Manufacturing & engineering
Engineering revision
Definition
An engineering revision is an identified, approved state of a part, assembly, drawing, or release package. Unlike an ordinary saved version, a revision communicates a controlled design change to manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and other downstream users.
Also known as: revision, design revision, part revision
Updated
Revision versus version#
A version is usually a saved or checked-in state in the working history. SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 says each modification or check-in creates a new version, while a revision can be assigned when a file reaches a workflow state such as approval for manufacture.
That distinction prevents every save from looking like a production decision. A design may accumulate many versions while it is reviewed, repaired, and compared before one of them becomes Revision C.
A revision needs scope#
The identifier is useful only when it names the whole controlled handoff. Depending on the job, that can include a native CAD model, assembly, drawing, BOM, neutral export, flat pattern, or manufacturing file.
Onshape Release Management applies release workflows to revisions of parts, assemblies, drawings, and imported files. A revision label on one drawing does not protect a supplier from receiving an older STEP file beside it.
Released does not mean correct forever#
A release records what was approved at a point in time. Later changes need a new review and revision when they affect the controlled design. Previous revisions should remain identifiable so a team can understand installed products, supplier stock, inspection records, and the reason a change was made.
Sources
Related terms
PDM
Product data management (PDM) is the controlled system used to store, version, relate, review, and release engineering files and their metadata. In CAD work it keeps models, drawings, assemblies, BOM information, permissions, and approval history tied to identifiable design states.
Drawing
An engineering drawing is a 2D document generated from a 3D model, with views, dimensions, tolerances, and notes. Many shops still quote and inspect from drawings even when they also receive a STEP file.
PMI
PMI is the dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, materials, surface finishes, and notes attached to a 3D CAD model instead of, or in addition to, a 2D drawing. It is the core content of model-based definition.