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Project planning, implementation and management
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Cost effective AM/FM/GIS CAD conversions,on time
Technology considerations
There are many technology considerations to be considered when contemplating CAD conversion. These include all
aspects of several main areas of focus. These can include:
- Data Base Considerationsfor any integration.
- NetworkingIssues.
- The CADsysteminto which the data is to be converted.
- Conversiontechnologiesand methodologiesavailable.
All of these must be consideredas business and technical goals are established to guide the overall process, This is a
critical part of the structured approach to developing an overall plan for conversion.
- Data Base considerations
When developing an AM/FM/GIS land base tied to the business and engineering functions of any firrm the database
considerations take on tremendous importance. Should there be a central data base, should the data base be distributed
or networked should duplicate records be maintained, how are duplicate systems reconciled and at what COst how
large can a central or distributeddatabase become,howare the databases segment@ what accessprivilegesare
requiredfor difTerentgroups,what type of networkis requiredfor the users, etc.. All of these questions,and more, are
extremelycritical. Current technologies,either alreadyin place at the firm, or to be acquiredas a result of the project
must be analyzedand their capabilitiesmeasuredagainst the answersto these questionsand the goals for the project.
Generally,the less duplicationand needfor reconciliationbetweendata bases, the better. Resultinganswersand plans
must be consideredin light of their impact on cmmmmicationchannelsand interfacesbetweengroupshiisciplines.
- The target CAD System
CADsystemshavebeen evolvingsincethe late 1970’s.Selectinga CADsystemhas been a task which many
companieshavegone through severaltimes. Generally,everythingthat is being stated here about a stnwtmd
analysisapproachto conversio%can be applied to the selectionof a CADsystemas well. In the case of conversion
projectsseekingto take full advantageof any AIWFIWGISmnversiou existing CADsoftwaremust be analyzed
against the business and technical goalsbeing establishedfor the conversion. If the goals establishedfor the project
cannotbe achievedwith existing software,then the cost of new softwarethat accommodatesthe goals needsto be
measuredagainst the levelof attainment possiblewith the existing software. If new sofhvareis required,then it
shouldbe purchasedthrough a structuredanalysismethodthat uses the goals established for the conversion project
and the general requirements for design and drafting, to developa specification. From there, a pilot, or benchmark,
should be establishedto evaluate vendors. Do not rely on goodmarketingpresentations,or “wow”demos.
- Conversion Technologies/Methodologies available
There are severalmethodologieswhich havebeen developedand are employedto convertmanual drawingsand data
to digital format. It is critical to selecta method after careiidlymeasuringthe various options against the goalswhich
havebeen establishedfor the conversionproject. In additioma numberof basic questionsneedto be considered
beforeselectinga method. Suchquestionsas: Are the resulting files mainlyfor archivalpurposes,or will they be
activein the desigrdengineeringprocess? Is there associateddatabase informationattachedto the graphicsfrom
whichtechnical or businessfunctionskeyoff of? What degreeof accuracyand tolerancingis required? Howmany
layersor levelsare required?What standardsand conventionsare employed?Howlarge are the drawings?Howdense
are the graphics?What is the state of the existing media (copies,blue line, micro-film etc.)?Thesetypes of questions,
and issues regarding relativecosts of the various options, will have an impacton the type of methodologyemployedto
convertthe drawings. Table 1 showsvarious conversionoptions availableand their pro’s and con’s.
Table 1- Basic Conversion Methodology Comparison
The above table is meant to be a basic comparison of methods. Depending on the goals established,any of the
methodscan be applied successfully,if the goals and the inherent strengths and weaknesses are fully considered.
Many times a combination of methods may be required. In any case, it is critical to develop a thorough specification
based on the business and technical goals, the technical requirements(standards,conventions,D/B design, etc.), and
the budgetary and scheduling issues. Such a document will serve as a guide through the entire process.
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