Aras Innovator Conversion Server — A Simple Setup Guide

The Conversion Server automates turning files (like CAD or HTML) into viewables (PDF/PNG/TIFF) and attaching the results back into Aras. Think of it as a small factory: Innovator drops jobs on a queue, one or more workers convert the files, and the outputs are vaulted and related back to the source item.

In some instances. the Conversion Server is also used to offload some tasks, that can be done on the background, from the application server

1) How It Works (at a glance)

flowchart LR
  A[User checks in / promotes file in Aras] --> B[Conversion Rule creates Task]
  B --> C[RabbitMQ Queue]
  C --> D["Conversion Worker(s)"]
  D --> E[Output file<br/>PDF/PNG/TIFF]
  E --> F[Save to Vault + relate back]

• Tasks are created by Conversion Rules and Types you configure in Aras.
• RabbitMQ buffers jobs so multiple workers can scale out.
• Workers run converters (e.g., CAD→PDF, HTML→PDF), then save the output to the Vault and relate it back.

2) Prerequisites (quick checklist)

• Windows Server for the workers (the guide is Windows‑oriented).
• Aras Innovator installed and reachable from the worker(s).
• RabbitMQ accessible to both Innovator and workers.
• Visual C++ Redistributables (as required by specific converters).
• For HTML→PDF, install the Aras HTML→PDF converter package.

Note: Avoid installing a busy Conversion Server on the same machine as Innovator as It can impact performance. Use a separate VM/node when possible.

3) Install the Conversion Server (short version)

1. Get the installer
   Download the Aras Innovator installer and locate the Conversion Server components in the distribution.
2. Run setup on each worker node
   • Install Conversion Server services.
   • Ensure required dependencies for your converter(s) are present
3. Start services
   Start the Conversion Server Windows services. Re‑start after config edits.

4) Configure RabbitMQ (essentials)

• Create a user, password, and vhost for Aras conversions.
• Open firewall to RabbitMQ’s ports.
• Note host, port, user, pass, and vhost for the Conversion Server config.
  (General RabbitMQ config reference here.)

5) Wire Up Types & Rules in Aras

In Administration → File Handling:

• Conversion Types: define what will run (e.g., HTML→PDF, CAD→PDF).
• Conversion Rules: define when to run (e.g., on check‑in, on release, specific MIME types).
• Map inputs to outputs and link to the conversion pipeline you installed.

For HTML→PDF, follow the dedicated guide to install the converter package and register the type/rule so HTML is rendered as PDF automatically.

6) Test the Pipeline

1. Check in a sample file that matches your rule (e.g., HTML page or a CAD drawing).
2. Watch the queue (RabbitMQ management UI) to see the task appear and be consumed.
3. Confirm a viewable (PDF/PNG/TIFF) is attached back to the source item in Aras.

7) Scale & Hardening Tips

• Scale out workers: just add more worker nodes—RabbitMQ load balances via queue semantics.
• Keep workers separate from the App Server VM for stability and predictable throughput.
• Version‑specific converters: some pipelines (e.g., HTML→PDF) have their own prerequisites; pin versions and document them.
• Logs: capture both Conversion Server logs and converter‑specific logs to troubleshoot failed tasks. (Guide references restarting services after editing conversion.config.)

8) Troubleshooting (fast fixes)

flowchart TD
  A[Task fails] --> B{RabbitMQ reachable?}
  B -- No --> B1[Fix host/port/user/vhost<br/>Firewall / TLS]
  B -- Yes --> C{Converter installed?}
  C -- No --> C1[Install/repair converter<br/>check Redistributables]
  C -- Yes --> D{Rule matches?}
  D -- No --> D1[Adjust Rule or MIME<br/>retest trigger]
  D -- Yes --> E[Check worker logs<br/>restart services]

• No tasks? Rule conditions don’t match, or events aren’t firing.
• Stuck in queue? Worker can’t connect or crashes—check service status and logs.
• Output attached but unreadable? Check converter options/versions, fonts, and locale.

Sources

• Aras Innovator 2024 Release – Conversion Server Setup Guide (official PDF). (Aras)

Want this tailored to your exact version/environment (e.g., ports, service names, or your preferred converters)? Tell me your Aras version and what formats you need, and I’ll adjust the steps + diagrams.