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CAD Manager's Newsletter (#228)
28 Oct, 2009 By: Robert GreenSurvey: CAD Managers Reveal
Effects of the Economy, Part 2
CAD managers around the globe report how their workloads, jobs, and department overheads have changed recently.
In the previous issue of the CAD Manager's Newsletter, I began analyzing the results of my latest mini-survey, designed to gauge how the current economic downturn is affecting CAD managers. I know that many are tired of reading negative news about the economy, but I feel it is my duty to report the status of CAD managers whether the news is good or bad. (Believe me, I'd rather the news be good!)
In this issue, I'm going to wrap up my coverage of the survey with some additional results, as well as some recommendations for hanging onto your job and making the best of tough times. Here goes.
More Responses
To recap, the mini-survey comprised a brief list of economy-related questions, and was conducted during September 2009 via my web site, CAD-Manager.com. I received roughly 400 responses from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, South Africa, and other countries. It seemed that CAD managers in every region are experiencing more layoffs, reductions in training and software budgets, and reduced CAD operator headcounts corresponding to generally reduced workloads.
The issues I'll focus on this time are:
- Are you performing more or less CAD management than before?
- Are you under increased pressure to be billable?
- Have you been forced to cut overhead costs?
:: CAD Manager's Toolbox:
When Internet Explorer Clashes with 64-Bit
Operating Systems
Although it seems logical to use a 64-bit browser with a 64-bit operating system,
that's not always the best answer.
As a follow-up to some e-mail I've received, I wanted to offer a suggestion for those CAD managers running 64-bit Microsoft Windows XP or Vista systems (or Windows 7, before long). These users may encounter some compatibility problems with Internet Explorer's 64-bit version. (The real culprit is usually a plugin for 64-bit Internet Explorer, but when you can't view training videos or share Flash media content, who cares who's at fault — you simply want a fix, right?)
The workaround is to simply not use the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, but to use the supplied 32-bit version instead. This fix has worked perfectly for me so far. In fact, I probably won't mess with reactivating the 64-bit version. Read more »
Lattice Technology Releases Two Chapters of its Lean Manufacturing Book
Lattice Technology, a developer of digital manufacturing applications, has released chapters 11 and 12 of the free book, Improving Lean Manufacturing Through 3D Data by Hiroshi Toriya. Two chapters per month will be released to registered recipients. The book includes case studies on major manufacturers including Toyota, Brother Industries, Niigata Power Systems, Alpine Precision, and more.
New Resources Available for Jewel Creators
More than 60 videos are available on Rhinojewel.com to show each of the Rhinojewel tools at work. The content of these videos varies from beginner level to advanced jewelry design tools and modeling strategies. Free 3D models are also available for download.
AIA Minnesota Annual Convention and Product Exposition
November 10–13, 2009
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is offering “Old is the New Green: Preservation as Sustainable Design,” as a four-session track exploring the connection between sustainable design and historic preservation. Read more »
Ecobuild America 2009
December 07–10, 2009
Washington D.C.
Ecobuild America, sponsored by the National Institute of Building Sciences, educates design and construction professionals on how to improve our built environment.
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.
First Look Review: MapleSim 2
Powered by the Maple technical computing engine, MapleSim is a 3D modeling and simulation solution that lets users specify and evaluate myriad simulation conditions for physical models. Read more »
Q&A Series: Autodesk Subscription, Part 4
How do I use Previous Version/Home Use? What is it? Read more »
Solid Thinking: SWUGN Technical Summits
The one-day SolidWorks User Group Network events bring users together for learning, networking, and lunch. Read more »
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AutoCAD Tips!
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! |
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