SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
About SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
SigmaTEK Systems provides robust CAD/CAM, nesting, and automation
software solutions for every size business, from new job shops to
established manufacturers.
Since our founding in 1993, we have been dedicated to research,
development, and extensive support for our products, including
SigmaNEST, SigmaTUBE, SigmaBEND, SimTrans, and SigmaMRP.
SigmaNEST leads the world in nesting systems for fabrication, providing
unsurpassed material utilization, motion optimization, manpower
efficiency, manufacturing automation, and data management.
Supported by an expert team of mathematicians and engineers, SigmaTEK
reaches the globe from its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA with
branches in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Table of Contents
Get Ready to Nest with the Best! 1
About this Guide 1
System Requirements 2
Single System/Workstation Minimum Requirements 3
Single System/Workstation Recommended Requirements 4
Server Recommended Requirements 5
SigmaNEST Terminology 6
Before Installation 7
Single System Installation 8
Network Installation 8
Custom Installation 9
Upgrade Installation 10
Installation Instructions 12
Single System Installation 13
Network Installation 16
Custom Installation 21
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Parallel Upgrade Installation 24
SIM and License File Management 26
SigmaNEST X1 Licensing 26
Network SIM Management 30
Remote Server Configuration 31
Post Installation 33
Troubleshooting 34
SigmaNEST Technical Support and Training 36
Technical Support 36
SigmaNEST Training 39
Contact SigmaTEK Support 41
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Get Ready to Nest with the Best!
Thank you for choosing to invest in SigmaNEST, the world's leading
nesting solution for all fabrication machines. The opportunity to serve you
as our customer is an honor for our team. We look forward to working with
you and helping you get the most from your complete SigmaNEST software
solution.
About this Guide
This guide provides instructions for installing and upgrading SigmaNEST.
You can also find information on system requirements, license
management, troubleshooting, technical support, and training. For
additional information on the software itself, please see the
SigmaNEST Help Manual.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
System Requirements
The System Requirements for SigmaNEST X1 are listed on the next three
pages. All specifications assume that SigmaNEST is the primary product
used on the computer or server on which it is installed. If other demanding
products are run on the same computer, the requirements should be
adjusted accordingly.
Note: A USB port or high-speed internet connection is required to install
the software. For licensing purposes, a USB port must be available on each
workstation (for a local license) or on a computer accessible through an
internal network (for a network license). For more information on
licensing, see "Before Installation" on page 7
The SigmaNEST database requires Microsoft SQL Server 2014 (64-bit). You
can install the SQL server during the SigmaNEST installation, or use an
existing installation of this version or higher.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Single System/Workstation Minimum
Requirements
The following configuration outlines the minimum requirements for both
independent systems and workstations that are connected to a server.
Operating system: 64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
Processor: Intel/AMD dual-core
Memory: 4 GB
Hard disk type: 7200 RPM
Hard disk capacity: 120 GB
SigmaNEST: 1280x1024
Screen resolution:
Companion: 1024x768
Video card: Integrated Chipset with Open GL version 4.0
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Single System/Workstation
Recommended Requirements
The following configuration outlines the recommended requirements for
both independent systems and workstations that are connected to a server.
These specifications are recommended for best software performance.
Operating system: 64-bit Windows 10 Pro
Processor: Intel/AMD quad-core
Memory: 8 GB
Hard disk type: SSD
Hard disk capacity: 250 GB
Video card: Dedicated video card with Open GL version 4.0
Network: High-speed Internet connection
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Server Recommended Requirements
The following configuration outlines the recommended requirements for a
server to store the SigmaNEST database and configuration information,
while serving 5 to 10 connected SigmaNEST workstations. These
requirements apply to both physical and virtual servers.
Operating system: 64-bit Windows Server 2012 R2
Processor: 1 or 2 Intel Xeon/AMD Opteron quad-core
Memory: 8 GB
3 or more drives configured as Raid 5, 7200
Hard disk type:
RPM
Hard disk capacity: 500 GB
File system: NTFS or ReFS
Network: High-speed Internet connection
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
SigmaNEST Terminology
SigmaNEST requires the following five major components to run correctly:
l The SigmaNEST program is in the local installation folder. The
default path is C:\Program Files (x86)\SigmaTEK\SigmaNESTX1, but
you can change this destination during the installation process.
l The SIM is a device which plugs into the computer's USB port and
authenticates the software license. It must be plugged in whenever the
software is in use.
l The Post Processor is a script file that communicates information
about the tool path from SigmaNEST to your cutting or punching
machine. P osts are unique to each machine.
l The SNData Folder is shared between users, and contains data such
as post processors, part files, and shapes. The SNData folder should be
installed to a shared location, such as a mapped network drive.
l The Microsoft SQL Server is a database platform that manages the
data used in SigmaNEST. SigmaNEST is compatible with SQL Server
Enterprise Edition. MS SQL Server Express 2014 is included with the
SigmaNEST installation.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Before Installation
Before installing SigmaNEST, consider the following:
All installations of SigmaNEST require access to an SQL server. For first time
installations, a new Microsoft SQL server instance named SIGMANEST is
installed to host the SigmaNEST database. For upgrades, the existing
Microsoft SQL server instance named SIGMANEST is upgraded to SQL Server
2014. All other instances remain unchanged.
Note: You can install the SQL server locally or on a network, but it must
be accessible to all SigmaNEST users.
SigmaNEST uses a SIM for licensing and security. For local licenses, the
green SIM must be plugged into the local computer whenever SigmaNEST
is in use. For network licenses, the red SIM must be plugged into a
computer or server which will remain active on the network whenever
SigmaNEST is in use.
Note: When installing or updating license files on a network SIM, you will
need to physically or remotely access the hosting computer.
If a previous version of SigmaNEST is installed, you need to decide whether
to overwrite the existing installation or install the new version in parallel. A
parallel installation allows you to become familiar with the new version
before removing the old one, and check for compatibility issues between
the new version of SigmaNEST and other existing software.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Single System Installation
In a single system installation, SigmaNEST and all its components (SIM,
database, and SQL server) are installed on one computer.
Network Installation
In a network installation, SigmaNEST is installed on a client computer and
the other components are installed on a server that the client computer
connects to. Networks can have multiple client computers which connect to
a single server or multiple servers.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Custom Installation
A custom installation is similar to a network installation except the SNData
folder, SQL Server and SIM are stored on different servers instead of a single
server. This configuration is typically used for large networks with servers
and clients in multiple locations.
Note: The above illustration shows o ne type of custom configuration, but
many more are possible.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Upgrade Installation
A standard upgrade overwrites an existing installation of SigmaNEST, while
a parallel upgrade installs SigmaNEST parallel to an earlier version. Before
beginning either type of upgrade, b ack up your SNData folder and
SQL server as outlined in the instructions below.
Warning! Failure to back up existing SigmaNEST components
may result in the permanent loss of all locally stored data.
Back Up SNData
1. In SigmaNEST, click the Tools Help tab.
2. In the Tools group, click Config.
3. Select the Paths tab to view the location of the data folder.
4. In Windows, browse to the location of the data folder.
5. Copy the contents of the folder to a new folder, or rename the existing
folder. For example, you might rename the SNData folder SNDATAX1 .
Back Up the SQL Server Database:
SigmaNEST automatically performs a d atabase backup during installation.
As an added precaution, we recommend that you also manually back up the
database before upgrading.
1. Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 2014. If not installed,
download it from the Microsoft website.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Note: You can also install the Management Studio from the
SigmaNEST USB drive by selecting Tools > SQL Manager
2014 x64 from the SNStartup menu.
2. Enter the name of the SigmaNEST SQL Server. For example,
Computer1\SIGMANEST. If you do not know the name, select Browse
for more from the drop-down list.
3. Select the Authentication method (Windows or SQL Server), enter
the authentication information, then click Connect.
4. In the Object Explorer list on the left, expand Databases.
5. Right-click the database and select Tasks > Back Up. The Back Up
Database dialog box opens.
6. In the Destination section, click Remove to remove the default
backup location, then click Add. The Select Backup Destination dialog
box opens.
7. Click the ellipsis (...) and browse to the location of the backup folder.
This folder should be in a non-program directory, such as
C:\Users\Public\Documents.
8. Enter a File name with the .BAK extension and click OK.
9. Click OK again. The new back up path displays in the Back up to: list.
10. Click OK to start the back up process. Depending on the size of your
database this process may take a few minutes. Once the completed
prompt appears, click OK.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Installation Instructions
For a first-time installation or standard upgrade, choose from the following
options according to your setup:
l "Single System Installation" on page 13
l "Network Installation" on page 16
l "Custom Installation" on page 21
For parallel upgrade instructions, see "Parallel Upgrade Installation"
on page 24. For more information on choosing a setup, refer back to
"Before Installation" on page 7.
Note: Log in as an Administrator or an account with Administrator rights
before installing SigmaNEST.
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
In a single system installation, the SIM, SQL database, SNData folder, and
SigmaNEST program are all installed on one computer.
Note: If you are overwriting a previous version of SigmaNEST, back up
your data before continuing. See "Upgrade Installation" on page 10
for more information.
1. Open the SNStartup file on the SigmaNEST USB drive.
2. Click SigmaNEST > SigmaNEST and give administrative permission
to install if prompted.
3. Select your language from the drop-down menu, then click OK to start
the Installation Wizard.
4. Read the terms, select I accept the terms of the License
Agreement, and then click Next.
5. Enter a Start Menu Group for the program, then click Next.
6. Select Install SigmaNEST program files. Select 32-bit or 64-bit,
then enter an installation path. Click Next.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
7. Select Install Microsoft SQL Server on this computer, then click
Next.
8. Select Create or upgrade the SNData folder structure, then
enter an installation path for the SNData folder. Click Next.
9. Click Next to begin the installation. This step may take several
minutes.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
10. If a previous version of SigmaNEST is installed on the computer, the
Install Upgrade dialog box opens. Click Next to import your old
settings to the new installation, or click Close to skip the import and
use the default settings.
11. In the SigmaNEST DB Install/Upgrade dialog box, enter your
computer's name with a SigmaNEST instance. For example, if your
computer's name is PC-1 , enter PC-1\SIGMANEST. Click Next.
12. Click the plus sign (+) to create a new database or select a database to
upgrade.
13. Click Go! to create or upgrade the database.
14. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close the Installation
Wizard.
Note: Your computer will restart after a first-time installation.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Network Installation
In a network installation, the SIM, SQL database, and SNData folder are
installed on a server. SigmaNEST is then installed on one or more client
computers.
Note: If you are overwriting a previous version of SigmaNEST, back up
your data before proceeding. See "Upgrade Installation" on page 10
for more information.
Server Installation:
1. Open the SNStartup file on the SigmaNEST USB drive.
2. Click Tools > SIM Driver and give administrative permission to
install if prompted.
3. The Sentinel Runtime Setup wizard opens. Click Next.
4. Read the terms, select I accept the license agreement, and then
click Next.
5. Click Next to install the Hasp driver.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
6. After installation is complete, restart your computer if prompted.
Otherwise, click Finish to close the wizard.
7. Return to the SN Startup menu and click
SigmaNEST > SigmaNEST. Give administrative permission to install
if prompted.
8. Select your language from the drop-down menu, then click OK to start
the Installation Wizard.
9. Read the terms, select I accept the terms of the License
Agreement, and then click Next.
10. Enter a Start Menu Group for the program, then click Next.
11. Clear the Install SigmaNEST program files check box, then click
Next
12. Select Install Microsoft SQL Server on this computer, then click
Next.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
13. Select Create or upgrade the SNData folder structure, then
enter an installation path for the SNData folder. Click Next.
14. Click Next to begin the installation. This step may take several
minutes.
15. In the SigmaNEST DB Install/Upgrade dialog box, enter your
server's name with a SigmaNEST instance. For example, if your server's
name is Server-1 , enter Server-1\SIGMANEST. Click Next.
16. Click the plus sign (+) to create a new database or select a database to
upgrade.
17. Click Go! to create or upgrade the database.
18. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close the Installation
Wizard.
Note: Your computer will restart after a first-time installation.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Workstation (Client) Installation:
1. Open the SNStartup file on the SigmaNEST USB drive.
2. Click SigmaNEST > SigmaNEST, and give administrative permission
to install if prompted.
3. Select your language from the drop-down menu, then click OK to start
the Installation Wizard.
4. Read the terms, select I accept the terms of the License
Agreement, and then click Next.
5. Enter a Start Menu Group for the program, then click Next.
6. Select Install SigmaNEST program files. Select 32-bit or 64-bit,
then enter an installation path. Click Next..
7. Clear the Install Microsoft SQL Server on this computer check
box, then click Next.
8. Clear the Create or upgrade the SNData folder structure check
box, then set the SigmaNEST Data installation path to match the
shared location used in the server installation. Click Next.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
9. Click Next to begin the installation. This step may take several
minutes.
10. If a previous version of SigmaNEST is installed on the computer, the
Install Upgrade dialog box opens. Click Next to import your old
settings to the new installation, or click Close to skip the import and
use the default settings.
11. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close the Installation
Wizard.
Note: Your computer will restart after a first-time installation.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Custom Installation
A custom installation allows you to select which SigmaNEST components to
install. Custom installations are typically used in large environments with
multiple servers and computers.
1. Open the SNStartup file on the SigmaNEST USB drive.
2. Click SigmaNEST > SigmaNEST and give administrative permission
to install if prompted.
3. Select your language from the drop-down menu, then c lick OK to start
the Installation Wizard.
4. Read the terms, select I accept the terms of the License
Agreement, and then click Next.
5. Select Custom Install in the lower-left corner of the dialog box.
6. Enter a Start Menu Group for the program, then click Next.
7. If you want to install SigmaNEST, select Install SigmaNEST
program files. Select 32-bit or 64-bit, then enter an installation
path. Click Next.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
8. If you want to install Microsoft SQL server, select Install Microsoft
SQL Server on this computer, then click Next.
9. If you want to create or upgrade the SNData folders, select Create or
upgrade the SNData folder structure. Enter an installation path
for the SNData folder, then click Next.
10. Use the drop-down arrows next to each list item to select features for
installation. Click a feature to learn more about it in the Feature
description box. The disk space requirements change based on your
selection. Click Next.
11. Click Next to begin the installation. This step may take several
minutes.
12. If a previous version of SigmaNEST is installed on the computer, the
Install Upgrade dialog box opens. Click Next to import your old
settings to the new installation, or click Close to skip the import and
use the default settings.
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13. If you opted to install SQL components, enter your computer's name
with a SigmaNEST instance in the SigmaNEST DB Install/Upgrade
dialog box. For example, if your computer's name is PC-1 , enter PC-
1\SIGMANEST. Click Next.
14. Click the plus sign (+) to create a new database or select a database to
upgrade.
15. Click Go! to start the upgrade.
16. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close the Installation
Wizard.
Note: Your computer will restart after a first-time installation.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Parallel Upgrade Installation
Two versions of SigmaNEST can be installed on the same machine, allowing
you to become familiar with the new version before removing the old one.
To begin a parallel installation, follow the steps for a "Single System
Installation" on page 13 with the following exceptions:
1. Give the Start Menu Group a unique name. For example, if the
existing start menu group is named SigmaNEST, name the new group
SigmaNESTX1.
2. Give the SNData folder a unique name. For example, if the existing
SNData folder is named SNData, name the new data folder SNDataX1 .
Note: To view the current SNData folder, open SigmaNEST and
click the Tools Help tab. Click the drop-down arrow under File
Manager and select SNData Folder.
3. Create a new SQL database with a unique name. For example, if the
existing database is named SNDBASE, name the new database
SNDBASEX1 .
Note: If both versions of SigmaNEST point to the same database
and SNData folder, parts and Work-spaces from the new version
cannot be opened in the older version. However, all Work-spaces
and parts from the older version can be opened in the new
version.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
4. After installation, browse to the location of your old SNData folder and
copy all files to your newly created SNData folder.
Note: The copy process may take several minutes for larger data
folders.
Transitioning Out of a Parallel Upgrade
Once the users have become familiar with the new version, the previous
version can be uninstalled.
Warning! Before removing the old version, verify all data is
copied over to the new version.
1. Open the Windows Control Panel and click Uninstall a Program
(also called Add/Remove Programs).
2. Select the SigmaNEST version you want to remove and click
Uninstall. The Installation Wizard opens.
3. Select Uninstall SigmaNEST X1 and click Next.
4. Click Next to uninstall SigmaNEST. This step may take several
minutes.
5. Click Finish to close the Installation Wizard.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
SIM and License File Management
SigmaNEST uses a security signed license file stored on the local machine to
authenticate the program. In a network environment, client systems retrieve
a valid SigmaNEST license file from the server.
The SIM key is plugged into a USB port on a single machine. For network
licensing, a network SIM key is installed in a USB port on the system hosting
the license.
Note: You can update a network SIM locally by physically logging in to
the host machine, or via a remote desktop connection.
SigmaNEST X1 Licensing
To activate your copy of SigmaNEST, you must first program the SIM key,
then install the license file. After the program is activated, the SIM key must
be plugged in whenever SigmaNEST is in use.
Note: You must submit a signed copy of the License Agreement to
SigmaTEK Systems, LLC to activate SigmaNEST.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Programming the SIM
Note: In a network environment, this procedure must be completed on
the server.
1. From the SNStartup menu on the SigmaNEST USB drive, select Tools
> SIM Compatibility. The SigmaNEST Hasp Check utility opens.
2. If you have an Internet connection, click the Update Hasp Key ( )
button to program the SIM automatically. Skip to Step 10.
3. If you do not have an Internet connection, click the Email ( )
button to manually create a .C2V (Customer to Vendor) file. An email is
automatically generated using your default email client. The .C2V file is
attached to the email.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
4. If email is not available on this machine, browse to the
C:\ProgramData\SigmaTEK\License Files folder and copy the .C2V file
to a USB drive or shared network location.
5. On a computer with email capability, copy the .C2V file to the
computer and then send an email with the .C2V file attached to
SimCodes@[Link].
6. SigmaTEK returns an email with a new .V2C (Vendor to Customer) file
attached.
7. Save the file to a location on the machine. If you sent the email from a
different machine with internet access, copy the file to a USB drive or
shared network location and then place it back on the original machine
that needs the license.
8. From the SNStartup menu on the SigmaNEST USB drive, select Tools
> SIM Compatibility. The SigmaNEST Hasp Check utility opens.
9. Click the Manual Program ( ) button, browse to the location of
the .V2C file sent by SigmaTEK, and then select it to program the SIM.
10. Once the SIM is programmed, open a web browser and enter
[Link]
Sentinel Admin Control Center.
11. From the Actions column for the newly programmed SIM, click
Features. Verify the Features column lists the correct SigmaNEST
modules. The number of programmed licenses for the modules is
displayed in the Limit column. Contact SigmaTEK if there are any
errors with the modules listed or number of licenses programmed.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Installing the License File
Note: After you submit your signed License Agreement, SigmaTEK emails
the license to you in the form of a .SNLicV3 file.
1. Start SigmaNEST.
2. If you have an Internet connection, the license file is automatically
downloaded and installed and SigmaNEST opens. No further action is
required.
3. If you do not have an Internet connection, the License Manager
opens automatically. Click the License File tab.
4. Click Install Local License, locate your .SNLicV3 file and click Open
to install it. Click OK to launch SigmaNEST.
For Upgrades Only
If you are upgrading from a SigmaNEST version prior to 10.0, follow these
additional steps to ensure your SIM's firmware is updated.
1. Start SigmaNEST.
2. If the License Manager opens, click the License File tab. Then
click Firmware Update. Follow the on-screen instructions to update
your firmware.
3. If the License Manager does not open on start-up, then your
firmware is up to date and no further action is required.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Network SIM Management
Network SIMs are managed using SafeNet's Sentinel Admin Control Center.
This license manager is web-based and automatically detects your network
SIM.
The site can be accessed using the following methods:
Method 1:
1. On the machine with the SIM open a web browser and enter
[Link]
Control Center. A list of your network SIMs is displayed.
Method 2:
1. In SigmaNEST, navigate to the Tools Help tab and click the drop-
down arrow under Config. Select License Manager.
2. Click the Net Hasp Setup tab.
3. Click List Network SIMs to launch the Sentinel License Manager
website. A list of your network SIMs is displayed.
Note: For more information on using SafeNet's Sentinel License
Manager, click the Help link in the left navigation menu on the
site.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Remote Server Configuration
When you install SigmaNEST in a network environment, workstations may
access the server to retrieve a valid license file for the SigmaNEST software.
This server can be located in the same building or across the country, but it
must be on the same network as the workstations.
In some cases, the network configuration used in your environment may
block a workstation's license request from the server. For example, if a
SigmaNEST workstation is located on a network sub-net used for all
workstations, but the server is on a different sub-net, the router used to
pass traffic between these two sub-nets may filter out the request to the
server for the license file, keeping it from reaching the server.
To prevent this, you must configure access to remote license managers in
the SafeNet Sentinel Admin Control Center.
1. Open a web browser and enter [Link]
/[Link] to open the Sentinel Control Center.
2. In the Options area to the left, click Configuration.
3. Select the Access to Remote License Managers tab.
4. In the Remote License Search Parameters text box, enter the
computer name of the SigmaNEST server. You can also enter the
IP address of the server if the server is configured to use a static
IP address.
5. Click Submit to save the changes and close out of the SafeNet
browser window.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
6. Start SigmaNEST. If the Start-up dialog box opens, skip to Step 9.
7. Click the Tools Help tab.
8. Click the drop-down arrow under Config and then select License
Manager. The Start-up dialog box opens.
9. Click the Net Hasp Setup tab.
10. Verify the Check for Network SIM check box is checked.
11. Select the SigmaNEST server name entered in Step 4 from the
Network Address/s drop-down list.
12. Click OK to save the changes. If SigmaNEST is open, close it and then
restart.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Post Installation
Follow the steps below to install the post.
1. In SigmaNEST, click Tools Help > Config. Select the Paths tab.
Your current post folder path is listed next to the PST and TEC file
field. By default, this folder is located at C:\Users\Public\
Documents\SNData\POST\Samples.
2. Save the zip file to the post folder, unzip and extract all files to the post
folder.
3. In SigmaNEST, click Tools Help and then click Config. Select the
Machine tab and click New.
4. In the New/Edit Machine dialog box, select the file extracted in Step 2
from the Post drop-down list. The Machine text box is auto
populated based on the post file name.
5. Select the Cost file and Machine Group from the drop-down lists.
Machine Groups allow you to assign multiple machines to a single
group.
Warning! Only group machines of the same type and
process.
6. Click OK to save the changes.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Troubleshooting
This section lists the most common technical issues you may experience
after installing SigmaNEST X1. If you need further assistance, see "Contact
SigmaTEK Support" on page 41.
Error message: “SigmaNEST SIM Not Found”
Possible Cause Solution
Unplug SIM and insert it back into the
USB port. Wait a few moments for the
The SIM is not detected.
drivers to install. If it still does not work,
try a different port.
The computer does not recognize the
The SIM is plugged in but the red LED light is
USB device. Download and install the
not on.
USB driver.
The computer's firewall is turned on and is Disable the firewall or configure it to
blocking data sent from SigmaTEK. allow data from SigmaTEK.
SIM does not have valid SIM codes. Contact SigmaTEK for SIM codes.
Click Start and type [Link].
Select Services to open Windows Ser-
The Sentinel LDK License Manager is not run-
vices. Scroll down until you see the
ning.
Sentinel LDK License Manager. Right-
click it and select Start.
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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
Test the connection to the database (in
SigmaNEST - Tools Help > Config >
Database) and verify all login
Database not properly connected.
information is correct or use the built-in
SigmaNEST user account to access the
server.
Issue: Data is missing after install (upgrading
from version 9.0 and up).
Possible Cause Solution
Data is in older version's SNData folder and Copy the contents from the old SNData
not in the new one. folder to the new one.
Issue: Data is missing after install (upgrading
from version 8.0 and prior).
Possible Cause Solution
Copy the contents from the old SNData
folder to the new one. Next, re-install
Some items, such as Shapes and Reports, SigmaNEST using the Network Server,
were not installed to the data folder. Single System, or Custom methods and
enter the path to the new SNData
folder when prompted.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
SigmaNEST Technical Support and
Training
SigmaTEK's expert Technical Support Team is ready to assist you with any
problems you may have. We also offer a variety of training classes to help
you get the most out of SigmaNEST.
Technical Support
SigmaNEST Technical Support combines application experts and
technology to best support our customers. Advantage Support takes our
support philosophy one step further and offers customers customized
options and services tailored to meet their troubleshooting needs.
Effective technical support requires that the user be trained at a
SigmaNEST certified training center. See "SigmaNEST Training" on
page 39 for more information.
SigmaNEST Subscription Membership
SigmaNEST Subscription Membership is a software maintenance program
that ensures that your SigmaNEST software is always up to date, compatible
with the latest CAD systems, ERP systems, and Microsoft platforms. For a
yearly subscription fee, members enjoy the following benefits:
l SigmaNEST software updates.
l Access to SigmaNEST Live Update.
l Documentation updates.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
l Ability to contact Technical Support by phone or email.
l Ability to report bugs and submit enhancement requests.
l Access to the SigmaNEST customer portal and Knowledge Base.
l Periodic focused training webinars.
l Favorable pricing on modules and bundled upgrades.
Additional Services for Subscription Members
SigmaNEST also provides additional services to subscription members for a
separate fee. These services include the following:
l Certified User Training classes.
l Reinstallation and redeployment.
l Backup and restore services.
l SQL recovery assistance.
l SigmaNEST database migration.
l Legacy data recovery.
l Integration services.
l Post upgrades and enhancements.
l Custom report development.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Advantage Support
SigmaTEK's Advantage Support Agreement delivers additional support
options that enhance all aspects of SigmaNEST Software Technical
Support.
The Advantage Subscription Agreement includes:
l Accelerated response time for call-in issues (1-3 hours), 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM EST.
l Access to advantage-only phone line and email address.
l Support calls handled by senior level SigmaTEK Engineers.
l SigmaTEK manages documentation on your licenses, methods of use,
and operational data for a seamless support experience.
l One Major Upgrade Service every two years.
l One scheduled remote upgrade per year.
l Assistance with custom reports.
l Eight hours of general online training per year.
l Post enhancements (2 hours per year per post).
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
SigmaNEST training demonstrates all of the key functionality of the
software so that users can efficiently nest and program production orders.
We provide both a “classroom” learning experience (to explain and show
the many features) and a “hands-on lab” opportunity (where the software is
actually used). One of our capable application engineers leads the training,
so users can ask questions of a SigmaNEST expert and learn from the
industry experience of others in the session.
We offer a wide variety of training times in both our Cincinnati and Seattle
offices. Generally speaking, training is available in Cincinnati every other
week and in Seattle once per month. However, if you have constraints on
dates that will work for your team, we will try to adjust our schedule to your
needs.
Our training class size is limited to best allow users to focus, ask questions,
and interact with fellow users. This ensures that the training is effective and
of the highest standard. Each user has their own computer station for a
hands-on experience with all exercises. SigmaNEST training generally
begins at 8:30 and concludes between 4:30 and 5 PM. with a one-hour
catered lunch break provided halfway through the day.
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Course Types
SigmaTEK offers the following training classes:
l SigmaNEST User. A comprehensive three day class for beginners or
long-time users wanting to enhance their skills.
l Refresher. A one day refresher class for regular users of SigmaNEST.
l Combo. A one day class which focuses on punching and combo
machines.
l Turret. A one day class which focuses on p unch machines.
Note: Classes focused on bevel and router are available upon request.
For customers who need to train multiple users, SigmaTEK also offers on-
site training. On-site training can include up to five attendees per trainer
and requires the customer to provide the training space and necessary
equipment.
If you would like more information about our training sessions, please
speak to your Regional Sales Representative, contact SigmaTEK Technical
Support at 513.595.2002, or send an email to support@[Link].
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SigmaNEST Start-up Guide
Contact SigmaTEK Support
SigmaTEK's Technical Support Team is available Monday through Friday
from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST, excluding nationally recognized holidays.
Phone support is available to trained SigmaNEST users only.
Technical Support
Email: support@[Link]
Phone: 513.595.2002
Review the following guidelines before contacting support. This helps us
ensure the issue is related to SigmaNEST and not to your local computer,
network, or other software.
l Review the system requirements. See "System Requirements" on
page 2 for more information.
l Have your SIM number ready. You can find this in SigmaNEST by
selecting the Tools Help tab, and clicking About. The SIM number is
first five digits in the top text box.
l Know your SigmaNEST version and build numbers. You can find these
in SigmaNEST by selecting the Tools Help tab, and clicking About.
The version and build number are listed beneath the SigmaNEST logo.
Note: Write down your SIM, version, and build numbers below
to easily find them when contacting SigmaTEK Technical
Support.
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