But
because the information repository
is geared towards the business software,
it provides no effective way
to handle AutoCAD engineering
data during design projects. Fortunately,
the CADnection program
solves this problem, letting users
incorporate AutoCAD drawings
and reference files into SharePointmanaged
workflows.
Installing CADnection requires
standard IT administrator experience
and should take less than a
few hours to complete. However,
it is good practice to have an experienced
SharePoint administrator
on hand to establish new workflow
processes in SharePoint after
CADnection is installed.
Once in place, CADnection
works inside AutoCAD, providing
designers a menu with tools
to manage, maintain, share, and
control critical design data. For example,
clicking the Save Drawing
to SharePoint button saves the file
into the repository and ensures data
integrity by rebuilding drawing relationships
and mapping attributes
in the drawing’s title block.
CADnection additionally lets
users activate SharePoint’s search
capabilities to review data on the
server, retrieve drawings, and even
locate text information in drawings.
The program also makes it
easy to reuse existing data without
losing track of related files.
Designers need only insert blocks
of design data directly into a new
drawing or use the Attach command
to create an XREF (external
reference) file that then appears in
the File References panel.
What’s more, users can generate
DWF files so anyone on the team
can see drawings inside SharePoint
for fast visual identification. (DWF stands
for Design Web Format and
is Autodesk’s lightweight CAD
format.) CADnection also facilitates
the use of Design Review with
SharePoint to enhance multisite
collaboration and workflow processing.
This function is vital for
many companies with dispersed or
outsourced design and manufacturing
operations.
Despite CADnection’s many
capabilities, a downside is that the
software does not support bulk
loading. This means that companies
must spend additional time and
money to process data into and out
of SharePoint, for example, while
transforming DWG to DWF files.
In addition, the loading process
stalls with any potential file duplication. These tasks currently require
manual input before processing.
The developer provides immediate telephone support for new
customers, ongoing free telephone
support, and free upgrades underthe maintenance contract. The
software also comes with a comprehensive
digital (PDF) installation
and maintenance guide.
CADnection requires Windows
XP and Vista-based clients
with Windows Server 2003 and
SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007.
The software comes from CADnection
Inc., 2747 North Grand,
Suite 256, Santa Ana, CA 92705,
(877) 877-7833, cadnection.com.
The company also provides consulting,
implementation, and
customization options.
— Richard W. Bourke
Richard W. Bourke is principal
consultant, Bourke Consulting
Associates. The firm is a
consulting and education
organization with extensive
experience in engineering and
manufacturing-systems planning,
evaluation, and implementation.