BLAUGI Blog of Autodesk User Group International

An original Robert Green sketch (weekend fun)

The other day, while in a Starbucks just around the corner from where the good lady wife works, I had the good fortune to stumble upon an original Robert Green sketch (stuck to the side of the coffee making machine).

After enquiring about the possibility of purchasing the sketch, and being politely, but firmly told it was not for sale (apparently they consider it priceless - fair enough, as I suppose it is impossible to put a price on such an original piece of work), I took out my camera phone and snapped the below picture.

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When the money starts to flow...

Be prepared to know what you want to spend your money on before it becomes available.  Have a plan in place.  Most of the time it will be your annual budget, but if you don't have one created at least have a list of what you want.

Keep the list up to date even when the budget is tight.  When the firm starts to free up money, then you will have a plan for the spending that you want to do.  Having a plan helps others to feel comfortable that you are not just spending money on the latest toy. 

Make sure that others have input into the list and that they know where you are trying to go.  When the money is freed up, review your list to make sure that you are spending on the most important items first.  When a firm comes out of a spending freeze, they will most likely be a little skittish about just allowing you to spend on a whim.

By having an up to date list and sticking to your plan, you should be able to get approvals with a little up front work.

When the cash flow has slowed to a trickle...

Budget limitations prevent CAD Managers from upgrading software, rolling out changes and making progress. When tight budgets limit your ability to spend money, what do you do?

Here are some options for making progress even when spending is curtailed...

When you cannot upgrade the software...

Search for an underused feature and exploit it.  Many times you can roll out another feature in whatever release you are using.  There is always something that you can improve on using.  Take Dynamic Blocks.  If you have never really embraced that tool, get out there and make a few.  What about Fields or Tables.  Some of these tools have been in there for a few releases and many of us have not had the time to really dig in and get it working.

When you cannot spend money on training...

Look into screen capture tools like SnagIT to make some upgraded documentation and step by step procedures.   Try Camtasia  to make some really good  screen recordings.  Set them up on your intranet and send out an email so everyone can take a look.  Both of these tools are located at www.techsmith.com/

Scour the Internet for other free training video downloads.  Just go to YouTube and search on AutoCAD.  There are a bunch there.  I agree that many of them may be junk, but find the good ones and dig in.

CAD Manager Thoughts

When was the last time you reviewed your CAD Standard?

With the hot summer months upon us (unless you are a southern hemisphere type), we have hit the mid-year milestone.  It may be time to rethink some of your 2007 planning.  Go back and check to see how you have done. 

Do you need to refresh your CAD Standard?  Upgrade it a little for the new release of software you are rolling out? 

Can you improve on your training efforts?  Do you need to revise some handouts?

Could you use a little reading break?  Get a good CAD book for some refreshing of your skills.

No matter what you choose to do at mid year, focus your efforts during the run between now and AU on sprucing up your CAD environment. 

Where will all the drafters go?

I have attended a few Autodesk Vertical product demos recently and have heard discussions related to the future disappearance of the draftsman (drafters) because those who do not know how to put together a building or site or part will soon be unable to use the tools with effectiveness.

Do you feel that this is going to happen?

Are all of the entry level positions going to disappear?  Will there be no need or room for a pure drafter any longer?

Let's discuss this on the Forum.  Where will all the drafters go?