New format or revise existing?

[boydt]

I just returned to a company that I was employed at 6 years ago. Back then I had them set-up with formats that had repeat regions for the BOM. Today I discovered that they are using formats now with "dumb" data. I want to whip them back in shape with a repeat region BOM in the format but I am concerned with the result of just updating the current format and messing up the drawings that are in use with all the "dumb" data. Would it be best to make a NEW format and instruct them to use it from now on? Any ideas or advice would be appreciated.





Boyd

 

[dr_gallup]

Tables do not update in drawings when they are changed in formats so I don't believe updating the format BOM will have any impact on existing drawings. You might want to test first though!

 

[anandel]

If you open up an existing drawing and 'apply' the new format, then your tables will be updated (ie. messed up

) with repeat region values. However you will be prompted to keep or remove existing tables and you can choose to keep them. If you just open/view/edit drawings then the tables should be fine, I'd think.

 

[ddrichards]

I worked a few years with a company that didn't have the BOM on any of the formats, it allowed you to swap out formats and change drawing sizes in one clean and efficient step, replace the format and yes to all tables without loosing the existing BOM on the drawing or having to say yes or no to every table on the drawing.


Then I went to other companies and nearly every company had the BOM on the format and it was always a hassle to change to formats. I believe there is a "mind set" from the AutoCad days when the table was on the format.


I have a very stong preference for leaving the BOM on the drawing and off of the formats, but I do hate the companies using "dumb data" BOMs on there drawings.