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CAD Data and BIM Archives: What to Do When a Business Closes

Engineering firms, manufacturers, architects, contractors and fabricators often hold years of CAD data and BIM models. These files record how products and buildings were designed, changed and delivered. When a business closes, its CAD data is often left on a server or in a cloud vault that is about to be switched off. This guide explains how to preserve CAD and BIM archives, which rights questions to check and why this kind of data increasingly interests AI developers.

What a CAD and BIM archive usually contains

The value of CAD data often lies less in single files than in the links between them: a model, its revisions, the change request that caused them, the work order and the inspection result.

Why CAD data interests AI developers

AI systems are being developed to help with engineering and design work. They might read drawings, check specifications, suggest changes, write CAM code or answer questions from technical documents. To train and test these systems, developers need real examples of professional design work, including how designs evolved and why. Generic, public CAD libraries rarely show revision histories, design intent or the problems that came up in production. Real archives can. Read how to sell data to AI companies for how this market works.

Step 1: Preserve the archive

Keep vaults and licences alive

PDM and PLM systems often store files in a database-backed vault. If the server or licence lapses, getting the files out with their history can become very difficult. Keep the system running until you have a full export.

Export with history

Export every revision, not just the latest. Keep the metadata: authors, dates, revision letters, lifecycle states and references between assemblies and parts.

Keep folder structures

Project folders and naming conventions often hold the links between drawings, jobs and clients.

Record software versions

Native files may need a particular software version to open. Note which versions were used, and consider exporting neutral formats as well.

Step 2: Check ownership and rights

This is the most important step for CAD data.

Customer-owned designs

Much engineering work is done to a client's design or under contract terms that assign IP to the client. Those files can't be licensed without permission.

Your own designs

Products and standard details developed in-house are more likely to be yours to license.

Third-party content

Supplier models and library parts may carry their own licence terms.

Confidentiality and NDAs

Even where IP is yours, confidentiality obligations may restrict disclosure.

Export controls

Some technical data, for example defence-related or dual-use designs, is subject to export-control rules.

Personal data

Drawings carry names, initials and sometimes signatures. Correspondence and RFIs contain more personal data. See anonymising data before a sale.

Step 3: Describe the archive

A short, non-confidential description is enough to judge whether there is any interest:

BIM and construction projects

BIM models from construction projects often connect with programmes, cost plans, RFIs and variations held in project software. Our guide to Jira export and project-software data covers platforms such as Procore. The construction-specific record types are set out in the construction archive guide.

Manufacturing and engineering

For manufacturers, the most useful archives link CAD to production: CAM programs, work orders, NCRs and corrective actions. See the manufacturing and engineering records guide and the manufacturing and engineering business types.

Common mistakes

How McKays can help

McKays helps owners and liquidators assess whether CAD and BIM archives could have a responsible licensing use. We start with a description, never files, and say plainly where we see no route. Explore the sector guides or read about data valuation.

Where the files might be

CAD data is rarely in one place. Check engineering workstations with local working copies, network drives, PDM vault servers, cloud storage such as Autodesk Docs or OneDrive, CAM programming PCs, machine controllers that hold programs, and email attachments sent to clients and suppliers. Old projects may sit on backup drives or in an earlier vault that was replaced. A quick audit across all of these locations avoids losing years of history when hardware is disposed of.

FAQ

Is CAD data valuable?

It can be, particularly where it includes revision histories and links to production or project outcomes, and where the rights are clear.

Can I license designs I made for clients?

Usually not without permission. Check the contract terms on IP and confidentiality.

Which formats matter most?

Native formats keep the most information, but neutral formats such as STEP or IFC are easier for buyers to use. Keeping both is ideal.

What about old software versions?

Record the versions used, and convert files while you still have working licences.

Do drawings contain personal data?

Often, in title blocks, revision notes and correspondence. This can usually be removed or pseudonymised.