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Table of contents for Four T's of CAD

1. Four T’s of CAD
2. First “T” of CAD - Tools
3. Second “T” of CAD - Talent
4. Third “T” of CAD - Technology

Tools - Talent - Technology - Training

These four T’s can be used to define your efforts in you job. Combine these four and you get a balanced approach to CAD.

Turning now to the technology of CAD

Technology is your approach to using the tools and the talent. Who gets to use what? What mix can they have? When do they select the tools? When do you push toward the next great tech tool.

In the Tools post we talked about selecting individual tools.  Now we will turn to the mix of tools that you have and how you effectively blend that mix.

If you are like most firms, you have several tools that you use.  Some of them are focused on one area and doing one function.  Some are broader and can be used for just about everything.  Your selection of what tool to use for what job falls under your use of technology.

Merriam-Webster defines technology as “a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge”.  Within this definition is the concept of what processes and methods and tools you use.

The CAD Manager is in a perfect position to suggest how best to use the tools.  What tools are used for early conceptual design?  What ones are best suited for rendering?  Which ones do the best at producing hardcopy output?  Some of the tools overlap.  They do multiple phases of work.

Defining the mix of tools allows the end user to not have to struggle through selecting them themselves. You should have a preferred selection of which on to use for each step.  Make a list of all the software and what phases of work it can cover.  Then select the preferred one for each phase.  Seek to have everyone use the preferred tool.

Previous in series

If you want to keep in touch with AUGI at Autodesk University 2008:

• Join the AUGI Group on AU Connect by clicking here:   
• If you use Twitter join:  

* And say Hi to Mike, who prompted this post, for me

A few days with my feed disabled, to trace a fault, showed how many of you already use a feed reader. The drop-off in readers was very apparent in the statistics, so thanks for subscribing and coming back!

However, feeds & readers are still a mystery to many but Common Craft's one minute guide to Google Reader explains it all. If you're reading the same web sites frequently without using a reader watch this video, get a reader, then subscribe to this feed

Via Steve, I learnt of a new'ish Aussie based BIM Blog. Judging from the content there already, Michelle Louw's* take on the meaning of BIM is well worth following. Subscribed!

BIM BOOM BAM - bimboombam.wordpress.com

Welcome to my blog page and I encourage you to use this and other forums to begin to challenge our understanding of BIM (Building Information Modelling) to move beyond 3d modelling, automated drawings and some sexy schedules or dare I mention the promise of the golden egg… “ODBC”

* I didn't attend, but remember seeing Michelle was a speaker at RTC 2008

Table of contents for Four T's of CAD

1. Four T’s of CAD
2. First “T” of CAD - Tools
3. Second “T” of CAD - Talent

Tools - Talent - Technology - Training

These four T’s can be used to define your efforts in you job. Combine these four and you get a balanced approach to CAD.

Now let’s look at Talent

Talent relates to who is using the tools. Do they have a gut level understanding of how they are used? Do they get it? Do they push the limits?

The Talent that comes to your firm is you raw material.  The actual personal make up of the person that is using CAD.  This is not training, not a learned response, not a list of steps followed.  I am talking about the ability of your team to “get it”.

Dictionary.com defines talent as:

1. a special natural ability or aptitude
2. a capacity for achievement or success; ability

This is the innate natural ability to understand or figure out CAD and BIM tools.  You do not learn it - you appear to be born with it.  Talent can be enhanced by learning, but there is a internal aptitide that is there waiting to come out.

People with talent are a smaller percentage than some would wish.  Some think that every person can be and do the same way.  This is not true with CAD and you don’t have to look very far to see it in action.  I bet you can rank your users by their ability to use CAD.  I am sure that some will rise to the top and others will fall toward the bottom of the list.

Talent is what sets some users apart from others.  They just seem to figure things out. They can see through the difficulties and find answers.  They seem to be a step ahead of others.  They approach technology without fear.

These users are your best bet for enlisting for assistance.  Get them on your team and you stand a better chance of success.

Spotting Talent:

The CAD Manager needs to hone their skill of spotting talent. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you will improve your speed at finding the ones that have that special spark.  Listen to the questions people ask. Look for the ones that are asking questions beyond the process and procedure level.  Talented people will ask “why” and not just “how”.  Keep your eyes out for who is being sought out by others as the go to person.  These are the ones that have the talent you need.

Attracting Talent:

Spotting talent is not enough.  You have to attract talented people.  You do this by having an environment that provides the raw materials of CAD and the space to mix these materials in the lab.  You set up an environment of learning and sharing.  You do it by hosting user meetings at your offices and invite in those outside.  You share your knowledge with the industry this way and others will want to join your firm.

Talent is what makes your team shine.  Nurture those with talent and they will help you make progress.

Previous in series

A couple of years ago I mentioned Enrico's "Venice Chronicles". What started as a graphic travelogue, shared on the web, is soon to be published as a book. Enrico shared the creative process on his blog; it's been interesting to follow the development as sketches became finished watercolours, then formatted into a book. It's on my Wish-list* ready for my next Amazon order. 

* Due to New Zealand being international shipping from everywhere I bookmark a batch of products to order before clicking that alluring "Buy" button.

Enrico's blog

The Venice Chronicles - a travelogue in pencil, watercolor and varying shades of silliness. Enrico Casarosa is a storyboard artist living in San Francisco, working in Animation by day, publishing artbooks and comics by night. Forever stuck between the gravitational pulls of Italy (his home country) and Japan (a cultural passion).

Tags: Venice+Chronicles

Autodesk announces the Autodesk Efficiency Stimulus Program.

We all know that software costs a lot…  here is a chance for it to cost a little less.

From the site:

“The Autodesk Efficiency Stimulus Program can help your company see immediate gains in efficiency, productivity and quality. Invest in your infrastructure with new Autodesk 2009 solutions.”

Savings of up to a total of $2,000 (when you buy 5 seats) on the purchase of select Autodesk products, reducing your software outlay.

Eligible participants may apply for a rebate of:
• US$200 for each new seat (license) of AutoCAD LT® 2009
• US$400 for each new seat (license) of AutoCAD® 2009
• US$400 for each new seat (license) of AutoCAD® Raster Design 2009, Autodesk 3ds Max® 2009,
Autodesk 3ds Max® Design, 2009, AutoCAD P&ID® 2009, AutoCAD Map® 3D 2009, AutoCAD®
Architecture 2009, AutoCAD® Mechanical 2009, AutoCAD® Utility Design 2009, AutoCAD® Electrical
2009, AutoCAD® MEP 2009, AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2009, Revit® Architecture 2009, AutoCAD® Revit®
Architecture Suite 2009, AutoCAD® Revit® Architecture Suite 2009.1, Revit® Structure 2009,
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Autodesk® Inventor® Simulation Suite 2009, Autodesk® TopobaseTM Client 2009, and AutoCAD® Civil
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Offer expires 10.17.08 and is subject to terms and conditions.

Purchase Dates:
August 18, 2008 – October 17, 2008

Postmark Dates:
Submissions must be postmarked within 30 days of qualifying purchase invoice dates.

Get it done - don’t miss this opportunity to get some cash back.

Table of contents for Four T's of CAD

1. First “T” of CAD - Tools

Tools - Talent - Technology - Training

These four T’s can be used to define your efforts in you job. Combine these four and you get a balanced approach to CAD.

Let’s look at the Tools

Tools relates to the ones that you select. Which ones will you use?  What will you use them for?

Defining the individual Tools that are in your firms tool box is part of your job as a CAD Manager.   The process for selecting each tools should be systematic,selective and inclusive of many voices.  But at some point, the CAD Manager has to weigh in with a choice.

No Choice:

Some CAD Managers don’t get a choice.  They inherit tools.  The tools are selected by others.  Or the client or project defines the tool.  These are realities that we all have to live with.  So working with tools that may not be on the top of your list is a day to day reality.

When you have no choice on the tools being used - you need to make the best of it.  Don’t complain about how crummy the tools are (even though they may be).  Do your best to get the best out of each tool.  Look for and build on the best parts of each tool.  Try to minimize or work around the areas that are weak.

When you Choose:

When you have the chance to choose the tools that your firm works with, what do you look for?  The best all around tool?  The best at one particular function?  The newest?  The cheapest?  There are many factors that go into software choices.  I could not really list them all.  And if I tried, I may miss the ones that you think is most important.

Is it cost?  Is it compatibility with other tools?  Is it what others are using (industry standard).  Is it knowledge of your users?  Is it training costs?  Support costs?

When I weigh the selection of CAD tools, I have to take all of these into account.  Leaving one out may sabotage your selection.  Wading through the impactful issues may be tough.

So here is a challenge: Comment on this post with your top three factors that go into software choices…

This is not a new article, posted Feb 2008, but is still worth reading. I don't use ArchiCAD, VectorWorks or Mac but the broader subject of the nature of BIM, the challenges for Software Vendors/Users and the varied technical approaches are similar whatever your platform.

Architosh: Features > Chatside with Sean Flaherty, CEO of Nemetschek North America

Back in the fall of last year I got on the phone with Sean Flaherty, CEO, of Nemetschek North America, to discuss his company's recent new release, VectorWorks 2008. What was expected to be 30 minutes turned into more than an hour of intense discussion about not just the newest version of the venerable VectorWorks CAD/BIM software, but a broad discussion about the nature of BIM itself, the opportunities for integration at the software level (both horizontal and vertical), and his parent company's (Nemetschek of Germany) decision to acquire rival Graphisoft, makers of ArchiCAD...

I modified my theme.  I am still working on it.  I think most pages are working correctly.  I think that most plugins are working correctly.

Let me know what you think…

or let me know what is not working…

ActiveWords have released an update (Version 1.95) which adds Windows Language features. It also adopts the standard Windows protocol for user settings (...Documents and Settings\LOGON\Application Data\ActiveWords) which means they are captured if you backup/move your profile.

The install was painless and manages the migration of your existing wordbase to the new folder. I've found a few other refinements, like date incremented naming for manual wordbase backups, and had no problems since upgrading a couple of weeks ago.

What's new in ActiveWords Version 1.95?

• You can now create text substitutions in any Windows Language and have ActiveWords that are in any Windows Language.
• The ActiveWords Monitor is now designed to handle all Windows Language Settings, accurately passing through all characters to the underlying context regardless of the active character set.

This is a free update for all licensed ActiveWords users. A free 60 day trial is available for previous and new trial users.

Get it from www.activewords.com

ActiveWords have released an update (Version 1.95) which adds Windows Language features. It also adopts the standard Windows protocol for user settings (...Documents and Settings\LOGON\Application Data\ActiveWords) which means they are captured if you backup/move your profile.

The install was painless and manages the migration of your existing wordbase to the new folder. I've found a few other refinements, like date incremented naming for manual wordbase backups, and had no problems since upgrading a couple of weeks ago.

What's new in ActiveWords Version 1.95?

• You can now create text substitutions in any Windows Language and have ActiveWords that are in any Windows Language.
• The ActiveWords Monitor is now designed to handle all Windows Language Settings, accurately passing through all characters to the underlying context regardless of the active character set.

This is a free update for all licensed ActiveWords users. A free 60 day trial is available for previous and new trial users.

Get it from www.activewords.com

I was interviewed by the AU team about my classes and perspective on the Autodesk University experience.  They have posted the podcast.  It is about 5 minutes long.

Check it out…

http://au.autodesk.com/blogs/view/Mark_Kiker_Tech_Skills_Are_Not/

From the site:

In this interview, Mark Kiker, CIO of HMC Architects in Ontario, California, says that you can be a savvy technical expert, yet fail as a CAD manager if you don’t have the right people skills. He also shares some tips for making the most of your AU experience. [5:14 min]

Let me know what you think…

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It started with a simple question: "Can we get as built drawings?"

It ended in a musty basement facing a huge pile of yellowing prints. There were literally hundreds, most torn, tattered, and largely forgotten.

They were drawn with a pen in an artful way CAD can't. However the thought of documenting a large project this way made me cringe. A single change would have impacted dozens, maybe hundreds, of sheets but it's not the only reason to love BIM.

That heap of prints was the owners record of their building. It's the reason Owners need BIM, a digital reference, long after the design is finished.

As I post this it's August 21'st (in New Zealand anyway) which is Shaan Hurley's fifth blog'day. 

Between the Lines: Madonna is now 50, but this blog is turning 5!!!

It's no small task to maintain a blog for that length of time, especially a good one like Between The Lines. Mind you it's no surprise considering he never stops blogging. In New Zealand you see lots of tourists and typically they'll have a camera, maybe a camcorder. Even today, it’s unlikely they'll be live blogging from a Blackberry like Shaan was when he visited a couple of years ago.

I read Between the Lines before I really knew what a blog was and it prompted me to think about doing something of my own. Happy blog'day to the guy who motivated me to start this one!

I sent out the latest CADD Manager Journal.

Here is a link the the one that was sent via email.

Or you can go directly to the articles…

Identifying CAD Project Killers

Book Review - Ascent Revit Training Manual

July Survey Results

ShareThis

As I post this it's August 21'st (in New Zealand anyway) which is Shaan Hurley's fifth blog'day. 

Between the Lines: Madonna is now 50, but this blog is turning 5!!!

It's no small task to maintain a blog for that length of time, especially a good one like Between The Lines. Mind you it's no surprise considering he never stops blogging. In New Zealand you see lots of tourists and typically they'll have a camera, maybe a camcorder. Even today, it’s unlikely they'll be live blogging from a Blackberry like Shaan was when he visited a couple of years ago.

I read Between the Lines before I really knew what a blog was and it prompted me to think about doing something of my own. Happy blog'day to the guy who motivated me to start this one!

 From Richard... 

Beside the Cursor...: Align Annotation in SnagIt
Tired of inserting a line or stamp or an arrow head in your SnagIt screen capture only to have to go back and move the endpoints?

 From Richard... 

Beside the Cursor...: Align Annotation in SnagIt
Tired of inserting a line or stamp or an arrow head in your SnagIt screen capture only to have to go back and move the endpoints?

It started with a simple question: "Can we get as built drawings?"

It ended in a musty basement facing a huge pile of yellowing prints. There were literally hundreds, most torn, tattered, and largely forgotten.

They were drawn with a pen in an artful way CAD can't. However the thought of documenting a large project this way made me cringe. A single change would have impacted dozens, maybe hundreds, of sheets but it's not the only reason to love BIM.

That heap of prints was the owners record of their building. It's the reason Owners need BIM, a digital reference, long after the design is finished.