CAD Manager's Newsletter (#172)

Which CAD Tool Is Right for You, Part 3?p>

Learn from past mistakes, but don’t let them paralyze your next move.

In the last two issues of CAD Manager's Newsletter, I discussed evaluating CAD tools based on company needs and presented a couple of examples to drive home the concept. In the last issue I focused on companies that stick to old CAD tools even when newer tools would be beneficial to them. I received some email from readers who disagreed with my take on the situation, and I'll share that with you in this issue.

So if you haven't had a chance to read the last issue, I recommend you do so now to understand the background discussion. I believe that addressing these concerns will provide some great dialogue. Here goes.

Improper Analysis
In response to my analysis of the architectural firm that refused to move to Revit-based technology even though benchmarking showed that labor and time savings were clearly indicated, reader TI took me to task for not analyzing the situation thoroughly enough. Here are some of his comments: Read more>>

:: CAD Manager's Q&A

I’m having trouble getting my ideas and budgets approved. Are there any tips or tricks you can share that’ll make the process easier?

Robert Green replies: Most CAD managers fight the battle of getting their ideas noticed and approved, so don't feel bad if you're having this problem. The key is to not get frustrated by the problem and then to work methodically toward a solution. Here are some helpful hints that generally work:

Talk to your boss more. You'll never get noticed if you don't have face time with your management. So do what it takes to communicate more and communicate better when you do. Read more>>

Submit your questions to Robert Green atrgreen@greenconsulting.com.

:: Resources

SolidProfessor COSMOSWorks Designer Training
SolidProfessor released a self-paced, multimedia training course for COSMOSWorks Designer ($499.99). This addition to the SolidProfessor’s training library is intended to address the growing need by designers to take full advantage of COSMOSWorks capabilities included in the SolidWorks Office Premium product.

AutoCAD 2008 Instruction Book
ProSoft released the AutoCAD 2008 Fundamentals Exercise Workbook (586 pages, spiral bound, exercise dataset CD included), which provides detailed introduction to the tools, concepts and workflows a new user should master in order to become proficient with AutoCAD 2008. The workbook can be used as a self-training tool or for the company's 3-day instructor-led training class.

Send us the address of your favorite Web site or other resource and a few words about why you like it. If we publish it, we'll send you a Cadalyst t-shirt! E-mail editors@cadalyst.com.

:: Events

Transition to NX4 Training Class
May 14-16, 2007
San Jose, California
This class, presented by Design Visionaries, is intended for all users familiar with previous versions of UGS NX software. Participants will get up to speed with the latest and learn the new functionality in the newest version of NX. Read more

Webcast: Introduction to ArcGIS Image Server v9.2
May 24, 2007
9:00 and 11:00 a.m. PDT
Georeferenced imagery is an invaluable component of GIS applications, but it can be difficult to work with because it involves huge files and requires tremendous amounts of processing to get it into a usable form. This free online seminar by ESRI shows how ArcGIS Image Server v9.2 revolutionizes the way georeferenced imagery in a geographic information system is used on the Web or across local area networks. Read more

Basic NX4-Modeling, Drafting and Assemblies
May 28 - June 1, 2007
San Jose, California
After this class, presented by Design Visionaries, participants reportedly will be able to create machine parts from many industries, create come sculpted parts, do some analyses, draft parts to a basic level and create intermediate-level assemblies. Read more

Advanced NX4 Training Class
June 11-15, 2007
San Jose, California

Click here to view the complete calendar of events at Cadalyst.com.