A feeler - Intelligent Alpha-Num Filenames

[chill3490]

Let's see, how do I pose this question? Hmmm...

• Would you prefer an intelligent numbering system for your filenames?
• Would you prefer a sequential series of numbers along with an appropriate alpha description of the project, part, or process?

What's the verdict?
- I received a rather pompous and self righteous answer from a new colleague who swears by - well, you'll just have to guess!

[CADKitty]

Depends on the file type...around here, job numbers are sequential and are part of the file names for everything that goes with it...so the first floor baseplan would be 7055bp1, drawing M-1 would be 7055m1, etc.

Standard details and blocks, however, are logical alpha-numeric names....general notes are NOTES, electrical symbol pick is ELECSYMPK, etc.

What kinds of files are you arguing over?

[Globey]

Its an alpha-numeric sequence...

for example A2-2.2.02

1. Discipline designator (Arch, Mech, Baggage Handling (BH))
2. Drawing type designator(Construction Plans, Demo, etc...)
3. Terminal or Building....(bldg 1, or Terminal 2)
4. Level (Level 1, 2, Penthouse, Mezzanine)
5. Area or consecutive series...(Sector, or series number, for multiple sheets of one dwg area)

[scwegner]

All our project drawings are by five digit project number: first digit for the designer, second two for the year, last two for the job within the year. Files are named with the number follwed by project name. Not necessarily what I would have chosen but I don't get a say. I think it was the accountants who came up with the number system actually.
Library files are by logical name.

[Ms. Serene]

around here (depends on department also) most of us use the Job number, the disipline designator, and then the sheet number. Civil however uses alpha characters instead of sheet numbers because they do not want to change the file name along with the sheet number if a change is made. It causes problems though and since they do not like to use the autocad plot stamp it is hard to tell what file corresponds to what sheet unless you set up the project yourself and know.

[Mamma Jamma]

Our file names reflect the job # plus discipline. Example: 2214PID01_0.dwg indicates job number 2214 (a sequential number is pulled when the project is a "go"), PID indicates Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (PM= Process Mechanical, A= Architecture, etc), 01_0
is PID-1.0 (the "0" in front keeps the files in order - otherwise you have 10, 11, etc before 2.0). Our goal is to keep it as simple and intuitive as possible.

[chill3490]

Thanks for the info in establishing a benchmark of sorts...

My earthy and loathesome side reveals itself once again as
the 'one remaining nameless' I alluded to...
IS WRONG!!!!

P.S.: Sue, I like those glasses!

[Mamma Jamma]

Thanks....

[CADKitty]

My earthy and loathesome side reveals itself once again as
the 'one remaining nameless' I alluded to...
IS WRONG!!!!

Dare I ask what his opinion was?

[sid.fontenot550]

Thanks for the info in establishing a benchmark of sorts...

My earthy and loathesome side reveals itself once again as
the 'one remaining nameless' I alluded to...
IS WRONG!!!!

P.S.: Sue, I like those glasses!

Hey Clint. Did you get the symbol library problem solved?