CAD Freedom and Precision - Views and News from KubotekUSA

6 1/2 Reasons to Ignore the Trend in Direct CAD Technology

  

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Direct CAD technology is getting more powerful and prevalent in the design and manufacturing supply chain, but many managers in Engineering and Manufacturing are "playing it safe" by sticking with the tried and true.  Here are 6 1/2 reasons to ignore the trend toward Direct CAD technology:

1. We are already using the most popular CAD technology, if our CAD vendor decides to move to Direct CAD technology we will look at it then.

With that logic, you're probably using the same technology as Ron Swanson on "Parks & Recreation."

2. We are in the middle of a project, we don't have the time to evaluate new technology.

So when aren't you in the middle of a project?  Never, we hope.

3. We need to be able to make changes quickly to the model and have everything update like we saw in the demo of the CAD software.

When was the last time that happened.  The more complex the model, the more likely when the model updates it falls apart.  Starting from scratch can be so time consuming.

4. We don't have new CAD software in the budget.

Have you looked at the maintenance fees you have been paying, or the education line item?  How much does it cost you to recruit a new CAD jock that is trained in your software?

5. We already support 3 CAD software packages, we can't support another one.

Some direct CAD modelers import a wide range of native CAD files. You can actually save money by purchasing a Direct CAD Modeler by reducing the number of systems you are maintaining and training for today.

6. Our customer's using Brand "A" CAD.  We are using the same CAD as our customer. 

There is some comfort in using the same system as your customer, but does it truly improve your ability to work with them? Does your CAD system give you flexibility and the ability to use and reuse your customer's data.  And what about other customers?  Will you buy their system and train your personnel to drive multiple systems?

6.5 Our people are comfortable with the tools that they are using today.

Really?  Please reread number one and watch the video again!

Thanks for reading and if you want more information on Direct CAD technology download this white paper: Direct Modeling 101.