Prevent the use of new CAD layers

We are currently attempting to find a way to lock down the ability to make a new layer in AutoCAD, likely version 2011 or 2012. We have several scripts that update a number of floor plans and compare Mechanical and electrical work for each drawing and makes changes. The BIG problem is that we have hired several designers that flat out refuse to use the layers that we have set up for them. I need a way to prevent the ability to create a new layer. We have prototypes that contain a title block, layers, linetypes and lineweights, so like I said I want no other layers to be possible.

Any ideas that could help??

Thanks,

Marie

I deleted your other thread. Please only start a new thread once for the same question.

This is a management issue not a technology one. Write them up and if needed show them the door, company standards like that are easy to follow and people refusing to follow are grounds for termination from employment. They will spend their time getting around what ever you try to setup, so other than making it easy to use the layers I wouldn't even try.

Sadly, management would rather I try to find a way to lock them out rather than have to take any type of disciplinary action. So before they will even think about taking action they want me to attempt what seems not possible.

Sadly, management would rather I try to find a way to lock them out rather than have to take any type of disciplinary action. So before they will even think about taking action they want me to attempt what seems not possible.

I would freshen up my resume, if given this task.

Who is going to take the heat when the stuff hits the fan, the fancypants Dee-zigners? I don't know of any facility in autoCad that can do this function. I suppose you can write a script or lisp that would react to every new layer by immediately deleting it before it is used, but it might get in the way of real work.

You're pretty close to me, tell me where not to send my resume.

Look into the use of the Batch Standards Checker.

"The Batch Standards Checker audits a series of drawings for standards violations and creates an XML-based summary report detailing all violations. To use the Batch Standards Checker, you must first create a standards check file that specifies the drawings to audit and the standards files used for the audit."

With summary in hand you can document the abuses.

Uninstall Autocad, pass out some pencils, tsquares, compasses and triangles. Don't forget the "drafting dots" to hold the paper down. They look neater than chunks of masking tape.

Documenting the abuses alone will be of no help. You need to document training in the use of company drawing standards.

Uninstall Autocad' date=' pass out some pencils, tsquares, compasses and triangles. Don't forget the "drafting dots" to hold the paper down. They look neater than chunks of masking tape.[/quote']

 

Someone could still use the wrong leads and bring their own colored pencils.

Of course this means you would spend money for the application but CAD Masters offers a way to check standards (layers included) and convert them to the standard layers if they do not conform.

I would freshen up my resume, if given this task.

 

Who is going to take the heat when the stuff hits the fan, the fancypants Dee-zigners? I don't know of any facility in autoCad that can do this function. I suppose you can write a script or lisp that would react to every new layer by immediately deleting it before it is used, but it might get in the way of real work.

 

You're pretty close to me, tell me where not to send my resume.

I have to agree with Dana W. This is a prime example of the disease of PC becoming so rampant that even disciplinary action is not tolerated. Rather we should coddle them and make them feel accepted. If this is where the world is going then the future generations are in for a big surprise, and one that is not going to be pleasant. It is getting to be a sad state of affairs when we have to appease those that do not want to be held accountable.

Someone could still use the wrong leads and bring their own colored pencils.

Darn! Ok, so much for that. The point of all this discussion is that if there is a way to screw up someone will find it. I know you can only do what you're told, but your employer is making a big mistake with this unless he intends to turn back the clock. How can he know that the company will never need another layer for something?

If you have cad standards, yes they should be followed. There are an assortment of software packages that will check this for you, but they take time and effort to set up. Even at that, you can't guarantee that everybody will draw everything will be on the right layer. I used to work with a guy that drew everything on layer zero. Didn't matter what it was. His argument ws that no one had ever told him what goes where, and every time he'd tried to make sense of it he got it wrong anyway so there was no point. Should he be fired? Wait a minute...he'd been with the company 35 years, knew the product line inside out, was probably the fastest draftsman (and most accurate) there. Still think he should be fired, and lose that wealth of information and skill and experience over something that in the end is somewhat trivial? You can't tell one layer from the other on paper anyway on a monochrome printer.

If you don't educate the workers, you can't beat on them for doing it wrong. Once you've trained them, had them sign off on the training, then go for it.

Don't get me wrong, I gripe all the time about improper layer usage. But can you really fire somebody, especially a long term, valuable employee because a line is blue instead of red? Is how it's done more important than what and how much is done?

In my case, yes...I work for lots of different clients, they all have thier own ideas and they are all different. I'm yet to have a client that follows his own standards, however. I see structure on the "dimension" layer, and concrete on the "steel" layer and dimension on the "door" or some such idiotic thing every day. I've even had a few complain because I fixed something. "Those aren't dimensions, they are DOOR dimensions. Should be on the door layer" except that the door itself was on the electrical layer. Now I just leave that stuff alone and make sure if I draw a door, it's on the door layer (if there is one).

Standards? STANDARDS?? We don't need no stinkin' standards!

In my case' date=' yes...I work for lots of different clients, they all have thier own ideas and they are all different. I'm yet to have a client that follows his own standards, however. I see structure on the "dimension" layer, and concrete on the "steel" layer and dimension on the "door" or some such idiotic thing every day. I've even had a few complain because I fixed something. "Those aren't dimensions, they are DOOR dimensions. Should be on the door layer" except that the door itself was on the electrical layer. Now I just leave that stuff alone and make sure if I draw a door, it's on the door layer (if there is one).[/quote']

 

I need a laughing coffee out my nose smillie.

 

Was the door to the Electrical Room?

BUT, Does anyone know is there a way to lock the layers down to only our CAD Standard layers?

I understand that I am fighting an uphill battle but any Help? Is it even possible top lock layers? The CAD standards Checker is great! Thank you for that. I will use it to help report to the boss.

BUT, Does anyone know is there a way to lock the layers down to only our CAD Standard layers?

Not by typical lain Jane ordinary vanilla AutoCad settings. I would think a LISP routine could be created to do this though but someone with more knowledge than I would have to verify this.

Standards? STANDARDS?? We don't need no stinkin' standards!

I scoff in your gener-ile direction.

Not by typical lain Jane ordinary vanilla AutoCad settings. I would think a LISP routine could be created to do this though but someone with more knowledge than I would have to verify this.

While the lisp gurus could no doubt write such a routine, the obvious question is....what layer to move the errant objects to? Or do you plan to have it turn the stuff on the offending layer some butt-ugly color with big fat linewidths so you can send it back to the person? Or just delete everything on that layer?

I suppose you could have lisp redefine all the layer commands that would create a new layer to pop up a dialog box that says "ILLEGAL OPERATION" and it email his supervisor, clock him out and notify security to escort him off the property, but what happens if you get a customer or vendor drawing and try to open or insert it? It's not going to conform to your standards.

I need a laughing coffee out my nose smillie.

 

Was the door to the Electrical Room?

Nope...restroom. And no, we ain't goin' there. There will be no electrified toilet seats in my drawings!