How can you manage CAD files across different software platforms and tools?

Very recently we were collaborating with Third-party design firms designing plant processing facilities. Obviously their design authoring applications are totally different from the classical AEC Design Package we all own or use. We setup an interface using Grasshopper (Rhino), Inventor Pro and Revit to get models from Creo thru the STEP Format.

Use common, non-proprietary file formats such as STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) or IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) for exchanging CAD data. These formats are widely supported by many CAD programs.

Working with several different types of consultants to secure project evaluations has narrowed down file types I use to PDF files for all of them of my drawings and their work back to me, most of which are editable or transferable into my drawings as is as copy and paste items. If a CAD savvy consultant is used, who is needed to create new original work, everything is sent as a DWG file for their use in Autocad.

Utilize collaborative platforms and version control systems designed for CAD, such as PDM (Product Data Management) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems. These platforms can help manage revisions, control access, and facilitate collaboration.

Exactly! For me, the issue of a file collection being too big to email someone has required first that I compress the PDF files, and then collect all the JPEGS into folders, drawings into another folder, comment letters into another, consultants into another, and send them all to Dropbox to a saved collection of project team email addresses. This ensures the huge files are not kickbacked by various server systems limiting files to 10 megs or less.

I totally agree and find that because I deal with clients who are not keeping track of their email correspondence as a cohesive thread in their Subject line, it is necessary for me to respond with a common project name and address. As work processes, each phase is added such as Design Phase(s), Construction Documents, Construction, etc. Searching emails later for specific phases is made so much easier.

I am laughing here over the backup mania that happens when there is a crash in a system! Did I have the most current work backed up? Is it on the Cloud or in office? Is the whole system gone or only a few files?? All of us have experienced this I am sure. So I recently purchased the largest external backup drive, and fastest for IN OFFICE backup. Each file is saved each day and the whole system backed up each week. I also have the cloud and a separate backup service online too just in case. Still is nerve wracking if there is a crash!!

Managing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files across different software platforms and tools can be challenging due to the proprietary nature of many CAD programs. However, there are several strategies and best practices that can help streamline the process and enhance interoperability: -Neutral File Formats -CAD Translation Software -CAD Interoperability Tools -BIM (Building Information Modeling) -Training and Documentation -Regular Updates