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N Drive Folder & File Management

This page reviews the N: drive and aims to provide an overview of the HBT Standard folder structure. It specifically examines file management practices within the N: (Hardware) Drive, focusing on the 09 Engineering, 10 Submittals, and 07 Plans and Spec folders.

Project Managers should consult their PM manual for details about folders not used by Engineering, such as Project Schedules, Subcontract, and Correspondence.

Training for the Material Orders & Quotes, please contact the CT Procurement Team.

N: Drive Usage​

The N: drive serves as the primary location for project files. While it contains additional files and folders, these are outside the scope of this training.

  • All team members are required to work from the N: drive.

  • Because multiple people collaborate on each project, keeping files on personal computers can hinder teamwork and cause delays. Storing everything on the N: drive supports efficient collaboration.

Folder and File Management​

For more detailed information specific to Engineering, refer to

N:\_Engineering\999 - PLC\CT Processes\N Drive Folder and File Management\HBT N Drive File Management 3 Jan 2023

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Points to Remember​

  • Refer to the project’s EDL (Engineering Deliverables Log) for guidance on sub-folder naming conventions.
    1. This applies to both the Engineering and Submittal folders.
    2. Always include the task number in the folder name.
  • Avoid duplicating files, whether within the same folder or across different folders.
    1. Only the most current version should be kept in the main folder.
    2. Older versions or revisions should be saved in an archive folder.
  • Be clear and specific when naming files.
    1. Consider whether others will be able to locate the file you’ve created.
    2. Think long term—will you be able to find this file five years from now?

Conclusion​

The N: Drive is accessed by numerous team members across various offices and roles within the company. With such widespread use, the importance of standardization becomes essential.

Implementing standards for folder management, file organization, clear and consistent file naming, and revision control ensures that the system is easy to navigate and use for everyone, regardless of their location. By following these standards and managing files and folders properly, overall job efficiency and effectiveness are significantly enhanced, benefiting both the company and its employees.

All engineering and submittal files must be saved to the N: drive, rather than personal computers, to ensure that all team members working on a project have the access they need.

For more detailed guidelines, refer to:
N:\_Engineering\999 - PLC\CT Processes\N Drive Folder and File Management\HBT N Drive File Management 3 Jan 2023