How can you ensure all team members are aware of CAD file changes?

Any Common data Environment on the cloud will allow a full collaboration between disciplines using CAD/BIM Applications, or any PMIS (Construction Management) Project Management Information System that is ISO 19650 compliant.

Utilize collaboration platforms and project management tools that support version control and real-time updates. Platforms like Autodesk BIM 360, or collaborative features in cloud-based CAD applications can help centralize files and track changes. Set up automated email notifications for file changes. When someone makes modifications to a CAD file, an automated email can be sent to relevant team members, notifying them of the changes. Make sure the emails are clear and include details about the modifications. Implement a version naming convention for CAD files. Clearly indicate the version number and date in the file name. This makes it easy for team members to identify the latest version and understand when changes were made.

Cloud-based CAD software facilitates real-time updates, notifications, and version tracking, ensuring team members are promptly aware of CAD file changes. Personally, I find the feature of Locking and Unlocking to be of great use here. Once a file is locked, other users can't edit it. The 3DExperience Platform provides these features which even notify the user who are trying to modify a locked file.

Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems like Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA, and PTC Windchill, along with tools such as GitHub and Jira, offer automated change notifications and workflow capabilities for CAD file management. Exploring their features and trial versions will help determine the best fit for your team's needs, streamlining change management processes and ensuring team members are aware of CAD file changes.

To ensure all team members are aware of CAD file changes: Establish a centralized file management system accessible to all team members. Implement version control to track revisions and updates to CAD files. Utilize cloud-based collaboration platforms where team members can view, comment on, and track changes to CAD files in real-time. Set up automated notifications or alerts for team members whenever changes are made to CAD files. Conduct regular team meetings or updates to communicate any significant changes or revisions to CAD files. Encourage team members to actively communicate and share updates regarding CAD file changes during project discussions and status updates.

I'm personally not a fan of automated notification systems, simply because they can get annoying over the course of a busy project, and they lack details. "So-and-so changed Design Base on 1/24" oh great so what does that mean exactly? I am much more a fan of 1) keeping teams small, 2) restricting CAD file access only to active team members, 3) having a clear team hierarchy with a Lead CAD Technician whose responsibility it is to manage the project data, 4) having clearly delineated tasks that don't overlap and finally 5) simply practicing good team communication.

Honestly BIM 360 is the best bet here that notifies everyone in the team for that specific project that there are changes and the changes are marked as well. Another way would be to share an email stating changes in the drawings to the entire team & cloud marking in the drawings the changes with notes, turning off unnecessary layers and decluttering other files in the shareable revised file.

Notification system implementation is essential. Encouraging teamwork and avoiding inconsistencies, it guarantees prompt dissemination of CAD file modifications to every member of the team. Team members can increase productivity and cohesiveness by improving transparency and efficiency in the project workflow by setting up emails or alerts to keep each other updated.

For companies just starting out, the AEC and NCS CAD Standards are great pre-existing resources for both file and layer naming convention. More established companies need a visually documented project folder structure with examples, and a visually documented Model and Sheet file naming convention with examples. Here at PEC, we put most of our Model and Sheet naming conventions on a 24x36 PDF sheet as part of a "Mock" or "Example" standard plan set that all employees have access to.

Las nomenclaturas son muy importantes en cualquier proyecto. Es vital que todos sigamos un mismo protocolo para que todos los agentes puedan entender el proyecto.

Es vital tener un CDE (Common Data Enviroment - Entorno Común de Datos) donde tener todas las comunicaciones registradas. Así tendremos más control del proyecto.

Keeping your team informed on a regular basis is crucial. It ensures that everyone is informed and in agreement when there are modifications to CAD files. Clear communication, whether via meetings, emails, or messaging apps, fosters teamwork, reduces mistakes, and increases output, all of which improve project success and team morale.