CAD Administration
“In almost every job now, people use software and work with information to enable their organization to operate more effectively.”
CAD Administration is a cornerstone position of any company utilizing either CADWorx or Autodesk Plant 3D software. The CAD Administrator interacts with two very important groups of people: Management, and CAD Operators. Management is oftentimes more concerned with budgets, timelines, client satisfaction, project costs, etc. These concerns fall outside the realm of operating the CAD software directly, but everything that comes from the CAD software has a direct effect on these concerns. The CAD Operators, are the ones ‘on the ground’ with the program and use it daily. These team members are more concerned with the operation of the software, quality of the deliverables, efficiency of the program, complexity of the program, daily task completion, computation power, graphics, etc. These groups interact indirectly with each other throughout the life of a project.
The CAD Administrator influences and responds to both groups effectively. With regards to Management, the CAD Administrator needs to be able to gather together information when needed regarding a project, generate reports, and articulate the status of a project as well as direct concerns from the CAD Operators group. When more information is required, a CAD Administrator gathers additional information using the project database, and discusses any important topics with project management.
The CAD Administrator also confidently deals with project-specific and client-specific concerns of CAD Operators. A deeper knowledge of the program will mitigate many issues CAD Operators have.
SIA's philosophy for CAD Administrative duties is complex but can be boiled down to 3 main responsibilities, highlighted below.
1. Project Standards
Implementing Project Standards is the first responsibility of a CAD Administrator. Project Standards are represented in the documents that are sent to the client in any phase of the project (IFA, IFB, or IFC). Project Standards represent the brand of the company. The illustration below highlights only a few different project standards that are important in a project.
SIA's will come into your company to help establish these standards and aid in other members of your team as they learn the process of standardization. It is very important to get all team members on board, getting maximum participation can be difficult but it ensures the client ultimately gets a consistent product every time.
2. Pipe Specification Development/Implementation
Specification refers generally to the constraints, codes and requirements used in all aspects of the plant design. Design, Purchasing, and Installation has to be done with the correct specification for each specific client and each specific project. The CAD Administrator is aware of the importance of the specification and takes extra care to enable other team members to work effectively within these parameters. Core competencies and responsibilities for SIA in this category are outlined in the graphic below.
1. Educate Team.
The CAD Administrator is responsible for educating team members in all aspects of CAD use relating to their specific discipline. The CAD Administrator is an authority on many project issues. There are four areas that SIA concentrates on, highlighted below.
SIA will partner with your company in the area of CAD Administration. This important position will drive your company forward!