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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.

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.

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,
AutoCAD® Revit® Structure Suite 2009, AutoCAD® Revit® MEP Suite 2009, Autodesk® Inventor® Suite
2009, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional 2009, Autodesk® Inventor® Routed Systems Suite 2009,
Autodesk® Inventor® Simulation Suite 2009, Autodesk® TopobaseTM Client 2009, and AutoCAD® Civil
2009.

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.

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…

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…

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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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

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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.

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

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?

Technology is you 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.

Training is how you get everyone there. Provide it and you succeed. Let it laps and your best tools and talent go stale.

I Will expand on these four topics over the next few posts.

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Reviewing processes or procedures helps you to streamline the work flow of your CAD environment.  But when you review - what do you do?

I am convinced that the CAD Managers job includes reviewing, defining and refining each and every step of the CAD process.  From creation to completion.  From files to projects to overall office flow.

So as you can expect - I have a plan for reviewing areas that fall into your overview.

Investigate

Start by thinking through the major steps in your process.  Write down each step in your work flow from the first point you touch CAD (or before).  Do it in a timeline manner, starting with the first step and ending with plotting (or beyond).

Identify

Review the list for the areas that you KNOW are causing problems and flag them.  Keep the list in the same order, just flag the ones that you want to work on first.  This will allow you to work on the top priority issues while also seeing the overall flow of the process.

Take each task or step and ask some questions.  Is it working effectively?  Can it be improved?  Is it in need or corrective action?  Don’t forget to look at each step in the context of the whole.  Isolating a step from the overall process could make you sacrifice overall efficiencies for the sake os one step getting better.  This could actually make the whole process from end to end take longer, even though each step is better.

Correct

After you have determined that an item needs to be corrected.  Define how you are going to do that and who will need to help.  If it is a process that involves many people - get much input.  Determine the best approach to getting better results and move in that direction.  If the problem is just a quick fis, then do it and move on.  If the problem impacts multiple departments or offices, make sure you gather their input before moving forward.  The greater the impact or change, the longer it will take and the more people you will need to have involved.

Improve

If the issue is just an improvement to an existing work flow, then make small adjustments and guage the results.  Most people will agree that making progress is a good thing, but make changes slow enough and step by step so you can track the impact.  If you change too much too quickly, you may have problems determining which step caused the problem.

By moving slowly and according to plan, you can access your progress, make modification and garner support.

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Are you one or the other?

Frugality is the practice of (from Wikipedia)

1. acquiring goods and services in a restrained manner, and
2. resourcefully using already owned economic goods and services, to
3. achieve a longer term goal.

Cheap is..

The Cambridge dictionary includes the definition as “someone who is unwilling to spend money”

So which one are you?  Do you acquire software weighing price against benefit?  Or do you just look at the price?

When figuring out when to purchase software or hardware, you need to take into account many things.  CAD Managers have to balance many differing inputs before determining when and what to buy.

Here are a few of them…

Cost - how much money?

Value - What does it produce, fix, speed up, stop, or expand

Business Need - What project needs it?

Length of service - how long will the tool be used?

Breadth of Need - how many people need it?

Training - how much training will be needed?

Time to deploy and support

My list is not exhaustive.  I am sure that more comes into play.

Can you think of any other things that you have to think through before making a purchase?

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Exchanging data between programs is a fairly common thing nowdays.  Everyone is sending files from  one firm to another, from one project to another and from one software platform to another.  Most of the time it works fairly well.  But usually that attitude is “good enough”.  Or you hear the term “quick & dirty”.

What areas end up being quick and which ones are dirty? And what constitutes “dirty”.  To me dirty means that they do not look or act the way you expect them to.  The geometry or the data does not make it to the other side.

The quick ones obviously are the ones that work.  Transferring files between programs such as AutoCAD and Microstation seems to be a seamless proposition.  Just open the file in the other software.  But there are some items that seem to not make the trip successfully.

Be aware that the following may come out more dirty than you think.

Logos - if they are graphic in nature

Client Names - If they are graphic in nature or use special fonts.

Hatching - pattern that are complex

Images - that are orphaned

Fonts -  that do not translate well.  Check kerning, spacing, paragraphs and alignment

So if getting very close is good enough then you will be satisfied.  If you need perfection, you may have some work to do.

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Autodesk has opened the registration for AU 2008.  The servers must be getting pounded.  It is allowing people to get in, but often not on the first attempt.  If you are trying to get in - keep trying.

The onslaught of users trying to get access to the sight is a very encouraging indicator that AU2008 may be bigger than ever.

Are you going?

Here are my sessions…

CM211-3      CAD Leadership 2008
CM101-3      The CAD Manager Career Path: How to Climb the Ladder
CM319-3      Common Sense AutoCAD®
CM205-2      Preventative CAD Management
CM115-2      BIM Manager: The Newest Position

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I asked and you responded about your perspective on jumping up a release or Double Jumping.  You explained in the comments how you firm and you approach this question.  Now I would like to offer some of my advice on making this call….

When is the right time to upgrade your software release?

Think about these things… (portions originally published in AUGI Hot News 2005)

Before the next Project begins.

Many people want to prepare and move before a major project starts. Rather than move the whole company at one time they take one project into the next release and manage the process like a Project Manager. This can be a good thing and a bad thing.

The Good – It sets you up to use the increased productivity in the new release to be applied to the new project. It also places you on focus for the future since the project will outlast your prior release use. By taking a project into the next release, you can control the tools used on a small scale, selecting which new tools to apply. Sheet Sets? Project Navigator? Vault? No need to expect to use all of the new improvements, just select the ones that will impact the project for the better.

The Bad - Your upgrade troubles may slow down the project schedule. Training and tech support issues may impede project timeline. Productivity may (will) take a slight dip until users get up to speed. All of the this impacts the project

My Advice – make sure the Project Manager is supportive. Let him or her know the issues surrounding the use of the new software. Make them your ally. If not – he could turn into your worst critic.

Lessons Learned - Make sure you track the troubles you have.  Document anything that is a concern.  make a definite process of expanding it to the next project.

After Training

Most firms want to do some form of training.  It may be formal, informal or just a handout.

The Good – When you have completed training your users are hopefully excited and ready to use the software. Training can create momentum for the migration.

The Bad – Training takes time away from project work. Productivity loss from training time may need to be recovered as users return to the project environment.

My Advice – you need to train before the migration begins, but you may want to wait a week or two so that all the projects are caught up from any time lost during the training.

Lessons Learned - Training does not stop when the class ends.  Keep in touch with the users.  Make handouts that can be used as reference material.

When demanded by clients

Sometimes the client sets the pace for upgrades.

The Good - May force your team to make a move if you are having difficulty making progress. It is often hard to get the migration started. After I was prepared, I have used a clients demand for upgrades to get my team moving.

The Bad – The demand may come before you are ready. You may not have trained. You are forced to move and may be reluctant. Bad morale may creep in since it was not your choice

My Advice - The whole issue of when to move may or may not be in your hands. If it is, then you should carefully think and plan for the move. If it is not, you should prepare for it because it may be inevitable. Be prepared!

Lessons Learned - Be prepared before they ask you.  Get everything set and migrate your content prior to the question being posed.

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How often do you check your email?  I keep mine running just about all the time.  I check it frequently.  I have several accounts pulling in emails from several sources into my Outlook client.

What are you doing?  How often do you check your email.  Are you addicted?  Do you control it, or does it control you?  Are you easy to get a hold of?

Take the survey on the left and also leave a comment for us all.

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You may want a Keyboard Shortcut list that is better formatted…

Here is a PDF of the list… autocad-keyboard-shortcuts

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Here is a list of the shortcuts that can be used in AutoCAD (or ACA)…

ALT+F8        VBA Run
ALT+F11      VBA Editor

CTRL+1        Properties Palette
CTRL+2        DesignCenter Palette
CTRL+3        Tool Palette
CTRL+4        Sheet Set Manager Palette
CTRL+5        Info Palette
CTRL+6        DBConnect Manager
CTRL+7        Markup Set Manager Palette
CTRL+A        Selects objects in drawing
CTRL+B        Toggles Snap
CTRL+C        Copies objects to Clipboard
CTRL+SHFT+C    Copies objects to Clipboard with Base Point
CTRL+D        Toggles coordinate display
CTRL+E        Cycles through isometric planes
CTRL+F        Toggles running object snaps
CTRL+G        Toggles Grid
CTRL+H        Toggles PICKSTYLE on/off
CTRL+J        Executes last command
CTRL+K        Hyperlink
CTRL+L        Toggles Ortho mode
CTRL+M        (No action)
CTRL+N        Creates a new drawing
CTRL+O        Opens existing drawing
CTRL+P        Prints current drawing
CTRL+Q        Exit
CTRL+R        Cycles layout viewports
CTRL+S        Saves current drawing
CTRL+SHFT+S    Saveas
CTRL+T        Toggles Tablet mode
CTRL+V        Pastes data from Clipboard
CTRL+SHFT+V    Pastes data from Clipboard as Block
CTRL+X        Cuts objects to Clipboard
CTRL+Y        Repeats last action
CTRL+Z        Reverses last action
CTRL+[        Cancels current command
CTRL+\        Cancels current command

F1    Displays Help
F2    Toggles text window on/off
F3    Toggles OSNAP
F4    Toggles TABMODE
F5    Toggles ISOPLANE
F6    Toggles COORDS
F7    Toggles GRIDMODE
F8    Toggles ORTHO MODE
F9    Toggles SNAP MODE
F10    Toggles POLAR
F11    Toggles OTRACK

3A      3DARRAY
3DO   3DORBIT
3DW   3DWALK
3F       3DFACE
3M      3DMOVE
3P       3DPOLY
3R       3DROTATE
A         ARC
AC      BACTION
ADC    ADCENTER
AA      AREA
AL      ALIGN
3AL    3DALIGN
AP      APPLOAD
AR      ARRAY
-AR    -ARRAY
ATI     ATTIPEDIT
ATT    ATTDEF
-ATT -ATTDEF
ATE     ATTEDIT
-ATE   -ATTEDIT
ATTE   -ATTEDIT
B          BLOCK
-B       -BLOCK
BC       BCLOSE
BE       BEDIT
BH      HATCH
BO      BOUNDARY
-BO    -BOUNDARY
BR       BREAK
BS        BSAVE
BVS      BVSTATE
C          CIRCLE
CAM    CAMERA
CH       PROPERTIES
-CH     CHANGE
CHA    CHAMFER
CHK     CHECKSTANDARDS
CLI       COMMANDLINE
COL     COLOR
CO       COPY
CP        COPY
CT        CTABLESTYLE
CYL      CYLINDER
D          DIMSTYLE
DAL      DIMALIGNED
DAN      DIMANGULAR
DAR      DIMARC
JOG       DIMJOGGED
DBA      DIMBASELINE
DBC      DBCONNECT
DC        ADCENTER
DCE      DIMCENTER
DCO     DIMCONTINUE
DDA      DIMDISASSOCIATE
DDI        DIMDIAMETER
DED       DIMEDIT
DI           DIST
DIV         DIVIDE
DJL          DIMJOGLINE
DJO         DIMJOGGED
DL           DATALINK
DLI          DIMLINEAR
DLU        DATALINKUPDATE
DO          DONUT
DOR        DIMORDINATE
DOV        DIMOVERRIDE
DR           DRAWORDER
DRA        DIMRADIUS
DRE         DIMREASSOCIATE
DRM        DRAWINGRECOVERY
DS           DSETTINGS
DST         DIMSTYLE
DT           TEXT
DV           DVIEW
DX           DATAEXTRACTION
E              ERASE
ED            DDEDIT
EL             ELLIPSE
ER             EXTERNALREFERENCES
EX             EXTEND
EXIT          QUIT
EXP           EXPORT
EXT           EXTRUDE
F                FILLET
FI               FILTER
G              GROUP
-G            -GROUP
GD             GRADIENT
GR             DDGRIPS
H               HATCH
-H             -HATCH
HE             HATCHEDIT
HI              HIDE
I                 INSERT
-I                -INSERT
IAD            IMAGEADJUST
IAT             IMAGEATTACH
ICL             IMAGECLIP
IM               IMAGE
-IM             -IMAGE
IMP             IMPORT
IN               INTERSECT
INF             INTERFERE
IO               INSERTOBJ
J                  JOIN
L                LINE
LA             LAYER
-LA           -LAYER
LAS           LAYERSTATE
LE             QLEADER
LEN           LENGTHEN
LI               LIST
LO             -LAYOUT
LS              LIST
LT              LINETYPE
-LT           -LINETYPE
LTS            LTSCALE
LW             LWEIGHT
M               MOVE
MA            MATCHPROP
MAT          MATERIALS
ME             MEASURE
MI              MIRROR
ML             MLINE
MLA          MLEADERALIGN
MLC          MLEADERCOLLECT
MLD          MLEADER
MLE           MLEADEREDIT
MLS           MLEADERSTYLE
MO            PROPERTIES
MS             MSPACE
MSM          MARKUP
MT             MTEXT
MV             MVIEW
O               OFFSET
OP             OPTIONS
ORBIT        3DORBIT
OS              OSNAP
-OS            -OSNAP
P                 PAN
-P               -PAN
PA               PASTESPEC
PE                PEDIT
PL                PLINE
PO               POINT
POL             POLYGON
PR                PROPERTIES
PROPS         PROPERTIES
PRE              PREVIEW
PRINT          PLOT
PS                 PSPACE
PSOLID        POLYSOLID
PTW             PUBLISHTOWEB
PU                PURGE
-PU              -PURGE
PYR              PYRAMID
QC               QUICKCALC
QCUI            QUICKCUI
R                   REDRAW
RA                REDRAWALL
RC                RENDERCROP
RE                 REGEN
REA              REGENALL
REC              RECTANG
REG              REGION
REN              RENAME
-REN            -RENAME
REV               REVOLVE
RO                ROTATE
RP                 RENDERPRESETS
RPR               RPREF
RR                 RENDER
RW                RENDERWIN
S                    STRETCH
SC                 SCALE
SCR               SCRIPT
SE                  DSETTINGS
SEC                SECTION
SET                SETVAR
SHA               SHADEMODE
SL                  SLICE
SN                 SNAP
SO                 SOLID
SP                  SPELL
SPL                SPLINE
SPLANE        SECTIONPLANE
SPE                SPLINEDIT
SSM               SHEETSET
ST                  STYLE
STA               STANDARDS
SU                 SUBTRACT
T                   MTEXT
-T                -MTEXT
TA               TABLET
TB                TABLE
TH               THICKNESS
TI                 TILEMODE
TO               TOOLBAR
TOL             TOLERANCE
TOR            TORUS
TP               TOOLPALETTES
TR               TRIM
TS               TABLESTYLE
UC              UCSMAN
UN              UNITS
-UN            -UNITS
UNI             UNION
V                 VIEW
-V               -VIEW
VP                DDVPOINT
-VP              VPOINT
VS                VSCURRENT
VSM             VISUALSTYLES
-VSM           -VISUALSTYLES
W                  WBLOCK
-W                -WBLOCK
WE                WEDGE
X                   EXPLODE
XA                XATTACH
XB                 XBIND
-XB               -XBIND
XC                XCLIP
XL                XLINE
XR                XREF
-XR            -XREF
Z                  ZOOM

The “dashed” commands open the command line options (no dialog box)

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A new search engine has appeared on the landscape…  It is Cuil.

Cuil was developed by a few Google “formers” who left the fold, got some investors and went it alone.  It is interesting on the surface but not real flashy.

So - I typed in “CADD Manager” and came up as #1 on the list.  Using that search term on Google provided the same results.  So I typed in “CAD Manager” and came up as #3 on Google, but no where in site on Cuil.

I do like the autocomplete “suggestion” function.

You can turn it off and on under preferences… as well as safe search.

One thing I do like is the Next Page funtion at the bottom of the screen.  It stays in one place.  I don’t have to scroll to get the buttons.

Take a look for yourself and try some of your typical searches.

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“The Whole Building Design Guide (www.wbdg.org) in cooperation with the buidingSMART Alliance and the National BIM Standard Project Committee is pleased to introduce a new section on Building Information Modeling. These pages will explore BIM concepts and link to BIM-associated initiatives, publications and events.”

One of the interesting pages on the WBDG site is the expansive reading list…

BIM Libraries—contains information on reports, guidelines, roadmaps, white papers, articles and BIM tools.

* Relevant Codes and Standards
* Reports / Guidelines / Publications
* White Papers
* Articles
* Books and Criteria
* Road Maps
* Tools
* Curricula

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I have heard a lot of talk from a lot of CAD Managers about skipping a release of software.  They have decided that it is better to not upgrade every time a software release comes out and have settled into a double jump process.  This means that they are not upgrading when a new release comes out, they are waiting a release or sometimes two before they move forward.

This seems to be true for those on subscription and those that are not.  When the financial portion of the upgrade decision is taken out of the mix, they are still waiting.   If you have to pay for upgrades then it take a little more to get you to move, but when the cost of an upgrade is not a factor, CAD Managers are still jumping over a release.

What are you doing?  Is your firm jumping on the band wagon as soon as the newest release is shipped?  Do you wait one or even two releases?

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From the Fool:

Everyone loves a great comeback story. And in the stock market, few things are more enjoyable than owning a stock on the cusp of its own massive turnaround. After all, many fortunes are made by the investors who succeed in buying great businesses:

1. during times of maximum pessimism,
2. while they’re being ignored and forgotten, or
3. when they’re being beat down to bargain-basement levels.

See the Fools list and more info on Autodesk stock here

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