CAD Manager's Newsletter #144
8 Feb, 2006 By: Robert GreenCAD Manager Productivity Hints, Part 1
Use these tips to help identify your priorities, get organized and save time
In the last edition of the CAD Manager’s Newsletter (click here for archives), I promised to pass along some productivity-maximizing tips. So over the next couple of editions of the newsletter, I’ll do just that. These tips are culled from years of personal CAD-management experience and observation of successful CAD managers in a range of industries.
In this installment, I’ll focus on organizational and reporting tips so you can improve your responsiveness, reduce repetition, stay on track and keep your management in the loop. Here goes.Tip 1: Keep a Diary
Time consumed per week: 20 minutes, usually in one- to two-minute increments, once or twice per day.
Time saved per week: At least 30 minutes, but sometimes a lot more.
I’ve always had trouble remembering all the little things I did well, needed to do better or, in retrospect, wished I had done. A simple diary is a great way to record all these nuggets of information so you can find them later. And because it is your personal diary, you don’t need to worry about formatting, spelling or grammar. Your diary is simply an “expanded CAD-management memory bank” that you can tap so you never have to solve the same problem twice. Read more >>
As a CAD manager who does some customization work around the office, should I learn Visual Basic?
Robert Green responds: In general, I’d answer this question with a “yes,” but let me qualify that answer a bit … Read more >>
Submit your questions to Robert Green atrgreen@greenconsulting.com.
Online Directory Presents Continuing and Professional Education Programs: The new UCEAdirectory.org Web site offers what is said to be the only online directory of certificate and degree programs offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities. Developed by UCEA (University Continuing Education Association) and Educational Directories Unlimited, it offers a comprehensive directory of credible programs offered by UCEA members. The institutions offer an array of on-campus and online associate, baccalaureate, graduate and certificate programs.
The directory is designed to help prospective students find the programs that best fit their educational and professional goals. Students can search based on degree level, format, subject and, if applicable, zip code. The site will also offer advice for returning to school.
Send us the address of your favorite Web site or other resource and a few words about why you like it. E-maileditors@cadalyst.com.
:: EventsAutodesk Inventor Workshops
February 10, 2006
Des Moines, Greensboro, Houston, Lexington, St. Paul, Virginia Beach and Denver
Free half-day introductory workshops hosted at offices of Avatech Solutions.
Autodesk Inventor Workshops
February 17, 2006
Baltimore, Cedar Rapids, Charlotte, Dallas, Omaha, Richmond and Raleigh
Free half-day introductory workshops hosted at offices of Avatech Solutions.
AUGI CAD Camp -- Omaha
February 21, 2006
Omaha, Nebraska
Hosted by Avatech Solutions, training event will offer productivity tips and software shortcuts from Avatech certified training professionals.
COFES 2006
April 20-23, 2006
Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona
Presented by Cyon Research, the seventh-annual Congress on the Future of Engineering Software will bring together executives from engineering, design, development, architecture and technology companies to explore new engineering technology and discuss its effects on the future of business.
AUGI CAD Camp -- Baltimore
April 25, 2006
Baltimore, Maryland
Hosted by Avatech Solutions, training event will offer productivity tips and software shortcuts from Avatech certified training professionals.
For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here.
