CadBase

This program is being used by ourselves on a daily basis but is still under development for general release. It is a database system designed to help manage multiple projects and keep track of drawings. When a drawing is finished CadBase is used to load a paperspace template, ask the user for information about the drawing, print the drawing information in the correct place on the template and, at the same time enter the information in a database from where it can be manipulated in various ways.

The main setup screen & a typical data-entry pop-up

Each drawing can be categorised & sub-categorised and various database fields can be choosen for each template. Data for many of the fields such as category, sub-category, material, finish, draughtsman etc. are choosen using a quick-code from lookup tables. Drawing, part numbers and filenames can be created automatically according to user preferences. Lookup table entries can be created "on the fly" or can be set up in advance. Each project is stored in a separate folder with its own set of initialisation and database files.

A typical lookup table

The main drawing data is stored in csv files and is all managed from within DesignCAD. Supplementary data such as cutting, parts and supplier lists are stored in an Access .mdb file together with links to the csv files. Manipulation and reporting of the data is done using a compiled MS Access based program. Various reports & lists can be generated including purchase orders. However, end users can also access the .mdb file and write their own reports if MS Access is available.

Our consultancy business is currently handling projects that contain anything up to 1,000 drawings plus parts databases for all the component parts for some quite complex machines. Above is a typical database report.

The DesignCAD side of CadBase is written using DesignCad's Baisicad macro language, however if there is enough demand and interest in the program we plan to rewrite the whole thing in Visual Basic to improve the general user interface - please let us know your thoughts and don't hesitate to contact us if you are interested in CadBase when it is ready for release.

On completion of the initial stage we will also be in a position to tailor the database to suit your own specific needs - again if you have any specific requirements please do not hesitate to contact us.

Database fields