In fast-paced design and manufacturing environments, the tools used to manage and share files can make or break team productivity. While free file-sharing platforms are widely used for their convenience, they often come with hidden drawbacks — from version control headaches and limited user permissions to data security concerns and lost time.

This article dives into the unseen costs of relying on generic, non-specialized file-sharing tools in professional engineering workflows. You'll learn how these platforms can introduce risk and inefficiency — and why investing in the right data management approach can lead to better collaboration, fewer errors, and stronger IP protection.