Major Storage issue...

[Anonymous]

I started work in another division of my company. The previous engineer stored all AutoCAD and Inventor files in multiple directories not using vault. They did not and do not want vault. There was an issue while I was out of town where another group deleted the drive that contained all files, and all inventor related items such as templates, etc...

IT is working on getting a back up running. my concern is the groups are fighting over separating the files into group specific directories.

Does inventor allow the moving of the files in mass?

Will this cause issues in dependencies?

What issues have not been considered?

thanks in advance.

[Xun.Zhang]

Hello,
The most powerful tool should be pack & go. In your case, if design data was removed along with template, it is a big deal, file is missing references as well as sheetmetal rules, materials, styles, etc. and it is very dangerous.

Please make sure all of data was well-backed up, else, it does not Sounds good to me that one of drive was clean up.

[Cadmanto]

Wow, looks like you have a re4al mess on your hands.  The project file is the concern I would have.  Inventor allows the files to be moved, but keep in mind that you may have to reconnect or link your parts/drawings with assemblies and vise versa.  I have always worked in an environment where there is one project file with the folder structure built on top of the root working directory.  Some work with a project file in each of the folders the files reside.  This almost sounds like the directive you might want to take in this case.  If everyone is working in their own environment and not willing to work under one umbrella, then that would be the way to go.

If you have any kind of voice there, the Vault would bring structure and compliance to this mess.  Other then that I would try like heck to get everyone to try and work from the same source.  That way one project file and it makes upgrading for the future that much easier.  Short of that, you they are all going to have different setups.

My 2 cents.  Good Luck!!!

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[johnsonshiue]

Hi! The most important thing when relocating Inventor files is to ensure the Inventor Project (ipj) file is properly relocated and properly adjusted. In theory, as long as the folder path is set up within the project cone (scope), you can move files from one folder to another easily. Inventor should be able to find the files.

The tricky thing is that if you did not use Inventor project file and the files all depend on absolute file path, you may end up with unresolved links. But, as long as referenced or related files are stored in the same folder, moving from one folder to another should be fine.

I personally believe you will benefit greatly by using an EDM system like Vault. You will have a centralized storage and backup. Then you can move files from one machine or one location to another without worrying about resolving file path.

Many thanks!