CAD Managers
Hi
We are using Civil 3D in our office, only a few of us just now, but that will be expanding, and also people will start using Revit and other BIM software. But already, we are struggling with our network speeds while using Civil 3D, we were moaning to management that our PC's, which were upgraded, still were not good enough. But we done a test with one of our models that takes 7 and a half minutes to open on the network. We moved the model and all its references to the C:, and then opened the drawing, it took just over 2 minutes. Thats over 70% quicker than opening on the network. I am just wondering if any other companies have had this issue, and what was done about it. I work for a massive internatinal company, so its not just some small office. The IT manager told us there is not much that can be done, as the servers were upgraded 2 years ago, and they are a very good spec. Its worrying that we are having issues at this point when only a few people are using BIM, what is it going to be like when everyone is using it 
Was hoping someone could give feedback on this, or some advice.
Cheers
Martin
You seem to be mixing up three different topics as one problem.
>>....our PC's, which were upgraded, still were not good enough...<<<
These have nothing to do with accessing speeds on a network, but you provide no info about them: what file sizes are you accessing and what are the CP specs?
>>>... the servers were upgraded 2 years ago...<<<
Again, not sure what these have to do with how fast you access your files: define "... they are a very good spec...." better if you want honest opinions. I suspect they are no the issue at all but you seem to want them to be.
>>>...over 70% quicker than opening on the network...<<<
This is where the problem is, but again, you furnish no details: what speed are you connected to the file server? How many of you?
If you want feedback you've got to provide details my friend: your post is, at best, an example of healthy venting not backed up by any useful information.
No one here can realistically give you any advise without knowing your exact setup and understanding where the choke points are, if there is any: most likely you need to be talking with I.T. for the info being sought about the systems.
As for the file sizes question and PC specs, you can answer these yourself.
My first post was loaded with questions.
"As for the file sizes question and PC specs, you can answer these yourself."
I was not asking for any advice about the PC specs or file sizes......
I came on here for some advice on what I could ask the IT dept so I can help see where the problem lies, I wouldnt know where to start. If I had all that information, I would not be on here asking for advice.
Any chance any one else has some constructive feedback? What things can I ask the IT guys about server speeds etc to see where the problem lies? Or is there a way I can do a speed check on my PC to see how fast my connection to the server is?
Cheers 
Server problems usually require somebody to actually be at your computer, due to the enormous number of possible conditions and combinations thereof.
And Deans questions were good ones, BTW. PC specs and file sizes *can* have an effect on your times e.g. unnecessarily large files on slow, RAM-starved computers could be a large part of the problem. Its always a good starting point.
The point is your post lacks all the information necessary for an opinion or recommendations: all this time you could have just posted the PC specs and ruled it out, but no, you've got to keep beating it LOL
Now go find out about your network and setup and connection speeds etc., we are all here asking the same questions over and over: if you can't or won't find out, please close this topic/posting as it is headed no where.
