CAD - The Misunderstood Tool

I often wonder if those who are in a position of oversight in a CAD related environment actually understand the IMPORTANCE of the tools their people utilize on a day to day basis. We (organizations) spend large amounts of money on software and hardware, we try to higher the best people and then it seems that many become (organizations & individuals alike) dormant.

Training budgets are down, or non-existant and sadly over the years it seems many (not all) individuals are uninclined to pursue training on their own. With all the new technology that has been made available to organizations over the last couple of years and much of the new technology that is coming, it is imperative that we train our users. I may be wrong but it is my opinion that many organizations are in for a very rude awakening in the next few years. There will be much talk about collaboration, smart drawings, use of 3D, database driven drawings and other types of technology that many organizations are not prepared for let alone even properly thinking about. What will happen in these organizations?

While it has been coming for some time, I think there will be major turning points in the coming year for many organizations. I liken it to the time when CAD first began to make it's mark, you had those that thought it was a passing fad, and then you had those that made the jump, invested in the technology and training of their employees and have grown into leading organizations of today.

Progression of CAD use

Over the years CAD has undergone many changes. From DOS based systems that had minimal functionality to our current day systems which continue to push the envelope of what ever we can imagine. Today we have a vast array of tools and applications at our disposal that are powerful design and engineering systems. The key to utilizing these applications is an understanding of the underlying principles on which they are based. No longer are we just creating "drawings" or sets of plans.

Engineers and Designers alike must begin to realize that they are dealing with data that is "real". We can now begin to model and design based on sound engineering principles in a virtual world that allows us to test & verify our designs before they are ever applied in the field. With these new tools we can begin to increase productivity and if used correctly increase the quality of work that is output.

With the use of 3d, parametrics, and data driven drawings, we can begin to pull a wealth of information instantly not only for ourselves but for our clients also.

What is CAD?

I have now been involved in CAD for aproximately 17yrs and it is amazing the changes that have taken place. CAD was at one time thought to be seperate from everyday engineering/architectural tasks. CAD was what "drafters" used. Many companies believed that is was a fad, a toy that would not last. I have over the past years been involved in various aspects of a CAD environment. Drafting, Design, oversight and more recently the technological side of the management/support of a CAD environment.

CAD

• Computer Aided Drafting
• Computer Aided Design

CADD

• Computer Aided Design & Drafting

Whatever the thought on the definition, the term CAD or CADD has become a broad term to describe overall systems and processes.

I use the term CAD generically in today's environment. In terms of an A/E/C firm, CAD in my opinion are all the tools that are used to create the vast array of deliverables for a client today.

These tools can include software & hardware alike.