Educating Management
8 messages in this thread
Does management understand the concept of CAD? Have you ever heard a
marketing person say their company uses AutoCADzzz (and then they'll
spell it "Autocadd"). Is there something that managers who don't use
CAD (but manage people who do) need to know about CAD systems, CAD
users, or CAD support?
I'm compiling a list of information to give to our managers and
marketing people, and I'd like some opinions.
What information about CAD is most important to tell managers of
people who use CAD?
Some of the topics I am covering include: Basic Terminology, Basic
Hardware, Basic Software, Advantages of CAD, Personnel Management,
Work Environment, Data Management, Data Integrity/Security, Hardware
Management, Basic Operating System Commands, and Translations.
What do YOU think are the most important things non-CAD users need to
know about CAD?
Later…
Scott D.
P.S. A copy of this message is also being sent to the Autodesk AutoCAD Forum.
Scott,
CAD isn't magic, there is a tendency for managers to expect miracles from
their operators when they see the results of a project done on CAD once the
operators are competent. So often, a project completed quickly as a result of
existing geometry being suited to the job, becomes a yardstick of performance.
Since the strength of CAD lies in the ability to utilize existing geometry,
those projects that must be done from `scratch' typically take as long to
complete as a project done on the boards. Keeping realistic time frames in mind
will help prevent disallusionment. Adequate training and establishment of
office standards are critical elements in a successful CAD implementation.
Hardware requirements are as much a matter of personnal opinion as taste in
automobiles. To some users the hardware is simply an appliance, to others it is
an extention of their very being and as a result nothing is ever good enough.
The latter is always hard to please but which one do you think does a better
job?
CAD isn't cheap, technology marches on. Things are getting better, used to be
the hardware cost more than the software, with PC's the news gets better as
more chip manufacturers enter the fray. The big hidden cost of CAD shows up
when an installation outgrows the `sneaker net' drawing interchange system.
Networking incurs a major expense in hardware, software and installation costs
as well as administration overhead.
Dennis
I have seen the the most often over-looked aspect of CAD is the education of
the users… how many come into Advanced ATC classes that still do not
understand, nor use customized menus, scripts, Lisp, or Paper/Model space, not
to mention utilizing 3D wireframes, or dare I say AME solids… Education of
management usually falls in the category of what was originally defined as
success when CAD systems were installed. Few bothered to set criteria then, and
now are unable to make an educated judgement as to what the true productivity
gains are. CAD users know the gains intuitively, but unless benchmarks of
production (drawing) outputs are set, management will have little chance of
seeing a difference.
Dennis,
Thanks for the comments. You mentioned several things that I battle every day
– realistic expectations, adequate training, company standards, hardware
upgrades, administration overhead, etc. All of these are usually considered
"overhead" expenses. Quantifiable productivity gains are difficult or
impossible to show with any of these.
Later…
Scott D.
Scott,
Another topic that can't be ignored is the organization of company resources;
i.e. scheduling of operators. There is nothing more aggravating than being
jerked across 4 different projects during the course of a day and not being
able to complete even one of them. In some offices there is no recourse, but I
find that the greatest cause of operator burn out is constant derailing of the
train of thought and alteration of work flow.
Dennis
Dennis,
This same problem occurs with computer staff who are required to do both
support and development. Nothing interrupts the development of a new program
or process like a phone call from someone with a (usually) low priority
question that they (usually) could answer themselves if they were either
properly trained or motivated to read a manual.
Later…
Scott D.
Scott,
Head down to their office, manual in hand, and show them exactly how to look
up the information using the tone you'd reserve for a six year old. Two or
three episodes should eliminate the hassle. If it doesn't, you better sit down
with management and tell personnel to stop hiring relatives<G>.
Dennis
>>…show them exactly how to look up the information using the tone you'd
>>reserve for a six year old. Two or three episodes should eliminate the
>>hassle.
You haven't met anyone from my office. And as for your solution, management is
the same as the rest. I just make 'em fear me, like having to go the the local
witch-doctor.<g>
Dave