A system audit identifies weaknesses, inefficiencies, and risks across tools, workflows, and hardware. The goal is to translate those findings into practical actions that lift performance, improve reliability, and strengthen security. A good audit also clarifies ownership and next steps so improvements are easy to track.

Most organisations benefit from a full audit once a year, with a lighter mid-cycle review for fast-changing teams or major software updates. Regular cadence helps keep standards current, catches bottlenecks before they grow, and supports compliance with internal and external requirements.

A PDM audit reviews data structures, revision schemes, workflows and states, user and group permissions, search and metadata usage, and integrations with related systems. The outcome is a prioritised set of recommendations – such as standardising variables, refining transitions, or automating publishing – that improve control and traceability.

A CAD audit pinpoints sources of rework, long cycle times, and inconsistent outputs. Typical actions include aligning templates and title blocks, standardising properties and file names, and clarifying approval steps. These changes reduce errors, speed drawing creation, and make collaboration across teams more predictable.

Important indicators include CPU and GPU capability, available RAM, storage speed, certified graphics drivers, and SOLIDWORKS-specific settings. Matching hardware and configuration to recommended requirements helps prevent crashes, shortens open/save times, and keeps performance steady on large assemblies and drawings.