You're sharing CAD files with subcontractors or vendors. How do you prevent potential data leaks?

Pour éviter l’exfiltration de données en partageant des fichiers CAO, il est primordial de contr?ler l’accès aux informations. Par exemple, dans un projet pour le développement d'un système élèctromécanique avec plusieur domaines d'expertise, chaque sous-traitant ne voit que les fichiers sur lesquels il travaille: les mécaniciens, uniquement les pièces mécaniques, les électroniciens, uniquement les schémas et les ingénieurs du département d’assemblage, les fichiers d’assemblage, sans les détails techniques. Aussi l’authentification multi-facteurs renforce cette sécurité en obligeant à saisir un code secret fourni séparément. L’utilisation de plateformes sécurisées, tels que les solutions PLM permet un tel contr?le d’accès.

Adding water marks - will prevent in further sharing, As the originator will be recognised. and making Non Disclosure agreement is also essential in critical projects.

Strip out or hide layers containing sensitive information, such as proprietary designs, notes, or specifications that are irrelevant to the recipient. Ensure that the file-sharing platform offers end-to-end encryption to protect data during transit and at rest.

Splitting the data before sharing is one way. Also you cab use platforms like Autodesk BIM 360 or Fusion 360, offering built-in security features. And Always verify the recipient's identity and ensure they need access to the shared data.

Common data environment (CDE) enables you to overcome the challenges occur during data sharing. How? -It eleminate multiple platforms and solutions for data sharing. Hence reduces the exposure of your document. - It enables you to define access of various stakeholders according to your organization policies. - It gives you the facility to monitor any sort of development/movement with in the environment.

Adopt 3D Experience cloud based platform by Dassault Systèmes, this will allow CAD users to collaborate with internal and external collaborators by sharing the link of files embedded with multiple choice permissions such as link expire after 1 time use, link validity by hours/days etc. CAD users working on various different CAD platforms can easily connect to 3D Experience platform and can share not only CAD data but any other non CAD files. External collaborators after receiving file’s link can also create free 3D Experience ID and using various roles on platform can see/comment and do a lot of stuff with the data. To know more about reach out at [email protected].

Try to understand the vendor's requirements first. Sometimes they don't require the entire data but a small portion of it. For Example- A waste chute vendor/supplier only needs a floor plan in the specific region to design the routing of Chute ventilation/inlet. In that case, a specific region can be cropped and shared with them rather than sharing the entire Floor plan and Model.

In today's digital age, protecting sensitive information is a top priority. For organizations working with computer-aided design (CAD) files, managing file permissions is a critical aspect of safeguarding intellectual property and preventing data breaches. By implementing a system where access is granted on a need-to-know basis, organizations can ensure that only authorized personnel have access to confidential information.

Important to ensure that the watermark is placed in a location which prevents it from being edited out. Placing it at locations which has the actual drawing helps but it’s advisable to not confuse readers when they are interpreting the drawing document

Watermarking your CAD files is a crucial step in protecting your intellectual property and preventing unauthorized use or distribution. By adding a visible or invisible watermark, you can indicate ownership and copyright, deterring others from using or sharing your files without permission. Watermarking also provides proof of ownership and allows you to track how your files are being used and distributed. Additionally, it adds an extra layer of security to your CAD files, giving you peace of mind. You can use CAD software with built-in watermarking features, such as Autodesk's AutoCAD or SolidWorks, or utilize third-party tools and plugins like CADLock or ProtectCAD.

One thing you should worry about especially if you are subcontracting; is the drawing still legible when printed with a watermark. Many times the watermark can hide critical features or dimensions.

Ensuring you use watermarks really helps especially on very key and essential details that if they try removing the watermark the most important details are lost thus making the files unfit for use

Lo ideal en un proceso de desarrollo de un proyecto es el manejo de la confidencialidad de La información, sin embargo, muchas veces no se alcanza a avanzar en los proyectos y se pierde mucho tiempo en contratos privados y el desarrollo del proyecto no evoluciona

Set limits and arguments with sub contractors. Also one more thing,not to hand over total machine or assembly to same vendor

An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is essential before sharing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files to protect intellectual property and maintain a competitive edge. CAD files contain detailed proprietary designs and technical specifications that are valuable and can be easily reproduced or misused. An NDA legally binds the receiving party to confidentiality, preventing unauthorized sharing, copying, or imitation of the designs. It also establishes a framework for legal recourse in case of breaches, builds trust between parties, and demonstrates a serious, professional commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

Remove or obscure any sensitive or proprietary information from the CAD files that are not necessary for the subcontractor or vendor to perform their work.

In Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), trust is key. When all parties are on the same page and information is handled transparently, projects can move forward much faster. Building that trust accelerates collaboration and ensures everyone can focus on achieving shared goals.

Conduct regular security audits to ensure that the encryption methods and access controls are being followed properly and there are no vulnerabilities in the system.

Conduct regular audits of how CAD files are being used by subcontractors or vendors. These audits should check for unauthorized access, duplication, or sharing of files. By keeping an inventory of who has accessed the files and tracking their usage, you can quickly identify potential breaches and take corrective action. Regular audits also signal to your partners that you are serious about data security, which can encourage them to uphold high standards of data handling.

Regular audits are indeed essential for maintaining the security of your CAD files. By systematically checking for unauthorized access, duplication, or sharing, you can quickly spot any potential breaches and take corrective action. Keeping an inventory of who has accessed the files and tracking their usage helps in identifying any irregularities. Moreover, conducting these audits sends a clear message to your subcontractors and vendors that you prioritize data security, encouraging them to maintain high standards in handling your sensitive information.

An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is essential before sharing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files to protect intellectual property and maintain a competitive edge. CAD files contain detailed proprietary designs and technical specifications that are valuable and can be easily reproduced or misused. From my perspective, an NDA is not just a legal formality but a fundamental tool for safeguarding innovation. It legally binds the receiving party to confidentiality, preventing unauthorized sharing, copying, or imitation of the designs.

There are important aspects of Data Management left out in this article - 1. it does not account for tools designed specifically to solve this kind of problems, and 2. How do you enforce the points mentioned? For example: How do you ensure files are "securely deleted" - what if the files were copied onto a flash drive? Managing CAD data deserves an article on its own, but suffice to say: combining the points mentioned with using Data Management tools help ensure there is no leak of Intellectual Property.

Esto se puede aplicar, sin embargo siempre quedará información fuera de nuestro alcance por lo que aplicar marcas de aguas y un NDA Hagan que este proceso sea más digerible

After a project's completion or when a subcontractor's services are no longer needed, ensure that all copies of your CAD files are securely deleted from their systems. Secure deletion involves overwriting the data so that it cannot be recovered. This prevents any residual information from being accessed in the future. Make sure that your contracts specify the requirement for secure deletion and verify that it has been carried out to safeguard your intellectual property.

From my perspective, regular audits not only help safeguard sensitive information but also demonstrate a strong commitment to data security. They serve as a clear signal to partners and subcontractors that you are serious about protecting your intellectual property, thereby encouraging them to adhere to high standards of data handling and reinforce a culture of security and trust.