In this article Mark Kiker explains the importance of a proactive approach to decision-making. It advocates for a balance between thoughtful analysis and decisive action. He suggests seeking conclusions that lead to specific actions, avoiding excessive deliberation, and being open to review and adjustment.
Lana Gochenauer explains how selecting the right software involves prioritizing problem-solving over flashy features by understanding user needs and pain points. This process includes assessing current workflows, defining essential features in a requirements document, researching and shortlisting solutions, and evaluating them based on functionality. scalability, usability, integration, and vendor support. Gaining buy-in from senior managers requires a data-driven approach with cost-benefit analysis and efficiency improvements, while securing support from day-to-day users involves identifying a champion to test and promote the software ultimately ensuring successful implementation and addressing real-world problems.
Rusty Jones chronicles Gresham Smith’s journey through technological implementations, from manual drafting to BIM. He highlights that successful implementation is not just about adopting new software, but about evolving work cultures and processes. Initially, the firm transitioned from Unigrafs to CAD, facing challenges due to software fragmentation across offices. Later, when moving to BIM, they adopted a participatory approach, allowing teams to evaluate platforms and choose Revit, fostering ownership and enthusiasm. By engaging staff, providing training, and prioritizing knowledge sharing, Gresham Smith successfully integrated new technologies, demonstrating that effective implementation is a collaborative effort focused on people and partnership.
Mark Kiker talks about his experience in taking a realistic view in the decision making process. He practices realistic optimism and gives an example on what it means to be realistically optimistic in the workspace. Mark uses this to provide a good framework for his article.
Mark Kiker interviews Vance Smith this month, a CAD/BIM Project Technologist with Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. Engineers (RJC). They discussed how technology managers can become disconnected from the “real work” of a project and their skills can soon be outdated!
Mark Kiker talks about the process of moving between being inventive, innovative, or improving a process or tool when you do something new, or in a new way. It may not seem like it matters, but he thinks you move between all three!
Mark Kiker references his article last month about constructive criticism, but now what if you’re the one who needs correcting? How do you catch yourself drifting, going off track, or slipping? Mark explains some alarms or warnings that might help.
Bryson Anderson discusses how remote access to high-performance CAD workstations empowers professionals to work efficiently from anywhere. He explains how optimizing network stability, workstation settings, and remote access software is crucial for a smooth experience. He also explains how implementing a secure remote access setup offers the benefits of mobility, efficiency, and cost savings while maintaining a high level of productivity and security.
Mark Kiker gives corrections to others saying that everyone needs to be corrected from time to time—but in order for others to take a correction as being constructive, you need to know how to deliver them.
Jason Peckovitch delves into the key advancements, from the release of Revit 2025 and its subsequent updates to the introduction of Autodesk’s Content Catalog. Jason also explores the impacts of large language models like ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot, and the innovative AI tools transforming Revit workflows. Lastly, he highlights the importance of industry conferences and the valuable insights they provide!
Jordan Bullock takes a closer look at the technologies and ideas that are redefining AECO’s future. These key takeaways from AU24 reveal how Autodesk is empowering professionals to lead projects with precision, efficiency, and a clear focus on sustainability.
Mark Kiker talks about dealing with his Myopia in the workplace and how to be more about the informal and the mindset or framework that must be in place to make sure that you are balancing the tyranny of the urgent, while also keeping in mind the need of having a view of the broader scopes and longer timelines. Mark also takes a quick look at how we can encourage ourselves to have a better view into the distance.
Mark Kiker focuses on the process of finding issues and addressing them as they escalate—proceeding from last month’s article dissecting the ‘Find’ and now moving onto ‘Fix’ and ‘Finish’.
Tom talks about growing up in the city with Superman and Batman, the world will always need a hero. Tom ties in how the world will never need CAD and CAD Managers one day because of AI.
Mark Kiker focuses on the things that slowly and imperceptibly degrade, then stop working, or go off the rails.
Jason Peckovitch talks about his time at the BIM Invitational Meetup and how he joined the organizers; Christopher Alexander, Michael Freiert, Robert Beckerbauer, their interns Cecilia and Aiden, as well as Beth Evanoo from HCM for dinner Sunday evening while letting us in on their “pregame” conversations that night.
Matthew Marrero breaks down the importance of layer management, the benefits it provides, and best practices to help you master this essential aspect of AutoCAD!
Jordan Bullock explores strategic approaches to enhancing folder structures, revitalizing content libraries through proactive updates, and employing robust communication strategies.
Mark Kiker talks about how when he thinks of the talents that a Tech Manager needs, one that is always at the top is customer service! Mark lists a few things to keep in mind, set in the context of good service at a resort, hotel, or restaurant.
