginningeithertypeofupgrade,b ackupyourSNDatafolderand
SQLserverasoutlinedintheinstructionsbelow.
Warning! When performing an Upgrade Installation, failure to
back up existing SigmaNEST components may permanently
erase all locally stored data.

Back Up SNData
1. InSigmaNEST,clicktheTools Helptab.
2. IntheToolsgroup,clickConfig.
3. SelectthePathstabtoviewthelocationofthedatafolder.
4. InWindows,browsetothelocationofthedatafolder.
5. Copythecontentsofthefoldertoanewfolderorrenametheexisting
folder.Forexample,theSNDatafoldercanberenamedSNDATAX1.

Back Up the SQL Server Database:

SigmaNESTautomaticallyperformsad atabasebackupduringinstallation.
Asanaddedprecaution,itisrecommendedthatyoualsomanuallybackup
thedatabasebeforeupgrading.
1. OpenMicrosoftSQLServerManagementStudio2014.Ifnotinstalled,
downloaditfromtheMicrosoftwebsite.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Note: YoucanalsoinstalltheManagementStudiofromthe
SigmaNESTUSBdrivebyselectingTools > SQL Manager
2014 x64fromtheSNStartupmenu.
2. EnterthenameoftheSigmaNESTSQLServer.Forexample,
Computer1\SIGMANEST.Ifyoudonotknowthename,selectBrowse
for morefromthedrop-downlist.
3. SelecttheAuthenticationmethod(WindowsorSQLServer),enter
theauthenticationinformation,thenclickConnect.
4. IntheObject Explorerlistontheleft,expandDatabases.
5. Right-clickthedatabaseandselectTasks > Back Up.TheBackUp
Databasedialogboxopens.
6. IntheDestinationsection,clickRemovetoremovethedefault
backuplocation,thenclickAdd.TheSelectBackupDestinationdialog
boxopens.
7. Clicktheellipsis(...)andbrowsetothelocationofthebackupfolder.
Thisfoldershouldbeinanon-programdirectory,suchas
C:\Users\Public\Documents.
8. EnteraFile namewiththe.bakextensionandclickOK.
9. ClickOKagain.ThenewbackuppathdisplaysintheBack up to:list.
10. ClickOKtostartthebackupprocess.Dependingonthesizeofyour
databasethisprocessmaytakeafewminutes.Oncethecompleted
promptappears,clickOK.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Installation Instructions
ForFirstTimeorStandardUpgradeInstallations,choosefromthefollowing
optionsaccordingtoyoursetup:
l "Single System Installation" on page 13
l "Network Installation" on page 16
l "Custom Installation" on page 21
ForParallelUpgradeInstallations,see"Parallel Upgrade Installation"
on page 24.Formoreinformationonchoosingasetup,referbackto
"Before Installation" on page 7.
Note: LoginasanAdministratororanaccountwithAdministratorrights
beforeinstallingSigmaNEST.
Warning! Before installing SigmaNEST, install any pending
Windows Updates and restart your computer. If pending
updates are left uninstalled, the SigmaNEST installation may
fail.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Single System Installation

Inasinglesysteminstallation,theSIM,database,SNDatafolder,and
SigmaNESTareinstalledononecomputer.
Note: IfyouareoverwritingapreviousversionofSigmaNEST,backup
yourdatabeforeproceeding.
1. OpentheSNStartupfileontheSigmaNESTUSBdrive.Select
SigmaNEST > SigmaNESTandgiveadministrativepermissionto
installifprompted.Selectyourlanguage,thenc lickOKtostartthe
InstallationWizard.ClickNext.

2. Readtheterms,clicktheI accept the terms of the License

Agreementcheckbox,andthenclickNext.
3. ReviewtheInstallationNotesandthenclickNext.
4. SelectSingle System Installation.IntheStart Menu group
drop-down,selectorenterthestartmenugroupfortheprogram.Click
Next.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

5. SetthelocationfortheSigmaNESTdata(SNData)folder,which
containsallWork-spaces,reports,andrelatedfiles.Ifyouwantto
changethedefaultdirectory,clickBrowseandselectadirectoryor
manuallyenterit.ClickNext.

6. SigmaNESTisnowreadytoinstall.ClickNexttobegintheinstall.This
stepmaytakeseveralminutes.
7. WhentheSigmaNESTDBInstall/Upgradedialogboxopens,selectthe
SQLServerforthedatabasefromtheSQL Serverdrop-downlist.The
servernamedefaultstothecomputernamewithaSigmaNEST
instance.Forexample,PC-1\SIGMANEST.ClickNext.
8. Clicktheplussign(+)tocreateanewdatabaseorselectadatabaseto
upgradefromthebottomlist.ClickGo!tostarttheupgrade.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

9. IfapreviousversionofSigmaNESTisinstalledonthecomputer,you
canimporttheconfigurationsettingsfromtheoldversiontothenew
installation.WhentheInstallUpgradedialogboxopens,clickNext,
selecttheSigmaNESTversiontoimport,andthenclickImport.To
skiptheimportandusethedefaultsettings,clickClose.

10. Theinstallationiscomplete.ClickFinishtoclosetheinstallwizard.
Thecomputerrestartsforfirsttimeinstallations.
Note: BeforestartingSigmaNEST,plugtheSIMintothe
USBport.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Network Installation
Inanetworkinstallation,theSIM,database,andSNDATAfolderare
installedonaserver.SigmaNESTistheninstalledononeormoreclient
computers.
Note: IfyouareoverwritingapreviousversionofSigmaNEST,backup
yourdatabeforeproceeding.

Server Installation:
1. OpentheSNStartupfileontheSigmaNESTUSBdrive.SelectTools
> SIM Driverandgiveadministrativepermissiontorunifprompted.
The Sentinel Runtime Setupwizardopens.ClickNext.

2. SelectI accept the license agreementandthenclickNext.Click

NextagaintoinstalltheHaspdriver.Afterthedriverinstalls,restart
yourcomputerifprompted.Otherwise,clickFinishtoclosethe
wizard.
3. ReturntothemenuandselectTools > SIM Compatibilitytoverify
theSIMiscompatibleandthedriversinstalledcorrectly.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

4. ReturntothemenuandselectSigmaNEST > SigmaNEST.Give
administrativepermissiontoinstallifprompted.Selectyourlanguage,
thenclickOKtostarttheInstallationWizard.ClickNext.
5. Readtheterms,clicktheI accept the terms of the License
AgreementcheckboxandthenclickNext.
6. ReviewtheInstallationNotesandthenclickNext.
7. SelectNetwork Installation.IntheStart Menu groupdropdown,selectorenterthestartmenugroupfortheprogram.Click
Next.

8. SelectServerandthenclickNext.IfyouhaveanexistingMSSQL
Server,see"Custom Installation" on page 21formore
information.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

9. SetthelocationfortheSigmaNESTdata(SNData)folder,which
containsallWork-spaces,reports,andrelatedfiles.Ifyouwantto
changethedefaultdirectory,clickBrowseandselectadirectoryor
manuallyenterit.ClickNext.
10. SigmaNESTisnowreadytoinstall.ClickNexttobegintheinstall.This
stepmaytakeseveralminutes.
11. WhentheSigmaNESTDBInstall/Upgradedialogboxopens,selectthe
SQLServerforthedatabasefromtheSQL Serverdrop-downlist.The
servernamedefaultstothecomputernamewithaSigmaNEST
instance.Forexample,SERVER-1\SIGMANEST.ClickNext.
12. Clicktheplussign(+)tocreateanewdatabaseorselectadatabaseto
upgradefromthebottomlist.ClickGo!tostarttheupgrade.

13. IfapreviousversionofSigmaNESTisinstalledonthecomputer,you
canimporttheconfigurationsettingsfromtheoldversiontothenew
installation.WhentheInstallUpgradedialogboxopens,clickNext,
selecttheSigmaNESTversiontoimport,andthenclickImport.To
skiptheimportandusethedefaultsettings,clickClose.
14. Theinstallationiscomplete.ClickFinishtoclosetheinstallwizard.
Thecomputerrestartsforfirsttimeinstallations.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Workstation (Client) Installation:

1. OpentheSNStartupfileontheSigmaNESTUSBdrive.Select
SigmaNEST > SigmaNEST,andgiveadministrativepermissionto
installifprompted.Selectyourlanguage,thenclickOKtostartthe
InstallationWizard.ClickNext.

2. Readtheterms,clicktheI accept the terms of the License

AgreementcheckboxandthenclickNext.
3. ReviewtheInstallationNotesandthenclickNext.
4. SelectNetwork InstallationandthenclickNext.
5. SelectWorkstationandthenclickNext.
6. SetthelocationfortheSigmaNESTdata(SNData)foldertomatchthe
sharedlocationusedintheServerinstall.ClickBrowsetoselectthe
directoryormanuallyenterit.ClickNext.
7. SigmaNESTisnowreadytoinstall.ClickNexttobegintheinstall.
8. WhentheSigmaNESTDBInstall/Upgradedialogboxopens,selectthe
SQLServerinstalledduringServerinstallationfromtheSQL Server
drop-downlist.AllclientsshouldusethesameSQLserver.ClickNext.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

9. Clicktheplussign(+)tocreateanewdatabaseorselectadatabaseto
upgradefromthebottomlist.ClickGo!tostarttheupgrade.Thisstep
isnotrequiredifusingthedatabasecreatedduringServerinstallation.

10. IfapreviousversionofSigmaNESTisinstalledonthecomputer,you
canimporttheconfigurationsettingsfromtheoldversiontothenew
installation.WhentheInstallUpgradedialogboxopens,clickNext,
selecttheSigmaNESTversiontoimport,andthenclickImport.To
skiptheimportandusethedefaultsettings,clickClose.
11. Theinstallationiscomplete.ClickFinishtoclosetheinstallwizard.
Thecomputerrestartsforfirsttimeinstallations.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Custom Installation
AcustominstallationallowsyoutoselectwhichSigmaNESTcomponentsto
install.Custominstallationsaretypicallyusedinlargeenvironmentswith
multipleserversandcomputers.
1. OpentheSNStartupfileontheSigmaNESTUSBdrive.Select
SigmaNEST > SigmaNESTandgiveadministrativepermissionto
installifprompted.Selectyourlanguage,thenc lickOKtostartthe
InstallationWizard.ClickNext.

2. Readtheterms,clicktheI accept the terms of the License

AgreementcheckboxandthenclickNext.
3. ReviewtheInstallationNotesandthenclickNext.
4. SelectCustom.IntheStart Menu groupdrop-down,selectorenter
thestartmenugroupfortheprogram.ClickNext.
5. Usethedrop-downsnexttoeachfeaturetoselectfeaturesfor
installation.Clickafeaturetoseemoreinformationaboutitinthe
Feature descriptionbox.Thediskspacerequirementschangebased
onwhatisselected.ClickNext.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

6. SetthelocationforthesharedSigmaNESTdata(SNData)folder.Click
Browsetoselectthedirectoryormanuallyenterit.ClickNext.
Note: Everyoneaccessingthesharedfoldermusthaveread,
write,andmodifypermissions.Youmayneedtocontactyour
NetworkAdministratortocreatethesharedfolderandsetupthe
correctpermissions.
7. SigmaNESTisnowreadytoinstall.ClickNexttoinstalltheselected
components.Thisstepmaytakeseveralminutes.
8. IfyouoptedtoinstallSQLcomponents,theSigmaNESTDB
Install/Upgradedialogboxopens.SelecttheSQLServerforthe
databasefromtheSQL Serverdrop-downlist.Theservername
defaultstothecomputernamewithaSigmaNESTinstance.For
example,PC-1\SIGMANEST.ClickNext.
9. Clicktheplussign(+)tocreateanewdatabaseorselectadatabaseto
upgradefromthebottomlist.ClickGo!tostarttheupgrade.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

10. IfapreviousversionofSigmaNESTisinstalledonthecomputer,you
canimporttheconfigurationsettingsfromtheoldversiontothenew
installation.WhentheInstallUpgradedialogboxopens,clickNext,
selecttheSigmaNESTversiontoimport,andthenclickImport.To
skiptheimportandusethedefaultsettings,clickClose.

11. Theinstallationiscomplete.ClickFinishtoclosetheinstallwizard.
Thecomputerrestartsforfirsttimeinstallations.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Parallel Upgrade Installation

TwoversionsofSigmaNESTcanbeinstalledparalleltooneanothertoallow
youtobecomefamiliarwiththenewversionbeforeremovingtheoldone.
Tobeginaparallelinstallation,followthestepsfora"Single System
Installation" on page 13withthefollowingexceptions:
1. GivetheStart Menu Groupauniquename.Forexample,ifthe
existingSigmaNESTprogramisinafoldernamedSigmaNEST,name
thenewprogramfolderSigmaNESTX1.
2. GivetheSNData folderauniquename.Forexample,iftheexisting
SNDatafolderisnamedSNData,namethenewdatafolder
SNDataX1.
Note: ToviewthecurrentSNDatafolder,inSigmaNEST,click
theTools Helptabandthenclickthedrop-downarrowunder
File ManagerandselectSNData Folder.
3. CreateanewSQL databasewithauniquename.Forexample,ifthe
existingdatabaseisnamedSNDBASE,namethenewdatabase
SNDBASEX1.
Note: IfbothversionsofSigmaNESTpointtothesamedatabase
andSNDatafolder,partsandWork-spacesfromthenewversion
cannotbeopenedintheolderversion.However,allWork-spaces
andpartsfromolderversionscanbeopenedinnewerversions
becauseSigmaNESTisbackwardscompatible.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

4. Afterinstallation,browsetothelocationofyouroldSNDatafolderand
copyallfilestoyournewlycreatedSNDatafolder.
Note: Thecopyprocessmaytakeseveralminutesforlargerdata
folders.

Transitioning Out of a Parallel Upgrade

Oncetheusershavebecomefamiliarwiththenewversion,theprevious
versioncanbeuninstalled.
Warning! Before removing the old version, verify all data is
copied over to the new version. Also, verify the newly installed
version points to an existing production SQL database. For
assistance with database migration, please contact SigmaTEK's
Technical Support Team.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

SIM & License File Management

SigmaNESTusesasecuritysignedlicensefilestoredonthelocalmachineto
authenticatetheprogram.Inanetworkenvironment,clientsystemsretrieve
avalidSigmaNESTlicensefilefromtheserver.
TheSIMkeyispluggedintoaUSBportonasinglemachine.Fornetwork
licensing,anetworkSIMkeyisinstalledinaUSBportonthesystemhosting
thelicense.
Note: YoucanupdateanetworkSIMlocallybyphysicallylogginginto
thehostmachine,orviaaremotedesktopconnection.

SigmaNEST X1 Licensing
Licensingisdoneintwosteps.WhenyoureceiveyourSIMfromSigmaTEK,
itisblank.YoumustfirstprogramtheSIMandtheninstallthelicensefile.
WhenupgradingfromapreviousversionofSigmaNEST,youwillalsoneed
tocheckforafirmwareupdatetoyourSIM.
Note: YoumustsubmityoursignedcopyoftheLicenseAgreementto
SigmaTEKbeforeyoucanprogramtheSIM.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Programming the SIM

Note: Foranetworkinstall,thisproceduremustbedoneontheSIM'shost
computer.
1. FromtheSNStartupmenuontheSigmaNESTUSBdrive,selectTools
> SIM Compatibility.TheSigmaNESTHaspCheckutilityopens.

2. IfyouhaveanInternetconnection,clicktheUpdate Hasp Key(

icontoprogramtheSIMautomatically.SkiptoStep 10.

3. IfyoudonothaveanInternetconnection,clicktheEmail(
)icon
tomanuallycreatea.C2V(CustomertoVendor)file.Anemailis
automaticallygeneratedusingyourdefaultemailclient.The.C2Vfileis
attachedtotheemail.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

4. Ifemailisnotavailableonthismachine,browsetothe
C:\ProgramData\SigmaTEK\LicenseFilesfolderandcopythe.C2Vfile
toaUSBdriveorsharednetworklocation.
5. Onacomputerwithemailcapability,copythe.C2Vfiletothe
computerandthensendanemailwiththe.C2Vfileattachedto
SimCodes@SigmaNEST.com.
6. SigmaTEKreturnsanemailwithanew.V2C(VendortoCustomer)file
attached.
7. Savethefiletoalocationonthemachine.Ifyousenttheemailfroma
differentmachinewithinternetaccess,copythefiletoaUSBdriveor
sharednetworklocationandthenplaceitbackontheoriginalmachine
thatneedsthelicense.
8. FromtheSNStartupmenuontheSigmaNESTUSBdrive,selectTools
> SIM Compatibility.TheSigmaNESTHaspCheckutilityopens.
9. ClicktheManual Program(
)icon,browsetothelocationofthe
.V2CfilesentbySigmaTEK,andthenselectittoprogramtheSIM.
10. OncetheSIMisprogrammed,openawebbrowserandenter
http://localhost:1947/_int_/devices.htmltoopentheSafeNet
SentinelAdminControlCenter.
11. FromtheActionscolumnforthenewlyprogrammedSIM,click
Features.VerifytheFeaturescolumnliststhecorrectSigmaNEST
modules.Thenumberofprogrammedlicensesforthemodulesis
displayedintheLimitcolumn.ContactSigmaTEKifthemoduleslisted
ornumberoflicensesprogrammedisincorrect.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Installing the License File

Note: AfteryousubmityoursignedLicenseAgreement,SigmaTEKemails
thelicensetoyouintheformofa.SNLicV3file.
1. StartSigmaNEST.
2. IfyouhaveanInternetconnection,thelicensefileisautomatically
downloadedandinstalledandSigmaNESTopens.Nofurtheractionis
required.
3. IfyoudonothaveanInternetconnection,theLicense Manager
opensautomatically.ClicktheLicense Filetab.
4. ClickInstall Local License,locateyour.SNLicV3fileandclickOpen
toinstallit.ClickOKtolaunchSigmaNEST.

For Upgrades Only

IfyouareupgradingfromaSigmaNESTversionpriorto10.0,followthese
additionalstepstoensureyourSIM'sfirmwareiscurrent.
1. StartSigmaNEST.
2. IftheLicense Manageropens,clicktheLicense File tab.Then
clickFirmware Update.Followtheon-screeninstructionstoupdate
yourfirmware.
3. IftheLicense Managerdoesnotopenonstart-up,thenyour
firmwareisuptodateandnofurtheractionisrequired.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Network SIM Management

NetworkSIMsaremanagedusingSafeNet'sSentinelAdminControlCenter.
Thislicensemanagerisweb-basedandautomaticallydetectsyournetwork
SIM.
Thesitecanbeaccessedusingthefollowingmethods:

Method 1:
1. OnthemachinewiththeSIMopenawebbrowserandenter
http://localhost:1947/_int_/devices.htmltoopentheSentinelAdmin
ControlCenter.AlistofyournetworkSIMsisdisplayed.

Method 2:
1. InSigmaNEST,navigatetotheTools HelptabandclickthedropdownarrowunderConfig.SelectLicense Manager.
2. ClicktheNet Hasp Setuptab.
3. ClickList Network SIMs tolaunchtheSentinelLicenseManager
website.AlistofyournetworkSIMsisdisplayed.
Note: FormoreinformationonusingSafeNet'sSentinelLicense
Manager,clicktheHelplinkintheleftnavigationmenuonthe
site.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Remote Server Configuration

WhenyouinstallSigmaNESTinanetworkenvironment,workstationsmay
accesstheservertoretrieveavalidlicensefilefortheSigmaNESTsoftware.
Thisservercanbelocatedinthesamebuildingoracrossthecountry,butit
mustbeonthesamenetworkastheworkstations.
Insomecases,thenetworkconfigurationusedinyourenvironmentmay
blockaworkstation'slicenserequestfromtheserver.Forexample,ifa
SigmaNESTworkstationislocatedonanetworksub-netusedforall
workstations,buttheserverisonadifferentsub-net,therouterusedto
passtrafficbetweenthesetwosub-netsmayfilterouttherequesttothe
serverforthelicensefile,keepingitfromreachingtheserver.
Topreventthis,youmustconfigureaccesstoremotelicensemanagersin
theSafeNetSentinelAdminControlCenter.
1. Openawebbrowserandenterhttp://localhost:1947/_int_
/devices.htmltoopentheSentinelControlCenter.
2. IntheOptionsareatotheleft,clickConfiguration.
3. SelecttheAccess to Remote License Managerstab.
4. IntheRemote License Search Parameterstextbox,enterthe
computernameoftheSigmaNESTserver.Youcanalsoenterthe
IPaddressoftheserveriftheserverisconfiguredtouseastatic
IPaddress.
5. ClickSubmittosavethechangesandcloseoutoftheSafeNet
browserwindow.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

6. StartSigmaNEST.IftheStart-updialogboxopens,skiptoStep 9.
7. ClicktheTools Helptab.
8. Clickthedrop-downarrowunderConfigandthenselectLicense
Manager.TheStart-updialogboxopens.
9. ClicktheNet Hasp Setuptab.
10. VerifytheCheck for Network SIMcheckboxischecked.
11. SelecttheSigmaNESTservernameenteredinStep 4fromthe
Network Address/sdrop-downlist.
12. ClickOKtosavethechanges.IfSigmaNESTisopen,closeitandthen
restart.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Post Installation
Followthestepsbelowtoinstallthepost.
1. InSigmaNEST,clickTools HelpandthenclickConfig.Selectthe
Pathstab.YourcurrentpostfolderpathislistednexttothePST and
TEC filefield.Bydefault,thisfolderislocatedatC:\Users\Public\
Documents\SNData\POST\Samples.
2. Savethezipfiletothepostfolder,unzipandextractallfilestothepost
folder.
3. InSigmaNEST,clickTools HelpandthenclickConfig.Selectthe
MachinetabandclickNew.
4. IntheNew/EditMachinedialogbox,selectthefileextractedinStep 2
fromthePostdrop-downlist.TheMachinetextboxisauto
populatedbasedonthepostfilename.
5. SelecttheCost fileandMachine Groupfromthedrop-downlists.
MachineGroupsallowyoutoassignmultiplemachinestoasingle
group.
Warning! Only group machines of the same type and
process.
6. ClickOKtosavethechanges.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Troubleshooting
Thissectionliststhemostcommontechnicalissuesyoumayexperience
afterinstallingSigmaNESTX1.Ifyouneedfurtherassistance,see"Contact
SigmaTEK Support" on page 41.

Error message: SigmaNEST SIM Not Found

Possible Cause

Solution

UnplugSIMandinsertitbackintothe
USBport.Waitafewmomentsforthe
TheSIMisnotdetected.
driverstoinstall.Ifitstilldoesnotwork,
tryadifferentport.
Thecomputerdoesnotrecognizethe
TheSIMispluggedinbuttheredLEDlightis
USBdevice.Downloadandinstallthe
noton.
USBdriver.
Thecomputer'sfirewallisturnedonandis Disablethefirewallorconfigureitto
blockingdatasentfromSigmaTEK.
allowdatafromSigmaTEK.
SIMdoesnothavevalidSIMcodes.
ContactSigmaTEKforSIMcodes.
UseonlyoneSigmaNESTSIMper
MorethanoneSIMisbeingused.
PC/Server.
ClickStartandtypeservices.msc.
SelectServicestoopenWindowsSerTheSentinelLDKLicenseManagerisnotrunvices.Scrolldownuntilyouseethe
ning.
SentinelLDKLicenseManager.RightclickitandselectStart.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Issue: After installing, SigmaNEST is unable to

connect to the database on the SQL Server.
Possible Cause

Solution
Testtheconnectiontothedatabase(in
SigmaNEST-Tools Help > Config >
Database)andverifyalllogin
informationiscorrectorusethebuilt-in
SigmaNESTuseraccounttoaccessthe
server.

Databasenotproperlyconnected.

Issue: Data is missing after install (upgrading

from version 9.0 and up).
Possible Cause

Solution

Dataisinolderversion'sSNDATAfolderand CopythecontentsfromtheoldSNData
notinthenewone.
foldertothenewone.

Issue: Data is missing after install (upgrading

from version 8.0 and prior).
Possible Cause

Solution

Someitems,suchasShapesandReports,
werenotinstalledtothedatafolder.

CopythecontentsfromtheoldSNData
foldertothenewone.Next,re-install
SigmaNESTusingtheNetworkServer,
SingleSystem,orCustommethodsand
enterthepathtothenewSNDATA
folderwhenprompted.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

SigmaNEST Technical Support &

Training
SigmaTEK'sexpertTechnicalSupportTeamisreadytoassistyouwithany
problemsyoumayhave.Wealsoofferavarietyoftrainingclassestohelp
yougetthemostoutofSigmaNEST.

Technical Support
SigmaNESTTechnicalSupportcombinesapplicationexpertsand
technologytobestsupportourcustomers.AdvantageSupporttakesour
supportphilosophyonestepfurtherandofferscustomerscustomized
optionsandservicestailoredtomeettheirtroubleshootingneeds.
Effectivetechnicalsupportrequiresthattheuserbetrainedata
SigmaNESTcertifiedtrainingcenter.See"SigmaNEST Training" on
page 39formoreinformation.

SigmaNEST Subscription Membership

SigmaNESTSubscriptionMembershipisasoftwaremaintenanceprogram
thatensuresthatyourSigmaNESTsoftwareisalwaysuptodate,compatible
withthelatestCADsystems,ERPsystems,andMicrosoftplatforms.Fora
yearlysubscriptionfee,membersenjoythefollowingbenefits:
l SigmaNESTsoftwareupdates.
l AccesstoSigmaNESTLiveUpdate.
l Documentationupdates.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

l AbilitytocontactTechnicalSupportbyphoneoremail.
l Abilitytoreportbugsandsubmitenhancementrequests.
l AccesstotheSigmaNESTcustomerportalandKnowledgeBase.
l Periodicfocusedtrainingwebinars.
l Favorablepricingonmodulesandbundledupgrades.

Additional Services for Subscription Members

SigmaNESTalsoprovidesadditionalservicestosubscriptionmembersfora
separatefee.Theseservicesincludethefollowing:
l CertifiedUserTrainingclasses.
l Re-installationandre-deployment.
l Backupandrestoreservices.
l SQLrecoveryassistance.
l SigmaNESTdatabasemigration.
l Legacydatarecovery.
l Integrationservices.
l Postupgradesandenhancements.
l Customreportdevelopment.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Advantage Support
SigmaTEK'sAdvantageSupportAgreementdeliversadditionalsupport
optionsthatenhanceallaspectsofSigmaNESTSoftwareTechnical
Support.
TheAdvantageSubscriptionAgreementincludes:
l Acceleratedresponsetimeforcall-inissues(1-3hours),8:00AMto
5:00PMEST.
l Accesstoadvantage-onlyphonelineandemailaddress.
l SupportcallshandledbyseniorlevelSigmaTEKEngineers.
l SigmaTEKmanagesdocumentationonyourlicenses,methodsofuse,
andoperationaldataforaseamlesssupportexperience.
l OneMajorUpgradeServiceeverytwoyears.
l Onescheduledremoteupgradeperyear.
l Assistancewithcustomreports.
l Eighthoursofgeneralonlinetrainingperyear.
l Postenhancements(2hoursperyearperpost).

SigmaTEK Systems Software Maintenance Subscription Membership and Advantage Support Service
is updated yearly to address changes in SigmaNEST software, computer operating systems, and
peripheral software changes in the CAD/CAM industry. SigmaTEK Systems reserves the right to
make changes to the service agreement year to year to address these changes. Any changes made
will be effective for the term of the agreement.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

SigmaNEST Training
SigmaNESTtrainingdemonstratesallofthekeyfunctionalityofthe
softwaresothatuserscanefficientlynestandprogramproductionorders.
Weprovidebothaclassroomlearningexperience(toexplainandshow
themanyfeatures)andahands-onlabopportunity(wherethesoftwareis
actuallyused).Oneofourcapableapplicationsengineersleadsthetraining,
souserscanaskquestionsofaSigmaNESTexpertandlearnfromthe
industryexperienceofothersinthesession.
WeofferawidevarietyoftrainingtimesinbothourCincinnatiandSeattle
offices.Generallyspeaking,trainingisavailableinCincinnatieveryother
weekandinSeattleoncepermonth.However,ifyouhaveconstraintson
datesthatwillworkforyourteam,wewilltrytoadjustourscheduletoyour
needs.
Ourtrainingclasssizeislimitedtobestallowuserstofocus,askquestions,
andinteractwithfellowusers.Thisensuresthatthetrainingiseffectiveand
ofthehigheststandard.Eachuserhastheirowncomputerstationfora
hands-onexperiencewithallexercises.SigmaNESTtraininggenerally
beginsat8:30andconcludesbetween4:30and5PM.withaone-hour
cateredlunchbreakprovidedhalfwaythroughtheday.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Course Types
SigmaTEKoffersthefollowingtrainingclasses:
l SigmaNEST User.Acomprehensivethreedayclassforbeginnersor
long-timeuserswantingtoenhancetheirskills.
l Refresher.AonedayrefresherclassforregularusersofSigmaNEST.
l Combo.Aonedayclasswhichfocusesonpunchingandcombo
machines.
l Turret.Aonedayclasswhichfocusesonp unchmachines.
Note: Classesfocusedonbevelandrouterareavailableuponrequest.
Forcustomerswhoneedtotrainmultipleusers,SigmaTEKalsooffersonsitetraining.On-sitetrainingcanincludeuptofiveattendeespertrainer
andrequiresthecustomertoprovidethetrainingspaceandnecessary
equipment.
Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutourtrainingsessions,please
speaktoyourRegionalSalesRepresentative,contactSigmaTEKTechnical
Supportat513.595.2002,orsendanemailtosupport@sigmanest.com.

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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide

Contact SigmaTEK Support

SigmaTEK'sTechnicalSupportTeamisavailableMondaythroughFriday
from8:00AMto7:00PMEST,excludingnationallyrecognizedholidays.
PhonesupportisavailabletotrainedSigmaNESTusersonly.

Technical Support
Email:support@sigmanest.com
Phone:513.595.2002
Reviewthefollowingguidelinesbeforecontactingsupport.Thishelpsus
ensuretheissueisrelatedtoSigmaNESTandnottoyourlocalcomputer,
network,orothersoftware.
l Reviewthesystemrequirements.See"System Requirements" on
page 2formoreinformation.
l HaveyourSIMnumberready.YoucanfindthisinSigmaNESTby
selectingtheTools Helptab,andclickingAbout.TheSIMnumberis
firstfivedigitsinthetoptextbox.
l KnowyourSigmaNESTversionandbuildnumbers.Youcanfindthese
inSigmaNESTbyselectingtheTools Helptab,andclickingAbout.
TheversionandbuildnumberarelistedbeneaththeSigmaNESTlogo.
Note: WritedownyourSIM,version,andbuildnumbersbelow
toeasilyfindthemwhencontactingSigmaTEKTechnical
Support.

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