Network Drive

A network drive is a folder (or disk volume) located on a local server or shared storage device on your LAN (Local Area Network).

Key Points:

  • Prerequisites:

    • Access to a shared directory on your network.

    • Network permissions set up so that all team members have read/write access.

  • Setup:

    • Create a shared folder on the server, or identify an existing one.

    • Place your central file in this folder so all team members can open and save directly from the network location.

  • Advantages:

    • Typically faster and more stable than a cloud solution if everyone is on the same local network.

    • Fewer sync delays compared to cloud-based tools when everyone is physically close to the server.

  • Considerations:

    • Team members must be connected to the network to work on the file.

    • Potential single point of failure if the network or server goes down.

    • Remote access may require a VPN or remote desktop solution if users are off-site.

Selecting the Central File

Once you’ve connected to the shared network folder, you need to choose which file will serve as the central model:

  1. Open the File Dialog: Navigate to the shared directory on your network drive.

  2. Pick the Central File: Select the file designated as the collaboration “source of truth.”

  3. Confirm Access: Ensure you have read/write permissions. If you’re not sure, check with your network administrator.

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