How do YOU handle drawing requests?

[CGBenner]

All of our released drawings are available through Vault. Most people who need it have Vault client on their machines, some use web client. And we are, at this time, moving to make more drawings available for viewing and printing through SharePoint 2013.

[Wanderer]

As for the drawing files themselves, they all live on our local network, and the files themselves aren't exactly write-protected except for the fact that only myself and my IT administrator have CAD software that can modify them.

We had a few problems where people would be poking around the files and accidentally click and drag the folders, so they'd be lost... or moved to a drive that wasn't searchable to the next user. ~cringe~ Had to ride IT pretty hard about keeping it locked down to just those of us who were responsible for editing.

[KCM]

Everything is locked and automated as much as possible.
Used Vault with a custom developed interface for the web client.
Drawing requests are submitted by an on-line (intranet) form, this is reviewed by the cad manager (to check that there isn't already a drawing covering the same information) for approval,
if/when approved a work-flow assignment is created
CAD Tech or Designer accepts the assignment and a drawing is created based on that projects template with border, title block, clien logo, etc, inserted.
Drawing number, title, etc are inserted and the entry is completed in Vault
All this information is pulled from the form, but is amendable by the cad manager or tech
the drawing is created in ACAD or Inventor (with xref's, parts and assemblies being created as necessary and managed by Vault).

Once the drawing is to the satisfaction of the CAD Tech/Designer they run through the check form, part of the custom UI
submit for approval, which automatically creates a dwf and locks the drawing from modification.

The drawing is then checked by a qualified person (must know what they're looking for) who complete their own check-list, again part of the custom UI
DWF is marked up and submitted for amendments to be made to the drawing, or
The drawing is accepted and approved

When approved Vault automatically removes draft stamps, etc and publishes a dwf and pdf. Sets the DWG to defer updates and locks for editing.

Revision requests are handled the same way.

Changes to model pars/assemblies that will affect other drawings are flagged so that those drawings can be reviewed for up-revising.

The check and approval process is visible and audit-able for approved persons.


I'm quite proud of what we've created and would really recommend getting an automated work flow. Really cuts down on non-chargeable management hours.
Currently going through revising the system for datastandards, which should give us more functionality. Also making the request review portal accessible to joint ventures through a secure web portal.