CAD Manager's Newsletter (#435)

Manage Major Changes with Incremental Innovation

In CAD management, the only thing that doesn't change ... is that things change! When coping with changes in software, hardware, or workflows, choose an approach that minimizes risk and cost.

Two things have always been true in CAD management. The first is that change is a constant: We CAD managers are always being confronted with major changes, such as new software, new hardware, and new workflows for storing data. And the second truth is that we must find innovative ways to get through all those changes; we are expected to figure out how our companies will absorb the new tools and processes to become more efficient while still getting work done.

In this edition of the CAD Manager's Newsletter, I'll explain why the best way to deal with change is to innovate incrementally — not radically — and I'll provide strategies to assist you along the way. Here goes.

Radical = Costly and Unpredictable

When we hear about "innovation," the implied meaning is usually "big changes brought on by radical new tools or technologies." This version of innovation gets all the attention, yet radical change is rarely something a CAD manager should implement. Radical changes, such as moving to entirely new tools, generate downstream effects that most companies don't tolerate well — and no CAD manager can accomplish that kind of change on his or her own anyway.

Consider these complications of radical changes:

The conclusion is obvious to me: CAD managers will never be able to drive radical innovation on their own, because it requires total support and big investment from senior management. Want to know why it has taken decades for 3D and building information modeling (BIM) to displace 2D work methods? Because the change to the organization is radical.

What CAD managers can execute is a more modest process I like to call incremental innovation, which allows for smaller changes to workflows that keep risks and costs under control. Let's investigate.

gustavofrazao/stock.adobe.com

Incremental = Affordable and Doable

If I consider how I can innovate to make my company's CAD environment work better, I realize that I must operate within the core constraints of my job responsibilities. Those being:

So my question now becomes, Which new tools, techniques, training topics, and workflows that I have the authority to implement can help me meet these objectives? And as my previous articles on CAD manager authority have pointed out, you can only innovate when you have the authority to do so. Otherwise you'll be stuck waiting for managerial approval.

The answer to the questions I posed above forms the basis of your incremental innovation plan. The plan will use innovative solutions to known problems, applied incrementally as time permits.

Read more »

Tools and Resources

Call for CAD Freebies — Last Chance!
Point your fellow CAD users toward no- and low-cost tools and resources that can help them with their work! Cadalyst is updating our "Fabulous Freebies for CAD Users" guide, and we'd like your input. Do you have a favorite software tool or resource that doesn't cost a thing? It could be a PDF converter, a sketching tool, a file utility, an AutoLISP routine, a library of downloadable models, or anything else that helps you with your work. Every reader who submits a relevant tool will receive a copy of the updated e-guide before it's available publicly, bypassing the usual registration requirements.

Send your tool recommendation(s) to editors@cadalyst.com by Friday, November 15, for consideration. Be sure to include:

It's that simple! Tools selected for publication will be listed in the updated e-guide, available publicly in the new year. Thank you in advance for helping your fellow CAD users!

Fisher Unitech Offers Virtual Launch Events for SOLIDWORKS 2020
Upcoming online events from Fisher Unitech will showcase what's new in SOLIDWORKS 2020 and demonstrate tips and tricks and other product development best practices. The November events include a two-part What's New presentation, and webinars titled "Proven Principles in Design for Additive Manufacturing" and "Expanding Your Product Data Management Capabilities," among others.
 

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