Technical Document and Workflow Management for the Entire Design Team
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Computer
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Minimum
-- 386/25-based PC
-- Windows 3.1 or later, with MS-DOS® 3.3 or later
-- 8MB RAM without AutoCAD; 12MB RAM with AutoCAD
-- 20MB free hard-disk space, plus document files
-- Windows-compatible pointing device
Recommended
-- 486- or Pentium®-based PC
-- Windows 3.1 or later, with MS-DOS 3.3 or later
-- 8MB RAM without AutoCAD; 16MB RAM with AutoCAD
-- 25MB free hard-disk space, plus document files
-- Windows-compatible pointing device
Novell Netware Server
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Minimum
-- 386/25-based PC
-- Novell Netware 3.12
-- 24MB RAM
-- 100MB free hard-disk space, plus document files
Recommended
-- 486- or Pentium-based PC
-- Novell Netware 3.12
-- 32MB RAM (or more)
-- 200MB free hard-disk space, plus document files
Multiuser Storage and Access
FEATURES
The Autodesk WorkCenter program stores and organizes documents in a central storage facility (or "vault"), which protects documents from unintended or unauthorized use and misuse. Documents may be viewed, edited, redlined or printed.
-- Only Autodesk WorkCenter can access documents in the system.
-- For editing, a document must be checked out as a new revision.
-- Documents can be automatically set aside for archiving.
-- Access ranges from open to high-level security.
-- Access rights can vary by individual, workgroup, document, etc.
Organization
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Information can be viewed in four ways, each of which is accessible at all times with a single mouse-click:
-- The Workspace lets you see all current documents.
-- The Catalog shows all documents in the system.
-- With Search, you locate documents using selected criteria.
-- Inbox handles your workflow messages.
Autodesk WorkCenter lets you group related documents into directorylike hierarchies, called SmartView Folders. The Folders are based on descriptive information, called "profile data," which users assign to documents through customizable profile cards.
-- SmartView Folders can be easily restructured, at any time; different hierarchies can be displayed simultaneously.
-- Profile cards are tabbed for easy reference; number of tabs is unlimited.
-- Related documents, such as Xrefs (external reference documents), can be listed.
-- Long document names -- up to 254 characters -- can be used.
Search
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To search for or sort documents, simply enter the appropriate data on a profile card. Conduct searches based on whatever information you have about the needed document(s); e.g., creation dates, job numbers, etc. Autodesk WorkCenter accepts partial search criteria and wild cards.
-- Create custom searches to satisfy ad hoc reporting needs.
-- Save search criteria by name, for later use.
Revision Management
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Autodesk WorkCenter automatically saves, tracks and organizes all revisions of cataloged documents.
-- Automatic, configurable revision numbering.
-- Specify the maximum number of revisions to be saved on-line.
-- Particular document revisions, such as all documents edited by a certain user, can be listed.
-- The Revision Selection Rule ensures users load the "right" revision -- one approved for their use or the current working revision.
Multiformat Viewer
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Autodesk WorkCenter lets you view files in more than 100 different formats -- without checking out the document, and without the software application that created it. Viewing does not alter a document and can be invoked at any time.
-- File types include word processing, spreadsheet, database, bitmap, and vector, as well as archive (.zip), DWG, DXF(TM) and HPGL.
-- The Previewer places a "live" thumbnail view of any type of document on a profile card.
-- CAD Viewer includes layer and block filters, measuring utilities and display-list capabilities.
CAD Redliner/Compare
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Redline DWG, DXF and HPGL files, on-screen, without checking out or modifying the original. Redlined documents are saved and stored as related documents.
-- Redline using lines, circles, leaders, cloud-shaped polylines, rectangles, sketches, text and "note cards."
-- DWG Compare utility highlights differences among DWG file revisions.
-- Relationships between source and redlined documents are automatically tracked and managed.
Workflow Automation
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Autodesk WorkCenter can automate workgroup task assignment, routing and response.
Route documents in parallel (everybody at once) or serial (one approval, then another); attach working and reference-only documents.
-- Task instructions, check-off responses and due dates can be included.
-- Outstanding workflow requests can be listed and modified.
-- Partially completed requests (including distribution lists, reference documents, instructions) can be saved as templates and reused.
Routing Responses
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Work requests appear in user's Inbox; recipient can hold, reject, request more information or complete.
-- Electronic approvals, or sign-offs, advance document to next design phase; sign-offs are tracked.
-- Responses to work requests can contain comments; responses are tracked.
Notifications
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Event notifications inform users when a specified action -- such as check-in, check-out or approval -- has been taken on a document. Notification appears in user's Inbox.
AutoCAD Integration
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Autodesk WorkCenter fully integrates with AutoCAD for Windows software.
-- Works within or outside AutoCAD.
-- AutoCAD files can be opened from and saved to Autodesk WorkCenter software.
-- Two-way relations between Xrefs and block-source files are tracked and managed.
-- File Switching: Related files (such as an Xref or block source) can be opened directly from inside AutoCAD; documents can be selected visually or chosen from a list of related files.
-- A profile field can be embedded or linked as either a text entity or an attribute; linked profiles enable bidirectional updates.
-- List all blocks and Xrefs within a specified AutoCAD document even without AutoCAD.
-- List all AutoCAD documents containing a specified block or Xref.
-- Access documents from AutoCAD LT software.
Customizable
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Documents can be organized with predefined industry-specific category fields and terminology (which may be further customized) or the user's own criteria.
-- Three customization templates are included: Mechanical Design; Architecture, Engineering and Construction; and Standard.
-- User interface elements (e.g., profile cards, column headings) and system behavior can be set and then saved.
Ease of Use
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Autodesk WorkCenter software has a wealth of ease-of-use features (also see preceding "AutoCAD Integration" and "Customizable" sections).
-- Autodesk WorkCenter can be directly accessed from the OPEN command in most Windows applications.
-- Autodesk WorkCenter has a fully Windows-compliant, intuitive user interface.
-- On-line documentation and help are provided.
-- Different applications can be identified as editing tools for different document types; documents can be organized by their type.
-- Groups of files can be bulk- loaded into Autodesk WorkCenter.
-- An application programming interface (API) supports independent-developer applications.
