Top Tips for Moving Your Fabrication Database to the Cloud

Organizations that use Autodesk Fabrication (CADmep, ESTmep, CAMduct, Revit for Fab) may experience slow working conditions when communicating with the database. For remote users this can cause major slowdowns when trying to work. The use of a VPN gives users access to files but it is slow and non-productive.

 
One option for alleviating this slowness and increasing productivity remotely is to utilize FABsync and the power of the cloud. This creates a productive remote environment, with very little change to an organization’s workflow. Users can be up and running quickly and continue to meet client expectations and project deadlines.

By creating a simple workflow using FABsync and Dropbox, you will have a tried and true method that is utilized by Applied Software with many Autodesk Fabrication clients for increasing end user productivity.

 

FABsync

FABsync is a tool designed to quickly and easily keep your Fabrication database updated between the Master database and the local working databases.

• Allows duplicating a Fabrication database from a server or cloud file storage location (Dropbox for example) to a local drive.
• Assists in keeping an up to date copy of the database on your local drive.
• Reduces the time required to maintain a properly working and clean database.

FABsync works on the concept of two separate but identical databases, referred to as the “Master” and “Working.” FABsync requires that users work from a local copy of the database, the “Working” database.

Why run a Fabrication database from a local drive?

• Speed – Running the database off the computer’s local drive is drastically faster than accessing it over a network to a server.
• Security – Keeping a permission restricted “Master” copy of your database on a server or cloud location will protect it from any unexpected or accidental alteration.
• Portability – Having a current copy of your database on the local drive allows users to work in Fabrication without having to be connected to the network.
• Reduced maintenance – Restricted access to the “Master” database means there will be less maintenance.

FABsync saves the time and headache of managing which files need to be moved or copied and provides backup and protection for the “Master” database.

FABsync features:

• Fast – Only files that are modified are synced.
• Synching is one directional – Users cannot push back to “Master.”
• Has a built-in backup system.
• It’s simple – One button click updates your “Working” database.

 

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and sharing platform that allows you to sync data efficiently among users and/or locations. It can be set up quickly, and files immediately begin to sync.

Dropbox gives you the ability to sync in different ways, depending on the version utilized (licensed vs. free).**

**Either version will work for these purposes, depending on the size of your database. If you choose to sync project files, you may have additional requirements that require a different version or additional setup.

 

The Workflow

By incorporating FABsync and Dropbox, you can quickly get your Fabrication “Master” database synced so that users are able to maintain a local copy that is up to date.

Depending on your environment, your users can copy project files to their local system via the VPN, or you can also leverage Dropbox to sync project files directly to a remote system. This is up to your organization.

For files outside of the database, Dropbox can be set up to sync file/folder locations from your server up to Dropbox in the cloud.

FABsync is then set up to sync from the Dropbox location to the local “Working” database location.

Users can then work locally in a productive manner.

This is only one option to aid in keeping remote users productive. With the unprecedented work from home scenario faced currently, there are different solutions to aid almost any organization.

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Applied Software has the expertise. Contact Applied today, and let us know how we can help.