CAD Manager's Newsletter (#193)

The Realist’s Guide to 3D Implementation, Part 2p>

Controlling the implementation timeline can help you manage common problems.

In the last installment of CAD Manager's Newsletter I described what it takes to implement 3D software in a 2D-centric company environment. Today I'll continue by helping you set implementation timelines that are realistic for you, your users, and your company. Along the way I'll give you some tips about how to use timeline control to manage many of the common problems encountered while implementing 3D.

I have received quite a few "thank you for writing this so I can show my company management" e-mails from readers, so I know you're experiencing the same problems in your companies that I see with my clients. Here goes.

Expectations and Timelines
One of the key topics I talked about last time was setting realistic expectations with your users and management. My logic was that, if users think they'll learn a brand new 3D system in two days, they'll never achieve that expectation and they'll be disappointed by the results. Using the same logic, I find it worthwhile to manage management's expectation of how much time the process will take and how much it will cost.

I've found the most effective way I can manage the expectations everyone has regarding 3D implementation is to focus on a reasonable timeline. After a timeline is established, you can start to build a realistic picture of costs that is actually in line with your company's goals. Read more »

:: CAD Manager’s Toolbox:
     Machine Cleaning and Maintenance

If you've ever struggled to completely uninstall old software versions or keep track of several versions of software on a test machine, you've no doubt encountered problems with machine maintenance. In this edition of the CAD Manager's Toolbox, I'll provide links to a couple of utilities to assist with machine management tasks, plus I'll give you some tips along the way.

Registry Booster 2: www.uniblue.com/registrybooster
This program is powerful registry analyzer, cleaner, and restoring tool that makes it very easy to completely uninstall software to eliminate pesky registry conflicts. A bargain at $29.

Usage: You can use Registry Booster to clean and defragment existing machines, and it does an excellent job! Sometimes it takes a few iterations to get interrelated registry entries, but I haven't experienced a problem yet in doing so. Read more »

Do you have a suggestion/tip that should be in the CAD Manager?s Toolbox? Send it to me at rgreen@cad-manager.com and you might get a cool Cadalyst souvenir if I use your idea.

:: Resource

Cadalyst Job Search
Looking for a job? The Cadalyst Web site offers a job search section with extensive listings of CAD-related jobs in the United States. You can even do a custom search with your own keywords or search the listings by state.

:: Events

Webcasts: Synergis Training for CAD Professionals
April 14 - May 12, 2008
1:30 p.m. EDT
In this series of free Webcasts, Robert Green will offer professional advice and resources for CAD Managers on Planning for Software Upgrades (April 14), Getting Ready for Upgrade Implementation (April 28), and Keeping Production Running During the Upgrade (May 12). Read more »

Abaqus Users' Conference
May 19-22, 2008
Newport, Rhode Island
The 2008 AUC will mark the 30th anniversary of the commercialization of Abaqus FEA software. This annual conference provides an opportunity to learn how experts in engineering and academia are applying the latest simulation technology and methods to accelerate and improve product development. Read more »

National BIM Conference
May 19-22, 2008
Anaheim, California
This conference will explore AEC interoperability, building information modeling (BIM), and IT for the entire facilities, design, and construction team. Read more »

Eco-Build America and AEC-ST
May 19-22, 2008
Anaheim, California
Two events combine to showcase the latest evolutions in green building, sustainable design, renewable energy, environmental planning, construction technology, and more. Read more »

International DFMA Forum
June 10-11, 2008
Providence-Warwick, Rhode Island
Boothroyd Dewhurst will host the 23rd annual International Forum on Design for Manufacture and Assembly, titled "DFMA Today: Leading the Way to Results." Papers offered this year cover topics such as lean accounting, rapid manufacture, DFMA and PLM, and "win-win" supply-chain negotiations. Read more »

ZweigWhite's AEC Technology Strategies 2008
June 12-13, 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada
This ninth annual information technology conference brings together all the AEC disciplines, gives equal time to the business issues driving technology, and involves both technology managers and business managers from AEC firms. Read more »

NVISION 08
August 25-27, 2008
San Jose, California
Sponsored by NVIDIA, this event will bring together engineers, designers, developers, researchers, artists, gamers, film makers, business professionals, and consumers as a gathering point to share, learn, and create for this important industry, which is redefining all aspects of visual computing. Read more »

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com.