CAD Manager's Newsletter (#166)
13 Feb, 2007 By: Robert GreenSoftware, Hardware and OS Turmoil Navigating the big changes in technology and their effect on your CAD department. Over the past couple of months several high-profile items appeared in the news that CAD managers should be very interested in. Let me list these items and then take a closer look at each of them.
What I find interesting about all these events happening in such a short time span is that they all foretell greater design capabilities, greater hardware speed and a new operating system that will permeate the market as new computers are sold. In a perfect world it would be great to have higher power software with better hardware and a more robust operating system to run it all on, right? But, as with all things new, the process of making these changes isn't going to go smoothly. And as CAD manager your superiors are probably asking you what your course of action should be. In this edition of CAD Manager's Newsletter, I'll provide a combination of analysis, conclusions and recommendations that I think can help you navigate the inevitable change that this perfect storm of technology events will bring for the first half of this year. Here goes. New Software I always try to keep an eye on the big software companies (like Autodesk and Dassault), not just to see what they're trying to sell but to see what their core message is. I've been looking at both of these companies over the past few months and a few things are clear to me. Read more>>
We're rolling out 3D software in my company now and users are coming around to the new way of design. What kinds of items should I be concerned about now and how can I avoid making post-implementation errors in this new 3D world? Robert Green replies: Good question. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that once 3D software is installed and users being using it, you're not done with implementation -- you're really just beginning. To that end here are a few pointers I've found by trial and error that have worked for me. Make everyone aware of your focus. Making users, managers, vendors and customers aware that the transition to 3D design processes is an ongoing task shows your intention to stay on the job. Simply sending this message says a lot about your commitment to seeing the implementation through to a successful conclusion. Keep training. As soon as people start using the new software, they'll start making mistakes and they'll start asking more detailed questions. If you simply let the implementation drift, you'll allow bad habits to ultimately form and perpetuate themselves. An ongoing training program helps mitigate these problems. Submit your questions to Robert Green atrgreen@greenconsulting.com. Graphic Systems Launches SolidNotes Tech Blog Cadalyst Job Search Cadalyst'scomplete list of upcoming industry events is always available on our Web site. Data Management Seminars Webcast: Autodesk Map 3D 2007 for Environmental Consulting Firms AUGI CAD Camp Cadalyst's February Web Exclusives Now Live Online! Announcing: Cadalyst Online PlanRoom Cadalyst Daily Update
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