- CADDManager Blog - https://www.caddmanager.com/CMB -

More about Electronic File Disclaimers

There are several other items I think should be included in your CAD file Disclaimer.

1) Electronic Shelf Life.

Include the fact that the files you deliver have a limited shelf life. In other words, the files nor the media they are delivered on will last forever. I have had many clients call and complain several years after the project was completed, that the file or the media was failing. So put a time limit on the life of the files. If they work after that time (which most of them will) then great. But the client needs to understand that, like drinking milk after the expiration date, your files also have a freshness date.

2) Acceptance period.

Put a time frame on acceptance of the files. This would mean that the files must be reviewed and accepted or rejected within a specific time frame (90 days) and you must be notified about any concerns, or they will be considered accepted and approved. Fortunately we were able to oblige them with files from our archives, but this should not be required after such a long time.

3) Software Release specific.

The software used to create the files is the software that is valid for use. Often an upgrade of files may create problems when opening a file from a previous release. I have seen dimensions mess up – big time. Not good.

4) Hardware specific.

Not as crucial as software release, but sometimes hardware is required at some level to allow the files to work. I know that the 2006 higher end products from Autodesk have higher system requirements.

So in general I would make a requirement for file use to be the exact hardware system and software version that was used to create the files and also place a time limit for acceptance and a longer term shelf life on the files.