Include what hardware and software were involved in the deliberations of creating the standard. When you define your standard, you have a standard hardware platform in mind. What size hard drive, how much RAM, graphics card, etc. Also include software versions. This will define what the baseline is for expecting the software to act according […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Define Hardware and Software Requirements

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

When changes are made – document them in the Standard. You could also include prior versions that have come before, even if you were not involved. This allows people to know how many times the standard has been improved. You could document what was changed as an itemized list. I have done this in the […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Include a Revision History

When you are writing the standard, define what the development teams do and their areas of oversight.  We discussed who they are here, and what they do here.  but you need to include something that helps others know who, where and how things are created and refined. Include who is responsible for maintaining and changing […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Roles, Responsibilities and Change Management

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

Who can use your CAD Standard? How can it be used? Will you share it with outsiders? Will you provide it to clients? Will you share it with consultants? You need to define how your creation can be used.  Of course it can be used by your staff, but what about others.  You may need […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Terms of Use

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

Distributing the CAD Standard once it is developed should be done via hard copy. I still think that each user should have a copy at their desk. They can keep it open to the layer list of the folder structure. You can refer to it when they ask a question. It should also be stored […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Distribution

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

Who owns your CAD Standard? You do or your firm does.  Be sure to include a copyright statement on every page. It is not a big deal to add one. It protects you from unauthorized use. All you need to include is a copyright statement. Update the date on the copyright every time you update […]

Continue reading about Copyright your CAD Standard

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

Let those who have assisted in developing the standard have their place in the document. Mention teams and members by name. This not only produces ownership of the document and reflects appreciation for contributing, but it also enhances accountability. Example: A CAD Steering Committee was formed to oversee the creation and revision of this standard. […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Include Acknowledgments

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

The first thing you need is to have an introduction. Why do you need this? Who cares about something that most people won’t pay attention to anyway. It is just extra wording that you don’t need. Or is it? Here are some things that I think need to be set forth before you publish your […]

Continue reading about CAD Standard – Start with an Introduction

CADDManager on May 17th, 2009

Okay let’s get down to business. Here is where we start writing the standard. You have collected information and organized what you have. It is time to start writing things down so you can see what you have and what you are missing. Start with a skeleton outline Just jot down the areas that you […]

Continue reading about Writing a CAD Standard