V8i - Standardizing configurations to point to server for company or client standards

Question

We are trying to standardize our MicroStation V8i configs, so each of our offices is using the same set/s of support files for plotting, levels, colors, linestyles, etc. 
 With past employers, my workstation was always set to point to the server support files relating to standards, so that all drawings, no matter where they were produced or plotted, would look identical. 
 I'm told by another user, that this is impossible and each local computer must have all the files set on their hard-drive, which he says could take up to 2 weeks of work for each new project to set up standards. This makes no sense to me and would defeat the purposes of creating company wide cad standards for MicroStation. 
 Can't this still be accomplished? If so, where can I find the proper procedures?

Jon Summers · Accepted Answer

Unknown said: We are trying to standardize our MicroStation V8i configs... 
 Good thinking! That's what most people (i.e. CAD Administrators) would do, and that's what MicroStation is designed to achieve. 
 In MicroStation Help, start with the chapter Setting Up Projects . There's a lot in there, but start reading about Workspaces and Workspace Configuration . It's through configuration variables that you tell MicroStation where to look for files and other resources. 
 Unknown said: One of our users says this is impossible and each local computer must have all the files set on their hard-drive 
 Probably not the best source of advice. Not only is it possible to have files stored on a network, but for most people that's the preferred way of working. There are plenty of people on this Forum have done just what you need to do and are willing and able to provide help.

mechamb · Answer

If you are looking for some reading material here are some blogs I wrote on the topic. 
 envisioncad.com/.../a-managed-cad-environment 
 envisioncad.com/.../6-basic-dos-and-donts-of-microstation-workspaces 
 envisioncad.com/.../top-10-microstation-variables-to-define-standards 
 envisioncad.com/.../5-microstation-variables-every-user-should-have-defined 
 and 
 envisioncad.com/.../6-variables-that-can-improve-microstation

Bear · Answer

My advice would be to look at using a custom cfg file that can be placed in the appl directory for each MicroStation install. There are many ways to achieve this, including using your users login scripts. 
 Have a read of: 
 communities.bentley.com/.../cfg-my-way-how-to-configure-your-own-build-bear-39-s-alternative.aspx 
 for more on the custom cfg check out: 
 communities.bentley.com/.../build-kick-off-ustn-site.aspx 
 A little bit of advice on how to set up your site cfg files: 
 communities.bentley.com/.../tech-tip-config-loading.aspx 
 There is a lot more content of setting up builds so please feel free to have a look around and let me know if there is anything else you'd like to see covered: 
 communities.bentley.com/.../default.aspx