The Bedrock of CAD Management
The absolute bedrock requirements of CAD management are the same as ever and include:
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Managing standards,
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Training users,
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Updating hardware, software, peripherals, and
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Keeping projects on track.
But, the tools required to perform these tasks have substantially changed, such as:
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Standards used to be written procedures, but now they are typically automated workflows or part of CAD and BIM templates.
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Training used to be in person but is now often remote or video-based.
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In the old days, keeping software, hardware, and peripherals up to date was done by the CAD manager, but now it is likely to be an IT function.
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Project support used to be done on site using the “walk-around” method, but now is usually done remotely.
On one hand, you can say that CAD management hasn’t changed or, on the other hand, you can say it has dramatically changed. You could even say that the tools have changed but the mission has not. All three statements are true.
Tip: Always keep the bedrock responsibilities of your job in mind, but don’t be afraid to embrace new tools that help you fulfill those responsibilities.
Recent Changes — What’s Changed and When?
During my 30-year career in CAD management, almost everything concerning software, hardware, networks, and information distribution methodologies has changed. But, let’s refine our discussion and talk about the past decade or so. These changes include:
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Information distribution via cloud tools and the plethora of accounts and security metrics required to make these tools work well.
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The blending of modelling, rendering, analysis, and annotation output into a single ecosystem rather than different departments.
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Extreme new workstation power running at the mercy of slow and latency-prone wide area networks.
Taken together, users have become empowered with unprecedented speed and diversity of applications at their desktop, but can be hampered by slow internet connections and clunky network security. CAD managers have had to spend more time managing the security and network performance in recent years than the applications that allow users to design and innovate.
Tip: Focus your attention on making the cloud, security, and network hassles go away as much as you can by working with IT to make the environment better.
What Never Changes — The Human Condition.
Many human beings — if not most — don’t like change. Getting people to learn new things, abandon bad habits, follow procedures, and stay on schedule can be as difficult today as it ever was. I’m fond of saying that CAD management often isn’t so much a technology problem as a psychology problem, and that certainly hasn’t changed.
It seems CAD managers will always have to work against the human condition by providing compelling reasons to change behaviors and create best practices to make change non-threatening.
Tip: In business environments where less is done face to face, you must really focus on communicating what needs to change and why and you must continue to do so over time. Thank of yourself as marketing CAD change and realize that good marketing must be repeated to be effective.
Keep reading to find out how to inspire users to use CAD standards, avoid the biggest mistakes, and what traits a good CAD manager must have. Are you up to the task? Read more»