CADfiler

CADfiler is a term used to describe a software system designed to store, organize, and manage computer-aided design (CAD) files and related data. It provides a centralized repository that supports versioning, metadata, and search across 2D drawings, 3D models, assemblies, and parts.

Core features include check-in/check-out, access controls, audit trails, and integration with common CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, and NX. It supports a wide range of file formats (DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES, SLDPRT, IPT, STL, and native CAD formats) and can generate derived artifacts like PDFs or 3D previews.

Metadata and search capabilities allow users to tag files with attributes such as project, revision, material, supplier, and revision history. Advanced search supports full-text and attribute-based queries. The system typically supports folder structures, assemblies, and bill of materials (BOM) linkage to tie design data to manufacturing data.

In practice, CADfiler facilitates collaboration by ensuring team members access the latest revisions, automating workflows such as release to manufacturing, and linking design data to engineering change orders. It may also provide APIs or connectors for PDM/PLM systems and ERP, enabling integration across product development and production environments.

Adoption considerations include data governance, migration from legacy file stores, performance with large assemblies, storage planning, and user training. Security policies, access controls, and backup strategies are essential for protecting intellectual property and ensuring regulatory compliance.

See also: product data management, product lifecycle management, CAD, file management systems, version control for design data.