It has been determined that our file naming convention was outdated. An example file name used to be M-FL01-PIPE or E-FL02-POWR-SLVS. I liked it. Found it simple and straight forward as long as you know most of the descriptors. We are now replacing the trade letter (first character in the string) with the sheet number. This was done so that non-regular AutoCAD users could easily find the file for printing. The sheet numbering convention is determined by what the architect is using so it varies from project to project.
On the surface this seems to be not so bad, but it has it's own set of problems which affect the regular users, i.e. having to manually rename multiple files when changing sheet numbers. Most of the CAD committee do not have a problem with this and don't see a problem with having to manually repath XREFs as a result. I have a huge problem with this. For one, I am not perfect and almost always have to change sheet numbers as I am setting up a project. Never mind the changes that can happen as a project progresses. I think that many people are going to not change file names for sheet number changes because of all the extra steps involved. Management does not seem to be concerned about the wasted time this is creating because we all have to do things that in a way not agree with.
I am looking for anything that will automate this process. I thought SSM could handle this but one of the first things mentioned in Autodesk's guidelines is to eliminate multiple layouts in the .dwgs. Almost every project file has multiple layout tabs so that rules out SSM, maybe. Our CAD manager says that 90% of consulting companies use the sheet number in their file names.
Can some of you share your workflow and file management experiences and possible automated management systems with this type file naming system?
