subject: Making the most of your 3D CAD design suite- Training and support [print this page] 3D CAD design suites are developing rapidly, with more functions and applications being added regularly. These products are being developed and incorporated into design suites on the basis of very high levels of professional demand and technology advances across the3D modelling software spectrum. The good news for users is that with these advances comes a lot of training and support to optimize capabilities.
Upgrading your design capabilities with training
Designers often find that there are jobs they could do if they had the right software to do them. The design limits of software get in the way of business, but with the really advanced software, there's also a learning curve involved, even for experts. 3D design software has been advancing so rapidly, and changing as new features and methodologies are introduced.
This professional software can be incredibly useful, but most businesses would think twice about the training issues. Time factors, outlays, and the types of training available need to be considered.
Now the good news:
The top software companies have got the message.Tekla, for example, which is one of the major industry suppliers of CAD software, has a training and support scheme for its users built into its licensed packages. If you consider for a moment the amount of money and time involved with advanced professional training, that's a huge plus. This is a "full service" approach, and it's cost effective by definition.
This range includes:
Architect software
Architectural drafting
Engineering drawing
Drafting software
Project management
Detailing at all levels
Construction management
This sort of training is exactly what's needed to expand your design business in any direction it needs to go.
Support- Backup, whenever you need it.
The other common problem for designers is getting support for their software when they need it. CAD software isn't simple, and bugs need fixing ASAP in any commercial setting, particularly when you've got contracts and deadlines riding on it.
Best practice in 3D CAD software is to provide integrated support direct from suppliers as part of the package deal. This includes patches, technical support,
Structured training- Best practice, best results
Structured training is a significant issue in CAD systems. This software tends to develop rapidly and often includes a lot of new methodologies and features with which even top professionals aren't familiar. Structured training ensures that vital functions like 3D modelling software are used to best advantage. This type of training provides guided teaching from the ground up. This is practical hands-on training, and it gives a very solid skills base working with applications directly on the design features.
Best practice and best results are inseparable. Design is a creative precision process. Quality standards are not negotiable in professional design. Design software must meet the demanding professional values required for the work. Structured training and support give a lot of real practical options for designers and design businesses, but quality is the decider.
Making the most of your 3D CAD design suite- Training and support
