wrote in message news:5313763@discussion.autodesk.com...
could you give me a run down?
Management Tasks
Now that we've qualified the characteristics and qualifications a CAD
manager needs to possess, here's a look at the various functions CAD
managers can be expected to perform in today's workplace. Keep in mind that
not every CAD manager will perform every one of the following tasks, but
most CAD managers will perform most of them at one time or another.
Maintaining Hardware and Software. The most basic function of the CAD
manager is to keep the CAD machines running and to coordinate network
procedures for storage of CAD data. Sometimes these responsibilities can be
shared with a central computer-support department, but the CAD manager must
always take the lead on solving the problems and will always be the
responsible party. In fact, many CAD managers I know could work in
centralized computer-support departments but elect not to because CAD
management keeps them in their design skill area.
Providing Primary CAD Support. CAD managers must be able to answer most of
the questions that will arise on a day-to-day basis. This requires
familiarization with all software platforms in the company and may require
in-depth self-study or training on an ongoing basis.
CAD Standards Formulation. A key job of any CAD department is working with a
company CAD standard or a customer standard. The CAD manager has to take the
lead role in formulating and enforcing CAD standards for layering,
dimensioning, text annotations and information storage. The enforcement of
CAD standards is closely correlated to how effectively the CAD manager
communicates the importance of standards and gets upper-level design or
engineering management to agree to these standards.
Technology Resource Planning. Looking into the future to plan for new
software releases, training and how to make the CAD department more
efficient is an increasingly popular trend in CAD management. CAD managers
are much more likely to be well read and technologically current now than
they were just a few years ago. Remember that planning for resources and new
technology isn't just about being a futurist; you'll need to establish
budgets and cost justifications to back up your recommendations. The best
CAD managers are constantly reading and maintaining folders on interesting
new technologies. You may also find that an annual conference such as
Autodesk University or A/E/C SYSTEMS can assist you with identifying
promising new technology for your CAD department.
Document Management. Increasingly CAD managers are being thrust into
implementing document-management solutions as an extension of the CAD
standards or procedures portion of their job. Proper control of CAD
information to ensure proper revisioning, archiving and perhaps even
Internet access is a rapidly growing part of CAD management.
Staff Management. Sometimes CAD managers are responsible for hiring CAD
drafters and must oversee temporary staff to ensure that CAD projects are
completed on time. In these situations CAD managers have a full-fledged
management job that makes them responsible for anything from scheduling
resources to performing reviews to disciplinary procedures. This is a huge
step up for those undertaking their first management position and should not
be taken lightly.
Staff Training. CAD managers are frequently called upon to orient new
employees or to help existing employees boost their CAD skills. The
forward-thinking CAD manager will devise a training plan that leverages
industry-training books, Internet sites and multimedia training materials to
meet these needs rather than one-on-one tutoring. Staff training can also be
construed as attention to continuous improvement efforts, so existing CAD
users are constantly being challenged to learn new skills and apply them
within the bounds of the company's CAD standards. The CAD manager's approach
to training is crucial because a strong training culture makes adoption of
CAD standards much easier.
More Than Just CAD
As you look through the listing of tasks that CAD managers perform, it
becomes apparent that CAD management isn't just about CAD. Even senior
management will be surprised at the level of communications, priority
management and financial judgment that must be used to run a CAD department.
Senior management can be forgiven for its naiveté because senior managers
typically don't understand how much is involved in keeping complex software
systems controlled and running well.
As the CAD manager, it becomes your responsibility to articulate what you do
and why it is important to the company. The CAD manager assumes the role of
CAD advocate and must be able to explain to any one in upper management what
systems are in use, why they provide value, what the future plan is for
technology adoption and what it will cost. That is a lot of information to
master, and you'll notice it has nothing to do with programming!
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