Evaluate Existing CAD Standards

Most firms have some form of standard. Some may not have one, but I would think that there must be some shred of a standard at your office, even if it is old, outdated, and never used.

What if I have no standard now? Then you may be able to start from scratch. But even if you are starting from scratch you need to keep in mind that most users have methods they are following. They may not have anything written down, but they have a method to the CAD madness.

Document what users are doing – Get it down in writing

Ask around – see if someone has something from the past. I am positive you will find something. If you find nothing, then start asking what people are doing and take some notes. Collect these up so that you have some idea where everyone is at. Keep these notes in mind as you look into creating your own standard. The people who have offered these will expect them to be incorporated. Keep the conversation open, even if you think their way is totally wrong.

What if you have an existing standard and want to know what to do with it?

Some may feel like they want to toss it in the trash – har har

Ask if it is really being used. Talk to the users to see if they even knew the thing existed and what they are using from it. Make a note of who is using what. Just write their names on the copy you have. When you work through that issue, make sure you get some input from that person. They will have a stake in the outcome of that area.

See what people are using. Don’t just take their word for it. Watch a few users or open a few files to see if you see the actual practices being put in place. If someone says they use the file naming guideline, check on it. If someone says they use the XREF process defined, check on it.

See what other offices are doing. Don’t just ask the people you think will give you the answer you want, ask around. Call other offices and talk to them. Better yet – pay them a visit. Do it face to face. Talking in person works best especially if you don’t really know the person personally. You can provide comforting words that the process will be reviewed and managed and that their opinion counts (if it does).