Overview
Whether the Engineering Department is starting up from a clean sheet of paper or whether the current drafting methods employed by the Engineering Department are in need of an overhaul, choosing the most appropriate CAD program is an important brick in the foundation of the Engineering Department. With the market offering a large number of CAD options, deciding on the best solution can be a daunting task. Usually the Company’s technical needs are answered by a number of CAD solutions and the final CAD solution is then selected based on a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis.
This course presents the technical criteria for analyzing the candidate CAD solutions (2D vs. 3D, parametric modeling vs. direct modeling, integration with other CAE programs, etc.). It introduces an ROI analysis tailored for the CAD activities, along with a few examples that quantify the expected increase in productivity associated with the use of the proposed CAD packages. The ROI can be used to help the managers make the best financial decisions in regards to the new CAD package.
Additionally, the benefits of designating a CAD Manager are discussed, and a list of tasks usually performed by that function is presented.
In the end, a non-exhaustive list of CAD packages available on the market is provided.
This course will help Engineers, Engineering Managers, CAD Managers, etc. who are interested in improving the productivity of their department by selecting the most appropriate CAD package for their Company’s needs.
Disclaimer: although a few CAD solutions are mentioned as examples, this should not be construed as a recommendation. The selection of a CAD package needs to be made according to each of the Engineering Department’s particular needs.
To earn PDH credits, the student must pass a multiple choice quiz consisting of fifteen (15) questions.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- The typical process of choosing the ideal CAD package
- Technical factors to consider when deciding on a CAD package:
- 2D or 3D capability
- Direct modeling or parametric
- What additional modules are needed
- Is integration with other CAE programs (PDM, FEA, CAM) needed and how do you handle that
- How responsive is the Help function
- Are customized CAD solutions needed
- Are any other features needed
- What are the hardware requirements associated with the ideal function of the CAD
- Performing an ROI specifically tailored to the use of CAD packages
- Additional costs related to owning a CAD package (annual subscriptions, training, hardware)
- CAD Manager’s functions and who is best qualified for this position
Course
Click on the following link to the PDF document to review the course material before taking the quiz for credit.
How to Choose the Ideal CAD Package
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