I would appreciate input from someone who has EITHER:
- Created or maintained a MS Excel-based CAD file log
- Developed same or other applications using VBA (we now use MS Excel 2010).
REASON: I have created a simpler version of a CAD file log in MS Excel(for now and for a few of our user’s sophistication level – eventually MS Access will be used).
CURRENT: It is being introduced soon with direct data entry with refinements planned in four phases.
First phase (CURRENT)– Direct entry on data tab with all columns and tabs in Excel are set and formatted for drawings
Data validation lists include engr. discipline / drawing types, revision levels, site code,etc.
Second phase – Create a user form for data entry (* CURRENT PHASE *) e.g., use of form pull-downs and checkboxes for selections from the above data
Third phase – Introduce VBA code to define a new filename Example: code a string values search (e.g.,highest numeral value) and make available the next highest value for a new drawing number
Fourth phase – Fire AutoCAD and populate block attribute fields with Data from spreadsheet along with username, current date, etc.
…WHEW!!!
IMPORTANT --- IMPORTANT --- IMPORTANT:
This development is for one site with a smaller amount of DWG-only, CAD drawings to manage.
Due to several circumstances,there is no interest in purchased enterprise-wide or even local solutions totrack CAD drawings.