CAD Version and Revision Control System: How to minimize rework

Controlling versions of engineering documents can be time consuming and error prone without a CAD version and revision control system. Without a CAD version and revision control system in place, you might be copying a file and renaming it with your name or date and version number. This can be time consuming and hard to maintain as your company grows and people start using inconsistent version naming conventions.

An automatic CAD version control system is important for several reasons:

• Consistency: Maintaining consistency with your designs helps teams work together and new hires to easily get started with your workflow.
• Saving time: If you have no version control system in place, it can be time consuming renaming and moving files.
• Controlling CAD file references: CAD files often contain many references, automatic CAD version and revisioning control systems can also help you make version changes to related file references.

CAD Version and Revision Control Process

For those unfamiliar with versioning vs revisioning. The typical versioning vs revisioning process often looks something like as described in the graphic below. A CAD file will go through iterations as versions while developing the design. Once the engineer is done with the design, she will submit the design to be reviewed. The revision will be reviewed by one or more experienced engineers or in smaller teams it might not be reviewed by another person. Once the design is approved, it is released to be built.

What are the different levels of CAD version and revision control systems?

There are 4 levels of version and revision control systems. Manual version control, automated version control system, automated version and revision control, and automated version and controlled workflow revision systems.

1.     Manual Version Control

Manual version control is used first with the default File Explorer on your computer, for example. This requires you to make a copy of the file and rename it if you wish to save a version. Although One Drive does give you the option to automatically save your files, you would still need to rename it or keep track of a list of changes so you can assign it a version number and describe the changes that you made.

2.     Automated Version Control System

An automated version control system is built to track and maintain versions. This usually comes in the form of a check-in check-out process. When someone wants to work on a file, they check it out, make their edits, and check it back in when they are done. When they check it back in, they are prompted to make a version comment of the changes that were made and either provide a version number or the system will automatically assign a version number. Some file storage solutions give you a version history, but don’t allow you to leave comments or provide a version number. Generic file storage systems don’t support CAD files very well either so it can be hard to maintain version control with references.

3.     Automated Version and Revision Control System

An automated version and revision control system allows for designating version and revisions for files and has it built in. These systems don’t require a user to rename files, but instead can designate index fields where the version and revision history can be tracked. These can help you maintain flexibility and meet the needs of smaller teams who are looking for an efficient way to designate files as versions or revisions while maintaining balance of flexibility. An example of this type of system is Vistapoint.

4.     Automated version and controlled workflow revision system

The fourth level of CAD version and revision control systems are automated version and controlled workflow revision systems. These include heavy duty Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems. In these systems, files are automatically designated as versions when checking in and out. Additionally, when a file needs to be submitted to be a revision, an automated workflow can be implemented. The automated workflow allows the user to select the correct reviewers and automate the full revision review process for a company.

Which one is for me?

Every company has different needs. The right CAD version and revision control system depends on your current process, budget, and needs. One consideration is the tradeoff between control and flexibility. As you gain a more controlled workflow system, you lose flexibility and ability to quickly change your workflow. Having a controlled workflow process makes more sense for experienced (typically larger) companies that have fine tuned their processes and are fairly certain that their current method works. Smaller and medium sized companies might want to consider the flexibility that can be maintained with a more loosely coupled version and revision control system. Additionally, smaller and medium sized companies might be constrained by the higher budgets needed to implement and maintain higher level systems.

CAD Version and Revision Control System

A CAD version and revision control system can be helpful for companies that want to maintain consistency and make their process safer and more efficient. There are varying levels of CAD version and revision control systems that engineering companies should consider. From manual to automated version and revision control workflows – the correct system depends on your company’s current process, budget, and needs. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about CAD version and revision control systems, contact us or schedule a demo.

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