CAD Manager's Newsletter (#227)

14 Oct, 2009 By: Robert Green

Survey: CAD Managers Reveal
Effects of the Economy, Part 1

Results of the mini-survey are in, and they suggest that conditions have worsened this year.

For the past month, I've been collecting data for a mini-survey to gauge how the current economic downturn is affecting CAD managers. Following up on a similar survey I conducted in February, I want to determine whether conditions are getting better, growing worse, or staying the same. Given contradictory reports of key economic indicators, rising unemployment rates, government stimulus programs, and other variables in today’s market, I really had no idea what this survey would reveal.

I hoped to have better news to convey, but according to the hundreds of survey respondents, conditions are worsening. In this issue, I'll share some of the data as well as some thoughts and advice related to those results. Here goes.

CAD Managers Respond

The short survey was conducted during September 2009 via my web site. In this edition of the CAD Manager's Newsletter, I’ll focus on the response to the following questions:

How busy is your company?
Has your company had layoffs?
What's your prediction about future work?
Has your pay been frozen or cut?
Have you stopped purchasing new hardware?
Have you stopped renewing software subscriptions?
Has your training budget been cut?

:: CAD Manager's Toolbox: What to Do When Old Tools Won’t Work on New 64-Bit Operating Systems

The upgrade to a new OS can spell trouble in the form of incompatible peripherals.

I'm starting to see more companies implementing 64-bit operating systems, but as they do so, frustrations about incompatibilities can arise. Here are a few of the questions I've been asked:

"How do I get my old printer to work under this new 64-bit system?"
"Why won't videos play on my browser now that I'm running a 64-bit system?"
"My users can't get their iPods (or digital cameras, etc.) ported over to their new 64-bit workstations!"

:: Resources

CIMdata Announces New Review of Siemens Teamcenter Express

CIMdata, a PLM consulting and research firm, announced the availability of a new program review of Teamcenter Express, a Siemens PLM Software collaborative product definition management (cPDm) solution. The program review provides an overall description as well as CIMdata’s assessment of the Teamcenter Express program for the PLM market.

Roland DGA Debuts New Web Site

Roland DGA, a developer of wide-format printers, 3D laser scanners, and touch probe scanners, has launched a redesigned web site featuring advanced navigation tools, easy access to information, and web 2.0 functionality including links to Roland on social networking sites such as Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. With the new site, Roland has integrated all products into one comprehensive view so customers can quickly browse through the full line of Roland technologies.

SIS Announces Checkpoint Collection Guide

Service and support provider Spatial Information Solutions announced the availability of “Image Accuracy Checkpoint Collection Guide.” This white paper uses text, pictures, and a table to address a series of topics including introduction to photogrammetry, ground control points and ground checkpoints, and photogrammetric targets. The 15-page document is available for free download.

:: Events

Introduction to Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0

October 26–30, 2009
Portland, Oregon
This course, from training provider TriStar, is designed for new users who want to become proficient with Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0. Read more »

ESPRIT World Conference 2010

May 18–21, 2010
Long Beach, California
ESPRIT World Conference 2010 marks the unveiling of the latest version of the ESPRIT CAM software. ESPRIT customers, DP Technology staff, and distinguished guests will gather to learn the nuts and bolts of ESPRIT 2011. Read more »

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Are you hosting an event that you would like to include in our calendar? Submit details at least two weeks in advance to news@cadalyst.com.

:: What's New at Cadalyst.com

Autodesk Discontinues Stand-Alone ImageModeler Sales
Beginning in November, ImageModeler 2009 software and ImageModeler 2009 upgrades can only be purchased in combination with other Autodesk software. Read more »

GIS E-Book Serves as Guidebook to the Future
ESRI's latest collection of essays explores the application of GIS to an array of challenges, as well as the ongoing evolution of the technology. Read more »

solidThinking 8.0 Puts Emphasis on Creativity for Industrial Designers
3D modeling and rendering solution delivers restyled user interface and other new features including optional Inspired module for generating design options inspired by nature. Read more »

:: About the Author

Cadalyst contributing editor Robert Green performs CAD programming and consulting throughout the United States and Canada. He is the author of Expert CAD Management: The Complete Guide. Reach him via his web site.

About the Author: Robert Green

AutoCAD Tips!

Lynn Allen

Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's Tips & Tricks Tuesdays free e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is available. All exclusively from Cadalyst!
Follow Lynn on Twitter