Manage LOD in multi-user setting

[cadlad]

We have multiple clients and each client has multiple projects. Each project gets its own master assembly that contains multiple equipment layouts. This allows us to show everything together. In each master assembly, we create LODs to display equipment layouts side by side for connecting things one to another and to avoid collisions.

Example: The master assembly may contain 8 equipment layouts. Each layout is for a sub-process within the whole process. We create LODs for different groupings of layouts so that we can zero in on anything in particular that we wish to focus on. By choosing an LOD in the open dialogue box prior to opening the master assembly, performance is improved because we're only opening what we need instead of everything.

Within an equipment layout are any number of assemblies. We can create LODs to show the layout without conveyors or to show different options we've developed to present as concepts for approval prior to detailed design. Sometimes we are adding assemblies to an existing layout so we'll create an LOD for existing, one for asbuilt, one for purposed.

We have no guidelines for how to create or modify LODs. Therefore, we are getting LODs with users' initials or a date or "doohickey". We've got to come up with something that makes sense now and will make sense later.

Has anyone in here developed a guideline for managing LODs in a multi-user enviroment? Even if you have not, but have ideas that you'd like to contribute to this post, then please do. I sure could use some ideas.

Thanks.

[CCarreiras]

Hi!

Just one idea... if you have the same LODs name in different main sub-assemblys, you can manage all at the same time in the "Main Layout" on the fly, by using the Productivity tool "Linc Levels of detail",  therefore you can move beteween sets of different LOD quickly, all you have to do is have a good LOD name scheme in all Main-subassemblys"

You can also open the main layout assembly in Express mode (Inventor 2014 and ahead).

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[mpatchus]

Build all of your desired "NAMED" LODs into your assembly template.

We have several LODs that we utilize for all of our projects (STR, FDN, IDX, etx).

From past experience, I suggest you keep them short. 

We basically have a LOD for each type of drawing we produce for a project.

All of our library assemblies also contain the same LODs.

Simply Link LODs in your main assembly an all the subassemblies will link to the main assembly LOD.

[mcgyvr]

Just the life of not having company standards with regards to drafting/CAD..

Its as simple as creating a simpe guideline/company standard detailing how LOD's should (no MUST) be named. 

Thats all 100% company specific obviously so just sit down and write out how YOU (or the manager) wants it and make sure all users are aware. (and I'd hope they are all aware of penalties for not following company standards)..