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CAD data management: How to manage CAD data professionally

CAD-Datenmanagement muss professionell sein
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Companies of almost all sizes have to deal with document and data management, for example with the help of DMS/ECM standard systems. However, as soon as CAD data comes into play, such a standard solution is no longer sufficient. The management of CAD data differs in many essential points from general data management:

  • Data complexity, data volume: CAD data = complex, detailed and large amounts of data, which are also used with different special software
  • Links, dependencies: CAD data are usually linked to each other, e.g. construction plans with parts lists and 3D models with simulations
  • Version control, tracking: Changes to CAD files must be precisely documented and versioned so that everyone involved can access the most current information
  • Data lifecycle management: Long and complex life cycle of the files or data sets – from initial creation to archiving
  • Production process integration: CAD data must be seamlessly integrated into the entire production process, from planning to production to quality assurance

The most important thing in a nutshell

This article highlights challenges when it comes to “CAD data management” – and provides appropriate solutions! Proven software solutions are presented in more detail that will help to manage CAD data professionally.

The entire design and manufacturing industry is based on CAD data (e.g. design plans, technical drawings, 3D models). And often on a large number of CAD files, which are of course linked and reference each other. Given these special requirements, data management is not a trivial task. Professional CAD data management is crucial at the very latest when it comes to complex projects (e.g. buildings) and safety-relevant data (e.g. power plants). On the one hand, this means that all mandatory legal and technical requirements are verifiably met, and on the other hand, efficiency and quality can be increased in parallel.

Tip: If you already use ELO as an ECM / document management system in your company, you should definitely take a look at the proven software solution CME BElink2ELO, which enables intelligent and at the same time particularly economical management of CAD engineering data.

Why does CAD data need to be managed professionally?

Managing CAD data professionally is essential for several good reasons:

CRITERIAESPECIALLY RELEVANT FOR THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES
Security relevanceCAD data regularly contains safety-critical information, especially in the construction, aerospace and automotive industries
Legal relevanceCAD files such as design plans and technical drawings are legally relevant because they can be evidence in legal disputes. This affects ALL INDUSTRIES
Amount of dataIn large projects, thousands of CAD files quickly accumulate that need to be efficiently organized and made accessible. Particularly affected are: construction (as is often the case!), plant engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.
Quality assuranceThe necessary quality assurance and compliance with norms and standards can only realistically be implemented with precise data management. This of course also applies to ALL INDUSTRIES

Attention, risk! Missing or inadequate CAD data management can have serious consequences

Inadequate management of CAD data can lead to significant problems in practice, not to mention a complete lack of data management! The four most serious risks are: data loss, production delays, quality problems and – last but not least – legal disputes.

  • Data loss: disorganized or poorly secured data can be lost or damaged
  • Production delays: missing or unclear data can lead to delays in the production process
  • Quality problems: incorrect or outdated data can lead to quality defects and production errors

Legal disputes: inadequate documentation and versioning can be problematic in legal disputes

The measurable advantages of professional CAD data management

A professional solution for CAD data management minimizes the serious risks mentioned above and at the same time offers tangible advantages. Well-structured data management creates an overview and at the same time enables quick and easy access to the information required. Comprehensive documentation with clear versioning ensures that only current, correct and approved data is used in practice. Professional, proven software solutions effectively protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. A central platform that brings together all CAD files company-wide – or even across companies – also ensures efficient collaboration, for example between different departments, locations or business units.

Central challenges of CAD data management

Companies that have to use and manage many CAD files (often in different formats) face several central challenges:

  • Variety of file formats: depending on the CAD software, different file formats are created; these must be managed and kept compatible
  • Data integrity: data integrity must be guaranteed at all times so that no important information is lost or damaged – and in the CAD area, all information is ultimately important!
  • Access rights to data: different employees, departments and customers require appropriately staggered access rights so that only authorized persons can make changes
  • Archiving of data: CAD data must be retained (archived) not only during the project duration, but also long-term afterwards in order to be fully available again at any time if required (e.g. in the case of conversions and extensions, but of course also in the case of legal disputes)

The right support? A look at CME BElink2ELO from Corporate Montage

Our software CME BElink2ELO offers specific solutions for CAD data management and scores points in four important aspects:

  • Integration: CME BElink2ELO integrates CAD data seamlessly into the well-known ECM/DMS system ELO
  • Automation: automated processes reduce manual effort, minimize errors and thus save costs and hassle
  • Security: extensive security features protect against unauthorized access and loss of data
  • User-friendliness: intuitive user interfaces make it easier to handle and manage CAD data, both during the dynamic phase (project) and the static phase (archiving) in the sense of optimal data lifecycle management

In addition to CME BElink2ELO, we offer you other products and solutions that are relevant for CAD data management. Here are some examples:

  • Tools for data analysis: for analyzing and evaluating CAD data
  • Platforms for collaboration: for promoting collaboration and data exchange
  • Solutions in the cloud: for secure, flexible access to CAD data from anywhere

Thanks to our many years of expertise in project management for construction and engineering projects and as a verified Bentley Gold Channel Partner (Bentley MicroStation) and ELO Certified Business Partner, we not only help you choose the right platform, but are also at your side with all matters relating to efficient data management and process optimization.

Get in touch now and we will help you find the right software solution for your use case based on your individual requirements!

Conclusion: CAD data administration and CAD data management are essential

Because CAD data is now a central component of the modern design and manufacturing industry, there is no way around a professional, scalable and future-proof solution for administration.

On the one hand, companies of all sizes can increase their efficiency and quality through professional CAD data management. On the other hand, only secure CAD data management guarantees that all legal and security-related requirements are fully and, above all, verifiably met.

Solutions such as BElink2ELO from Corporate Montage for the well-known ECM system “ELO” offer valuable support and help to master the complex challenges of CAD data management.

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