CADDManager on May 28th, 2009

Do you break out the CAD files from all other files? Some put their CAD files under the same Root Folder and others have them elsewhere. Combine them or separate them you need to always put them in the same area so people know where they are.

My preference? Put all project files under the same Root Folder, on the same server, on the same drive letter. That way all employees are working and storing in the same place. This allows for unified backups and archiving. Everything for the project is located in the same place.

If you do, place everything under the same root, then break out the CAD files from other project files. Create a “CAD” folder to hold all of the CAD files.

The image below shows what I think is a good starting place.  ATT is the Root Folder.

Example text that might be in your Standard:

The drive letter location of Project folders may differ from office to office. All project path data stored in files should be independent of the root drive letter to allow sharing between office server structures.

The Root Project Folder must reside directly below the Drive letter.

CAD
This folder will contain all CAD files. This is fully explained in coming posts.

Admin, Specs, Archive; etc.
These folders will contain all of the additional files generated to complete the project. This may include memos, notes, faxes, schedules, quotes, Spec Data and Archival files etc.

Inbox
This folder will contain all incoming electronic files from the clients, subs, and others outside the company. Breakdown this folder with subfolders using who it is from and when it was received.

Issue
Project milestones, such as submittals or issued drawings. No “live” files are to be stored here. This may be the staging area used for creating CDs, after which the files are removed.

Outbox
This folder will contain all outgoing electronic files sent to clients, subs and others outside the company. Breakdown this folder with subfolders using who it is sent to and when it was sent.

Graphics
This folder will contain any photographs that may be taken on the project. Do not reference these into CAD. Images that are used in CAD files will reside with the file that is referencing them. More on this later.

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