I work on a product that is comprised of a series of items that get stacked together.  They are all relatively large diameter and varying thicknesses.  Also, they are not all the same diameter, or even concentric. In order to fasten the assembly together, we have a "global" hole pattern that gets machined into each part.  Since it is a global pattern, if a part only exists in a certain location in the stack up, it only gets the part of the pattern in that area.  When it all comes together the holes all align and screws are used to fasten it all together.

I am looking for a way to create a "hole template" file so I can design each part individually, and put the holes in it (as a part) by referring to this template file.  Doing this right would yield parts that, when brought into the assembly, have holes that are all in the right locations.  Also, if I change the hole pattern template file I would like all of the parts to update.

This hole pattern cannot be put in in the assembly as I need to detail each part individually so all holes are drilled properly while making the part.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.