A better way to share CAD files

As an engineer or product designer, you often share CAD files. You might have to provide a CAD file to suppliers, contractors, or customers to review. What are the challenges with sharing CAD files? What is the most efficient way share all the files and references? How do you make the review process easier for your customers? An easier review process can lead to better customer satisfaction.

When sharing a CAD file becomes complicated

We are used to sharing files with Email, SharePoint or Dropbox. But these tools have their challenges with CAD files. CAD files are complex.

Sharing CAD files can be challenging because:

1. CAD files contain file references.
2. CAD files are larger.
3. Version confusion (Do I have all the latest versions?).
4. Viewing CAD files often requires special CAD viewing software.

CAD files contain file references

Often CAD files contain references to other CAD files. You might have a design of a bike. That bike contains separate files for designs of the bike frame, wheels, pedals, and handlebar. Now you need to share not one file, but at least 5 more files for the design to remain intact.

Other related files need to be shared too. You might have related files such as neutral format files like IFC or STEP files. You might have a PDF of the CAD drawing or JPG images of the design.

This increases the time to search and organize those files you need to share.

With CAD files, one turns into many.

CAD files are large

CAD files can be very large. Some CAD files can be several hundred MB's to even over a GB in size for complex projects. Larger files are harder to move. Emails or some file sharing options have size constraints. Now add that CAD files have many files and some of those files are large files. As a result, moving CAD designs can be a challenging task.

Version confusion

How do I make sure I am sharing the latest version of all the files? I need to make sure I have the latest files for an accurate representation of the current status. Renaming files “..V2”, “…Final”, or “…Final Final” is not an efficient way of managing versions. It can take time and be challenging to match up all the correct final versions.

Spending too much time managing files, not designing

When you use inefficient file management systems, you take time away from more valuable work like designing products. Engineers spend 32% of their time on non-value added work. 44% of that non-value added time includes incorporating changes made by others, collecting data for other people, and recreating data you couldn’t find. Minimize these tasks with a more efficient way to share CAD files.

Spending less time designing and more time managing data could result in a lower quality product and slower time to market. The time of an engineer is valuable. We should make sure that engineer’s have more time to focus on designing great things and spend less time worrying about versions and file upload limits.

A better way to share CAD files

A more effective and efficient way to share CAD files is through a CAD file management system. Particularly one that is web based so suppliers or customers don’t need to install anything. A CAD file management system can help you easily share all the correct files securely.

What does a CAD file management system look like? Some key features might include:

• Web based to easily access your files.
• Controlled permissions for file access. Controlling who can see what.
• Reference management to make sure you have all the files you need to share and work with CAD assemblies or main files.
• Version control to manage versions and avoid the mess of “…V2” or “…Final Final”.

This could lead to increased customer satisfaction and better project outcomes. With easier collaboration and file sharing comes easier communication to solve problems.

Solutions

Some CAD file management solutions include:

1. Vistapoint – An easy to use, web-based CAD file management solution for agile teams. Contact Open Domain to set up a demo or trial.
2. Trimble Connect – For construction companies, a Common Data Environment is a solution that follows ISO standards. A CDE can be a place for project stakeholders to collaborate and share files.
3. 3D Experience – A feature rich solution for high scale manufacturing companies. 3D Experience is full of features for managing projects and product designs.

Common terms

Some common terms to note when searching for a CAD file management solution include:

• CDE – Common Data Environment – A common data environment is a standard in the Construction industry. A CDE is typically a web based platform (such as SharePoint or Dropbox) to exchange files. However, a CDE also adheres to best practices and standards for folder structure, project control, and collaboration. Many CDE’s also include a viewer for stakeholders to review BIM files in neutral formats such as IFC.
• Cloud vs On-Premise – When looking for a CAD file management system, you might have to decide between a Cloud vs On-Premise solution. On-Premise means that your company pays for, hosts, and maintains the hardware needed to store your files. Cloud means using a third party that pays for and maintains the hardware and leases you space for your files. Some of the top Cloud hosting providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
• PDM – A Product Data Management System controls CAD files. These are typically tools used to manage in-house CAD files, but some may allow for stakeholder collaboration and sharing CAD files outside of the company as well.
• PLM – Product Lifecycle Management systems might go a step further in managing CAD files as well as other file types and might include project management tools as well like Gannt charts, tasks, etc. PLM software widens the scope to the entire product lifecycle from creation, to design, to manufacturing and retirement.

Conclusion

There is an opportunity for you to increase productivity with a better way to share CAD files. What is the best and easiest way for you to share CAD files? A CAD file management system could be a tool to make sharing CAD files simple. Then, your team can focus on designing great products and spend less time trying to organize and share files.