Add External Database Connection
Click here to see this page in full context

Add External Database Connection

External data sources such as ERP or MPR systems can be linked to SOLIDWORKS via ATR CustomTools. You need to provide some information about those external data sources in order to link them to ATR CustomTools.

See the guide video on YouTube: Link to external data source Excel

NOTE: External Databases are connections specific to the SQL Server. Therefore, switching between different databases located in the same SQL Server does not affect the external database connections.

The following information is required for adding an External Database connection:

Name The name of the external data source to be linked.
Provider Specifies the provider of an external data source.
Data source Name of the external data source as defined by the OLE DB provider.
NOTE:
  • When linking an external file like a Microsoft Excel workbook or Microsoft Access database as an external data source, type the Data source path exactly as it is from your database server's point of view.
  • A database server means the workstation or server machine where the SQL Server used by the ATR CustomTools database is installed.
  • The Access database must be located in a path directly accessible from the computer where the SQL Server of ATR CustomTools is running.
  • Make sure the user account running the SQL Server Windows service also has proper permissions to the linked Microsoft Access file.
Connect with ATR CustomTools server connection credentials Enable or disable the external database connection to use the same login information as your connection between ATR CustomTools and the ATR CustomTools database server.
Remote user Specifies your remote user name. The original remote user name should be received from the provider of the external data source.
Remote user password Specifies your password needed to access the external data source. The original password should be received from the provider of the external data source.
Provider string

Specifies the programmatic identifier (PROGID) of the OLE DB provider that corresponds to the external data source.

TIP: Please read more about adding OLE DB data sources from the Microsoft Docs.
Location Specifies the location of the database as interpreted by the OLE DB provider.
Catalog The name of the catalog to use when making a connection to the OLE DB provider.

© Copyright ATR Soft Oy 2025. All rights reserved

Documentation Build: 2025-11-27

Send feedback