Seed File Usage

[Sparkette]

Is it better to use a 'seed' file, that is a file that uses the configuration from a previous project, as the basis for a new project OR is it better to start each project from scratch?

I have found in the past that when a project uses a seed file based on a previous project, more often than not, there are a fair number of configuration aspects that need to be changed anyway. For example, the tag number format may need to be changed because there aren't enough character spaces available, or the prefixes for the tags don't turn out to be what we need for the project.

I know this is a matter of opinion, I am only looking for some input to find out what others have done in the past that has worked for them.

Thanks to all for your insights.

 

[Olander]

My company (engineeing and construction) has 2 different seed files, one for chemical based projects and one for life sciences. The main benefit is the standardization of instrument data sheets. Tag format is changed for each project. DDP and hook-ups are seeded as well. The seed i s updated periodically so acts as our "knowledge" base for capturing data sheet best practices.