CAD Manager's Newsletter (#160)

Attention CAD Managers!
Don't forget to participate in my 2006 CAD Manager survey. As always, you have my assurance that your data will not be shared with anyone and your personal identity will not be disclosed. In the November issue of Cadalyst magazine, I will share the survey results and report on the state of the CAD management environment.

Outsourcing: The Finale

Keep in mind what you've learned from this series when you are confronted with the issue of outsourcing.

In the previous four issues of CAD Manager's Newsletter I broadly covered the overall topic of outsourcing. If you haven't had a chance to read the prior installments, I recommend that you do so (click here for archives) to  understand how the topic has evolved.

I continue to marvel at the range of responses and emotions that this series of newsletters has evoked. What's clear to me is that everybody has a strong opinion on the topic, and most readers view outsourcing as a threat to their careers. In this installment I'll wrap up the series by presenting some of the hidden costs of outsourcing that most companies tend to overlook.

Hidden Outsourcing Costs
Very often companies concentrate on what they perceive to be lower labor costs without detecting the hidden costs associated with outsourcing. Missing these hidden costs makes outsourcing seem artificially cheap. And, of course, the hidden costs will become obvious at some point -- typically when it is too late and the mistake has been made.

So what are some of the other hidden outsourcing costs that you should be aware of when analyzing outsourcing scenarios? Here's a list of the more common ones I've identified, along with some background information. Although this list certainly isn't comprehensive, it will lay a good foundation for the conversation on hidden costs. Read more >>

:: CAD Manager's Q&A

Is my company the only one that isn't using 3D design, or are there a lot more CAD managers in the same 2D boat that I'm in?

Robert Green replies: Good question! I see a lot of companies out there that are still primarily using 2D AutoCAD and Microstation. The industry hype may all be 3D, but the reality is that 2D is still alive and well and much more common that you might think. Read more >>

Submit your questions to Robert Green at rgreen@greenconsulting.com.

:: Resource

Time for a New Job?
If you're in the market for a new job -- or if you just want to see what's out there -- Cadalyst.com offers an online Job Search that will help. Powered by Indeed, this search tool offers a state-by-state list of CAD-related job openings, or you can customize a search to find your own list of U.S. job openings based on the keywords and locations you specify. Check it out today!

:: Events

IBM Information on Demand 2006
October 15-20, 2006
Anaheim, California
This information management event is designed for business and IT executives, managers, professionals, DBAs and developers. Both a 2.5-day business leadership track (with 180 sessions) and a 4.5-day technical track (with 650 sessions) are available. Read more

Webinar: Autodesk Inventor
October 17, 2006
Attendees to this complimentary one-hour Webcast will learn how Inventor can boost performance. The webinar will also include a demonstration of Inventor in action and tips for users. Read more

Adobe Acrobat PDF Central Conference
November 6-9, 2006
Council Bluffs, Iowa
This conference comprises both a main conference -- including more than 24 sessions presented by Adobe representatives and other industry experts – and a "mini-conference" for those new to PDF or still investigating PDF possibilities. Read more

For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here.

:: What's New at Cadalyst.com

Good, Bad or Ugly?

New Product Reviews Discussion Forum
Cadalyst's new Product Reviews Discussion Forum provides links to our latest hardware and software reviews and lets users post their own feedback and experience with those products. If you're in the market for new technology, check out the Product Reviews Discussion Forum today.

Cadalyst Daily Update
For all the latest news and new products, subscribe to the Cadalyst Daily e-newsletter. Plus, every issue includes a feature you won't find anywhere else – hardware and CAD software reviews, success stories, AutoCAD tips and much more! Here's a sample of what you missed recently:

• Transcending Typical Design: Interior designer calls on 3D CAD to create an innovative retail environment -- much of which appears to float.

• First Look Review: HP xw8400 Workstation: Highly recommended desktop system is a bit pricey but offers extremely quiet operation and remarkable AutoCAD performance.

• Book Review: AutoCAD 2007 Bible: Comprehensive tome is a good resource for users getting familiar with AutoCAD or some of its new features.