There was at one time a push to do just this thread is talking about. It is/was called Partspec. Although it has Mechanically taken off, the electrical side never got off the ground for a few reasons:
Snap & Layers - Every place I've worked at for the last 10 yrs has used a different snap base distance and different layers.
Block Naming conventions/Block Retrival - Use the Manufacturers part number or your own internal part number?
If you are currently or are planning on integrating with an MRP package, the choice is made for you, so how are you going to get every supplier to send you a drawing with your numbering system. (there is no way to prevent a manufacturer from creating a part number for its own use, that is the same as a part number for another company)
I never seem to get the CTB file for plotting when we get drawings from an outside source.
It will never happen - Little psycology there for ya 😉
Been using WD practically as soon as it was comercially available, and it is useful, the only beef I have with it is the fact that now we get to do Data Entry for engineers to create a BOM for them.
At least we've integrated it into our Publishing Department for sumbittal Generation and Purchasing. (Dont ask, its been a nightmare.)
Wish List?
A. MRP Integration Package
B. Autodesk to standardize on a Customization and upgrade method that takes less than 2 days (30 seconds would be nice) to move customizations from installation to installation. This has been the same since R12 for windows.
C. Open database file that allows hooks to push and pull data from entities.