In my first job out of college as an industrial engineer I had several bad experiences with a shared master plant layout. Some of the less experienced engineers, including myself, would sometimes make mistakes and end up messing up the master layout much to the dismay of the engineering manager. In the end I worked with the manager to try to fool-proof the layout so it wouldn't happen in the future. For instance, we decided it was best to x-ref the external walls and structural columns into a locked layer of the master layout. It worked really well.
Now I'm at my second job and they've asked me to head up the task of developing the plant's master layout. Do any of you have any recommendations for starting a new layout from scratch and perhaps more importantly, maintaining the layout? E.g. lessons learned

Thanks,
Andy

The last two facilities I have created master plans for I had the luxury of starting with the architect's autocad drawings. I had to remove some section lines etc. but at least it made for an accurate start.

The last two facilities I have created master plans for I had the luxury of starting with the architect's autocad drawings. I had to remove some section lines etc. but at least it made for an accurate start.
Good call, I think it would be best to x-ref in the architectural drawings onto a locked layer so nobody could accidentally move them. I've also decided its probably best to have every machine be its own block, including its air, water, and electrical inlets. That way, someone couldn't possibly move the machine without moving the utilities associated with it.

Thanks,
Andy

I agree, it is best to have utilites on various layers. I have also included the Fire Escape Route as a Seperate Layer for my facility. The Safety engineer was pleased with that effort :)

I agree, it is best to have utilites on various layers. I have also included the Fire Escape Route as a Seperate Layer for my facility. The Safety engineer was pleased with that effort :)

Good call, I'll make sure I add that in to my list of layers. Does anyone else have any input?

Thanks,
Andy