AutoCAD 2013/2014 DWG Format

[#1]

I'm wondering how everyone else handles their standard details.  I would like to make some sort of an "online" catalog where the engineers could review details, and just tell the draftsmen the details they would like to include in their design set. I'd be very interested in any system that you might use.  We, at one time, used printed booklets for the engineers, but got to be a hassle when details changed.  Is there a good software system that might make this an easy task?  Again, I am interested in any comments. Thanks

Mike 

[#2]

autodesk design review.  Im assuming the engineers want to be able to "redline" the CAD details also.  Design review is free and allows engineers to open and review dwg files.  Of course you will have to put your files on an ftp site where others can access them.

[#3]

Actually there shouldn't be much mark up on these certain dwgs. These are mainly "standard" details such as hydrants/valves/etc that we generally use on all projects. Mike Henson CAD Manager Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Inc.

[#4]

So then why dont you just print them to a PDF.  Then store the PDF on a shared location.  PDF is black/white and much easier to read for someone who isnt familiar with Autocad.

[#5]

Hi Mike,

I think I understand what you're trying to do. I just had this thought and it may not work for you, but here goes:

1) Take all the details and generate GIF or JPG (Web compatible) images of them

2) Generate an (company-internal) website that egineers can browse to with a standard web browser. Organize it however you wish, but for me it would be like this:

Residential Details

--> Standard firewall details

--> Lateral Bracing

--> Foundation Reinforcing

    ----> Grade Beam & Piles

    ----> Frost Wall

    ----> Slab on grade

--> WIndow Installation Sequence Detials

... Each item (above) would be a link to a separate page, where in a table -style format it would have the images generated in step 1), with a checkbox under each image (so the engineer could select that particular detail for a project), a field for comments, etc. anything you require.

At the bottom would be a 'print' or 'submit' button that would generate a list of the details (ie the filename or xref location or tracking number, etc.) and the comments the engineer made. The result would then be either printed or emailed, etc. directly to the drafting technician working on the project. I guess at the beginning the engineer would have to enter the name / project number of the project.

This might be more than what you need, but like I said... just an idea. It would be intensive to set it up but then once you got it humming, it would be awesome.. if a detail changed, you could just update the web graphic and everyone would be immediately up to date.

- Jason