Though SharePoint allows members of an organization to collaborate on their work, some limitations continue to exist despite the enhancements made to the application. IT managers of many organizations have to exert tremendous efforts in working with CAD files for their projects. But thanks to the pains of third party developers, CAD users can now collaborate on their works within the SharePoint environment. Integrating AutoCAD and SharePoint is an effective approach for organizations engaged in engineering and architectural solutions to cut into their bottom line.
Challenges in Managing CAD Files with SharePoint
The main issue concerning the use of CAD files in SharePoint is managing the reference files attached to the primary DWG document. Independent AutoCAD components such as CADnection and Cadac Organice can be installed on both client machines and SharePoint Server to bridge the gap between accessing CAD files and their references. Through these components, XREF files are traced and linked to their DWG files. XREFs are managed by these components similar to how their CAD components are rendered.
Compatibility with Other CAD Applications
Because third party components are enhancements designed to operate in both SharePoint and AutoCAD environments, these components are also compatible with other CAD applications, stretching the borders of their support. CAD applications like Bricscad and MicroStation, among others in particular. However, since AutoCAD is the core application where most CAD third party applications are tailored, some support for other CAD applications may be limited. Limitations could include editing of DWG files and metadata support.
Improving Search and Indexing for CAD Files
Aside from opening and integrating AutoCAD files into AutoCAD, creating a search index for these files is another huge concern. Though it is possible to store CAD files in SharePoint, the installation of SharePoint might not satisfy the need to compose a well indexed search for DWG files. But through applications like DWG IFilter, creating an index for DWG files in SharePoint is made very easy. DWG IFilter, a product created by CAD and Company, allows SharePoint to generate accurate and reliable search results for DWG files.