The CADDle Call: Recent Episodes
ZenTek Consultants
Computer-Aided Design & Drafting meets humor and practicality, with a touch of business acumen thrown in for fun. Jim and Rocco, owners of ZenTek Consultants, the premiere U.S. technology consulting firm for the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries discuss the fascinating world of CADD with some humor and honesty. Join them, and their industry-expert guests for CADD- focused tech and biz discussions.
Warm Duck Shuffle by arnebhus | https://soundcloud.com/arnebhus
Keith Cox, Senior Channel Account Manager at Matterport, joins us to discuss scanning and how Matterport plays a vital role in taking scans to the next level.
Learn more about Matterport at https://zentekconsultants.net/matterport/.
We've been doing The CADDle Call podcast for a little over 4 years now! In this episode, we're sharing insights into ZenTek Consultants as a firm and how we got here. We'll also talk about the best and worst parts about running a business and where we hope to go in the future.
In this episode, we discuss how construction firms and building product manufacturers can use Microsoft Excel as part of their estimating workflows.
Danielle Hart, the Regional Director of Membership Services for the Eastern PA chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors joins us today. We'll talk with her about the benefits of working with trade associations, including apprenticeships, training, and job placement.
When AEC firms are busy, they don't have the time to train or develop their staff and processes. When they're slow, they can't afford to. In this episode, we discuss what we're hearing from those in the industry and ways to work around this Catch 22 to position yourself to be more efficient, productive, and profitable.
Ramesh Sridharan, Director of Reality Conditions at Autodesk, joins us to discuss important updates to Autodesk ReCap 2025. We'll also touch on new product offerings from Autodesk in the reality capture space, including PointFuse.
Craig Swearingen, Implementation Specialist at Bricsys, joins us to discuss the features within BricsCAD Lite and the benefits of using it in your CAD workflow. What sets BricsCAD Lite apart from other Lite CAD systems is that it offers customization and configurations features, as well as network licensing.
Learn more about BricsCAD Lite at https://zentekconsultants.net/bricscad-lite-2/.
In this episode, we discuss supporting construction field staff with the technology, training, and support they need to get their work done as efficiently as possible.
Just the mention of changing CAD systems inspires fear among CAD managers and users. But, with CAD license prices skyrocketing the last few years, it's becoming a necessity for firms to look at other CAD solutions. In this episode, we discuss the trifecta of terror - compatibility, familiarity, and affordability - and explain how to get around these issues so you can comfortably integrate a new CAD solution into your current workflow.
In this episode, we discuss the concept of digital dashboards and what they provide. This very powerful concept can save time on tedious tasks and every company should look to implement dashboards in their processes.
Recently, Autodesk released its Autodesk 2025 product line. Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager at Autodesk, join us to discuss the cool new features in the Civil Infrastructure tools.
Ken D'Amato, CEO and founder of SmarTwin AI™, joins us to discuss the benefits of AI for construction and how it can positively impact construction challenges.
Matt DeBasio, Construction Technologist at P. Agnes, is with us to discuss the construction industry's need for custom, or purpose-built, estimating systems.
Jeff Perry, leadership and development expert as well as the host of "The Engineering Career Coach" podcast is here to discuss concepts in his book "The Intentional Engineer". We'll discuss the concepts of intentionality, upgrading your mindset, and genius zones. These concepts apply to all professionals, so grab a cup of your favorite beverage and listen in.
Learn more about the book and grab your copy at https://www.theintentionalengineer.com/.
In this episode, we focus on how you can export data from Bluebeam Revu to Microsoft 365 tools like Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
Whether it's markups, as-builts, submittals, or even printing CAD design files to a PDF, there's a struggle when it comes to sharing information between these two file types.
In this episode, we discuss how construction and design firms can move markups and more from a PDF editor and import them as actual linework into CAD.
Todd Rogers, BIM Manager at Walter P. Moore, joins us to discuss artificial intelligence in the design world. We'll talk about how AI can fit into daily design workflows and its potential benefits.
In this episode, we discuss the latest news on how construction firms are being given heavy fines from the US government due to "intentional wage theft". What does this mean for the industry?
Is 2D CAD still being used in the design/build industry? Join us as we discuss what we're seeing today and the long-term prognosis for 2D CAD work.
David Mills, Construction Technical Specialist at ZenTek, joins us to discuss Procore and how you can make it work in a real-world environment.
In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of using large enterprise software systems versus developing simplified workflows that can help staff work better and smarter.
Craig Swearingen, Implementation Specialist at Bricsys, is here to discuss the relationship between software partners and developers, and, most importantly, how it affects the end users.
Publishing a pdf in Bluebeam is not the same as printing a pdf. In this episode, we discuss the options available for publishing multiple files that can make a big difference when storing and sharing these files.
Training is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution for AEC firms. In this episode, we discuss the different types of technical training options available, how they work, and the pros/cons of each.
We wrap up Season 4 of The CADDle Call podcast with Ramesh Sridharan, Autodesk Product Manager for the Infrastructure team. He joins us to discuss the point cloud and GIS developments in Autodesk ReCap over the past year. And, he'll give a little insight into the direction the product is headed in 2024.
In this episode, we discuss the idea of getting employees help with software and processes at the moment they need it. While the concept is simple enough, often times the implementation is not.
In this episode, we discuss the PDF Packages feature in Bluebeam Revu - what it is and how to use it. We'll go over the process of creating a PDF Package of your entire project and how to use the most common tools in this feature.
In this episode, we dive into who Autodesk Service Providers are, what they do, how to find them, and how they differ from Autodesk Value-Added Resellers.
In this podcast episode, we discuss the difference between Building Information Models and 3D Models, as well as determining which one you need.
It's our first ever live podcast broadcast! We're coming to you from the GBCA Tech Expo where we're talking with hosts and attendees about the technology that's important to the design build industry. Learn about the innovative ways people are using technology to make workflows more efficient.
Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager at Autodesk, joins us to provide a year-end wrap up on the 2024 release of the Autodesk Civil/Site programs and discuss the upcoming Autodesk University conference. We’ll also talk about a few other cool things happening at Autodesk right now and some of the features Tim’s team is working on for next year’s release.
Julie Keverian, Bricsys North American Technical Manager, is back with us to share the new and exciting tools in the latest BricsCAD V24 release. We'll also discuss the updates related to specific work processes in Civil, Mechanical, and BIM. If you use CAD, this is one podcast you don't want to miss.
In this podcast episode, we discuss digital scanning of facilities and sites and, more importantly, all the things you can do with the data once you have it. We'll talk about the benefits that 3D scanning provides throughout construction and post construction, and into facility management for the long term.
In this episode, we discuss how remote work ties into the design build industry and the practicality of making this type of work available to employees.
Increase your efficiency and consistency on all construction projects by using Bluebeam Revu templates. In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating pdf and email templates that you can reuse on every project to save time. We'll also talk about creating and using report templates to output markups to a consistent PDF format.
CAD Standards have an impact on every design you create. In this episode, Cyndy Davenport, Civil Tech Specialist at ZenTek, joins us to discuss the benefits of well thought out CAD Standards. We'll also talk about the practicalities of developing, or improving, your internal CAD Standards.
David Mills, Technical Specialist at ZenTek Consultants, is here to discuss how to best use Procore in a practical field-focused construction workflow.
Julie Keverian, North American Technical Manager at Bricsys, is back to discuss the newest features in the BricsCAD V23.2 update and how you can incorporate them into your daily workflow to maximize design efficiency and productivity.
In this episode, we discuss ways firms can properly handle technical training in this busy design/build environment. We'll look into how the focus of technical training shouldn't be on just software training, but a holistic approach that includes workflow processes. Knowing which buttons to push to get an output with understanding what that output means leads to major inefficiencies.
In this episode, we discuss a few of the new and exciting things that have happened in the design build industry recently.
Ramesh Sridharan, Product Manager of Infrastructure at Autodesk, is back to discuss the growing partnership between Autodesk and ESRI.
In this episode, we'll discuss how this partnership is making it easier for the industry to access and integrate GIS data into standard infrastructure designs and vice versa.
In this episode, we discuss using more than one CAD system in your firm and the benefits of doing so. In particular, we're focusing on the business and cost benefits of incorporating BricsCAD into your current design environment.
If you're using Bluebeam Revu for just marking up documents or viewing pdf files, you're missing out on its most powerful feature - creating estimates. In this episode, we discuss how you can ditch doing estimates by hand or in Microsoft Excel, and configure Bluebeam Revu so you can easily and quickly create takeoffs and estimates that meet your requirements.
In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of software subscription licenses and the effect they are having on the AEC industry.
In this episode, we discuss the process of designing roads and corridors in AutoCAD Civil 3D. In particular, we're focusing on Corridor EZ - a plugin for Civil 3D from Civil Survey Solutions. Corridor EZ automates the entire corridor and road design process, including cul-de-sacs and intersections, right inside AutoCAD Civil 3D. You can take your design time from hours to just minutes.
In the design/build industry, technology and work conditions are becoming tighter companions. Making sure your employees have the tools, skills, and time they need to be highly efficient while maintaining a reasonable work/life balance is vital. In this episode, we discuss how to adapt to the changes in the industry to develop more productive, happier, and loyal employees.
David Robison, President of Design Master Software, joins us to discuss MEP requirements in BIM and how these can be handled using BricsCAD. We'll also dive into the benefits of BIM for MEP engineers and designers.
Your CAD skills can make you a super user, but they won't really make you a manager. In this episode, we discuss what's required on the management side. CAD Managers need to understand the business from the ROI calcs to selling ideas to executives to preparing training and rolling out support for staff.
Ramesh Sridharan, Product Manager for Autodesk Infrastructure, is back to discuss the new features and functions in ReCap Pro 2024. He'll also provide tips on better integrating ReCap into your daily workflows.
Our new subsidiary in Canada is now open and Steve Fahie, President of ZenTek Consultants CA, is here to discuss how we can help Canadian firms.
In this monthly feature, we discuss the benefits and practical use of overlaying documents in Bluebeam Revu.
Andrew Milford, Autodesk Senior Product Manager for Civil Infrastructure, joins us to discuss the benefits of Collaborate for Civil 3D and how the tools and features have been updated for the 2024 release of the Civil Infrastructure tool sets.
Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager at Autodesk, is back to give us the breakdown on the new features and tools in AutoCAD Civil 2024 that will make designing more efficient.
While AutoCAD Civil 3D is still the king in the civil design world, it's always good for us to look for ways to improve functionality to make our designs better, more efficient, and to reduce costs. In this episode, we focus on the tools that work with AutoCAD Civil 3D to enhance its capabilities - or shore up areas we find frustrating.
Cyndy Davenport, Civil Technical Specialist here at ZenTek, joins us to discuss ZenPipe for Civil 3D Pressure Networks. These new tools were designed to help those who struggle with development and layout of pressure pipe catalog data in AutoCAD Civil 3D. Listen in to learn more.
In this episode, we're discussing the Compare Documents feature in Bluebeam Revu and how you can use it in single and batch mode to identify the differences between construction documents and contracts, whether they are drawings or text-based. While using this feature is a simple process, it's one that many construction professionals don't really take advantage of.
The Construction Industry has plenty of tools available to handle QTO and estimating. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of these tools and where the industry is leaning. We'll also give our listeners an idea of what they should be looking at within their own firms.
We're introducing a new segment, where every month we'll recap recent news in the Design Build industry. While we will try to focus on the technology side, we may also touch on the business and financial aspects, depending on the news story.
This month we're discussing:
- Digital Twin technologies for infrastructure
- Gensler's Design Forecast for 2023
- Dodge Reports - the growth of Prefab and Modular Construction
- ConstructionDive - the lack of growth in commercial construction for 3D modeling
In this episode, we discuss construction estimating in Bluebeam Revu, and how using pre-defined tools to automate quantity takeoff, cost, and labor estimating can save you valuable time on your projects.
Procore Analytics is the process of integrating all your data Procore data with Microsoft Power BI to turn your construction projects into visual powerhouses. In this episode, we discuss the importance of converting costs, schedules, KPIs, and performance data into visual charts and graphs that update in real-time, so you and your team can see the data visuals in an easily understandable format when you log into Procore.
In this episode, we discuss AutoCAD, the kingpin of the CAD world, and viable CAD alternatives that provide impressive tools and features.
If you do any type of work in the AEC world, at some point you'll deal with markups. Whether you're creating them, reviewing them, or implementing them into a design, markups are the mainstay of communication during the building process.
In this episode, we discuss the processes and tools that allow you to effectively add markups, respond to them, make plan and real-world adjustments from them, and communicate changes with all those involved.
Over the last couple of years, we've seen a growing interest of US and Canadian local governments who want to make better use of their technology. In this episode, we focus on the technology and processes (both construction project management and CAD) that bring huge improvements in the daily work life of local government employees.
Cyndy Davenport, Civil Tech Lead at ZenTek, joins us to discuss the newest release of Stringer Topo - V23. We'll talk about how it's different from other systems on the market and dive into some of the new tools that are helpful for survey firms.
Tim Yarris, Civil 3D Product Manager at Autodesk, is back with us to discuss the new features in the AutoCAD Civil 3D 2023.2 update. We'll discuss the improvements in speed and performance, as well as the customer requests - like corridor transitions - that made it into this release.
Julie Keverian, Technical Manager at Bricsys, joins us to discuss the newest release of BricsCAD - v23 - and the cool new features and tools that will make your design life easier.
We have 2 special guests from Autodesk on the show today. Dave Simeone, Senior Product Manager for Civil Products, and John Sayre, Technical Marketing Manager, explain the fundamental shift in the way we conceptualize, develop and share civil design information.
We'll discuss this new concept of centralizing civil design into the cloud and integrating it with tools like BIM 360, Sheet Sets structures, Autodesk Forma, and more.
Ramesh Sridharan, Product Manager for Autodesk Infrastructure solutions, joins us to discuss the new features and tools in InfraWorks and ReCap 2023.1
Bluebeam released their newest version, 21, at the end of September and there are many major changes to the software. In this episode, we discuss the general changes to the product - licensing models, names, and prices - and then take a deeper dive into a new set of features called Bluebeam Cloud.
Jeff Perry of More Than Engineering joins us to define what a leader is and how you can move your career forward by expanding your leadership skills.
Special guests Shane O'Rorke and Andrew Banson from Civil Survey Solutions join us to discuss Civil Site Design & Stringer Topo. They'll explain the key new features of Stringer Topo, which has been completely redesigned, and the AI tools in Civil Site Design. They'll also discuss the direction of their products and the industry as a whole.
Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager at Autodesk, joins us to discuss the new announcements and tools for infrastructure.
In this episode, we discuss the concept of taking raw data that you already have and organizing it into an intelligent decision-making tool, which can have a dramatic impact on your bottom line in a very competitive market. Plus, others in the organization can easily view and interpret this data via dashboards.
Bluebeam Revu is not just another PDF reader. It's a fully-developed QTO and estimating system with built-in cloud collaboration tools.
In this episode, we focus on one feature in Bluebeam Revu - tools sets. These can change the way you work and increase efficiency and profitability. We discuss what they do, why they're so important, and how they benefit everyone in the company.
It's a never-ending concern in the industry - you want to be better, faster and more efficient at design, but don't want the headache of changing your current design system.
In this episode, we discuss how to improve your civil site design process, from field-to-finish, without changing to a new CAD system.
Jeff Perry of More Than Engineering joins us to discuss career planning and development for tech and engineering folks. We'll discuss concrete processes that can start people on the path of laying out the career they want.
CADDle Call listeners can get a career clarity checklist by visiting https://www.engineeringcareeraccelerator.com/caddlecall.
Ken D'Amato, CEO of SmarTwin, helps guide us through using digital twins and BIM modeling concepts in the Metaverse. We'll focus on the reasons behind and benefits of modeling real world buildings and locations in the Metaverse.
We're seeing more and more construction firms wanting better financial and scheduling information from Procore data presented in a reliable way. In this episode, we discuss incorporating the concept of analytics into Procore to give you dynamic, intelligent, graphics-based dashboards and reports that can change the way your firm makes business decisions.
Point clouds are becoming more vital, particularly in the infrastructure space, and there's confusion on the best ways to generate, import, and use this type of data in projects. In this episode, Tim Yarris (AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager) and Ramesh Sridharan (Autodesk Infrastructure Product Manager) join us to help answer these questions on point clouds and tell us more about Autodesk's long-term planning and development goals for reality capture.
In this episode, we discuss the different types of software licenses available, including OEM, explain what they are and how they work, as well as the concept of bundling to get discounts.
Join us as we discuss service work - those projects that are focused on customizing internal workflows, standards and templates to optimize how staff gets projects done. We'll talk about how service work applies to the different sectors in the AEC world and the methodologies that work best for each sector. With many firms being short-staffed, service work can make the internal processes more efficient without burdening understaffed teams, helping firms balance workload and profit.
Communication, collaboration, and file sharing are the backbone of design projects. In this episode, we discuss a better way to control project file sharing and communication among team members without using dozens of different tools.
In this podcast episode, we discuss the Autodesk Subscription Model monopoly, why the industry bought into it (hint - fear), and if there is an effective way to get out of it.
In this episode, we discuss the impact that fluctuating material prices and delivery delays are having on construction firms. Matt DeBasio, Project Estimator at P. Agnes Construction, joins us to discuss how he addresses these problems in the real world.
We all know that Bluebeam Revu is the most popular construction software on the market today. But, did you know you could also use it for space planning and facility management? In this episode, we discuss how to use Bluebeam Revu to create a dynamic inventory of items in a room, determine how much square footage of a building is being used for a specific purpose or by a specific group, and add links to forms, drawings and other data related to space.
In this episode, we discuss how to solidly configure BIM and Autodesk Revit to help prevent mistakes and cost overruns.
Listen to The CADDle Call podcast on these platforms: Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Breaker, RadioPublic, Stitcher, iHeart Radio. Visit https://zentekconsultants.net/category/the-caddle-call-podcast/ for all CAD podcast episodes.
Every system and workflow on the planet can be improved and AutoCAD Civil 3D is no exception, even though it's the most popular tool for civil design. In this episode, we discuss common issues we hear about Civil 3D from those working in the civil design world and some of the tools available on the market today that can address those issues.
In this episode, we discuss the cringe-worthy topic of migrating CAD systems. Our guests, Julie Keverian and Craig Swearingen from Bricsys, join us with information on how you can navigate the waters and make the change to a better CAD system efficient and quick for your team.
In the design world, we frequently run into issues with having files in one format and needing them in another. In this episode, we explore the conversion process between the two most common types of construction files - PDFs and DWGs.
In this episode, we talk about the ways you can make use of tool palettes in your CAD system to make life easier for everyone in your design group.
While working remote became a necessity over the last couple of years, management is looking to bring employees back to the office and the traditional work model. But employees who have worked from home have seen the benefits of being able to better balance work and personal lives. In this episode, we discuss how you can convince management that you are a more productive and reliable employee when working from home.
There is a gap between the purchase and implementation of a reliable software system that needs to be filled by technical trainers and consultants who have the design and construction experience required. The problem is finding people you can trust. In this episode, we discuss the concept of ongoing technical support and training for your staff and how you can get it.
In the last 5 years, new construction software systems have been popping up, causing quite a bit of confusion and misunderstanding about what they do. To alleviate the confusion, in this episode, we're discussing the different fields of construction software, what they do and who the players are in each.
While many in the construction world use Bluebeam Revu mainly as a PDF viewer and markup tool, the true power of this software lies in its ability to handle detailed estimating and quantity takeoff. Listen as we discuss how to get the full power of estimating with a friendly user interface within Bluebeam Revu.
Alex Von Svoboda, VP of Sales at Solidspac3, joins us to discuss the power of their new construction variance reporting tool and how it has the capability to change the way the construction world works.
In this episode, Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager, and Ramesh Sridharan, Autodesk Infraworks Product Manager, are back with us and they're discussing the new tools and processes in the 2023 release of both Autodesk products.
Special guest Todd Rogers, BIM Manager at Walter P. Moore, joins us to discuss the practical application of new tools & features in design/build, particularly in civil design, and how to use them in the real world. We'll also tackle process change implementation - getting employees on board with the necessity of the changes and ensuring that they understand the new procedures and implications of not following them.
In this episode, we're discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the benefits it brings to the civil design world. We'll also provide insight into 2 big players in this market - Civil Site Design and BricsCAD.
It's our 100th episode and we're doing something a little different today. We're discussing how ZenTek Consultants got its start and provide feedback on the problems we faced - what worked, what didn't, and what's important - to help other entrepreneurs in their endeavors.
Ken D'Amato, CEO and co-founder of SmarTwin, joins us to discuss working with Digital Twins and how they integrate into BIM (Building Information Modeling) data.
In this episode, we're discussing a new concept that's rising quickly in the design & construction industries. We'll cover what Technology Mentoring is, how it works, who benefits from it, & where you can find it.
In this episode, Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager, and Ramesh Sridharan, Autodesk Infraworks Product Manager, join us to discuss how the automation tools in the Geotechnical Modeler (available in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2022) and how they simplify geotechnical work in both 2D and 3D. The Geotechnical Modeler has a simple interface, easy-to-learn features, and generates great visual outputs of soil & boring samples in seconds.
In this episode, we're discussing BIM (Building Information Modeling), what it is, what it isn't, and how to best integrate into your designs and builds.
Technical Support is a vital for staff because it provides then with help when they're having issues with the processes of the system. This is not to be confused with Software Support which deals with issues with the system itself. Efficiency, time, money and productivity all decline quickly when staff doesn't have the proper technical support the moment they need it. In this episode, we'll discuss ways you can ensure staff has access to proper support when they need it.
Over 50% of every single work week in construction firms in spent searching through construction documents for the necessary data. In this episode, we discuss how to intelligently set up your construction PDFs so that you can save time, money and aggravation on every single project, every week.
In this episode, we look at the concepts of live (in-person or online) training and recorded on-demand training, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Named User Licensing is a "new" concept in software licensing that allows software development companies to maximize profits at the expense of their users. In this podcast, we discuss alternative options that are more cost effective and ensure you aren't being taken advantage of by the larger software developers.
Firms are losing their best employees at an alarming rate and finding suitable replacements is becoming difficult, if not impossible. So how can management deal with it in a effective manner?
Over the next 5 years, the workload for firms involved in infrastructure work will become crippling and the need for technology-capable people to counterbalance the shortage of skilled labor will increase substantially. In this episode, we discuss the looming issues and how firms can start getting ready for them now.
John Ade, Solutions Consultant with Bricsys, joins us to discuss the practical use of point clouds in real-world projects. While many people still shy away from point clouds, this versatile data collection method benefits everyone in the AEC and Manufacturing industries with dozens of vital applications.
Todd Rogers, BIM Manager at Walter P. Moore, joins us to discuss how real companies implement new or updated software. He shares his experiences and provides some tips for our listeners.
Angela Hendrix, Director of Training & Workforce Development for GBCA (General Building Contractors Association), joins us to discuss building the next generation of employees in the construction industry.
In this podcast, Andrew English and Andrew Banson from Civil Site Solutions in Australia join us to discuss Civil Site Design, a plugin for Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and BricsCAD with A.I. capabilities. If you design any civil or site projects, you need to listen to this podcast.
Julie Keverian, Customer Success Specialist at Bricsys, joins us to discuss the enhancements made to the latest version of BricsCAD and how they can benefit your industry-specific workflows.
Discussing the benefits of project dashboards and why they should be a regular component of every job. The idea behind dashboards is to create one master data and communication center for the project that doesn't require searching or training to find data.
This week we discuss roadway design, how AutoCAD Civil 3D and Civil Site Design each work in different ways, and which one tackles the lengthy design process better.
In this episode, we discuss four different tools that construction personnel can use to access BIM data in the field - at no cost.
Join us as we discuss surveying technology and the best ways to optimize developing drawings for survey work.
When discussing standards, most in the industry talk about it as an umbrella statement. In reality, there are three key components of standards - Styles, Tools & Templates. In order to properly develop your standards, you need to focus on developing these key components.
Tim Yarris, AutoCAD Civil 3D Product Manager at Autodesk, joins us to discuss new features in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2022. We'll specifically talk about Project Explorer, which provides a whole new level of engineering interaction with Civil 3D data.
In this episode, we discuss the never ending search for the best way to handle CAD standards, upgrades, training, and technical help. We tackle the pros and cons of different types of support providers, as well as the main processes management and users need to consider.
Discussing how affordable and lightweight CAD & PDF takeoff software can simplify and improve daily work for those who deal with systems design and installation.
Over the last decade there's been a change in Civil Design firms where engineers are responsible for their own design work. We'll discuss this shift, why it's important that engineers know CAD, and the tools on the market today that can help them.
Tony Gaffney, veteran CAD consultant & trainer, and owner of Pinnacle Consulting, joins us to discuss the decline in output quality of CAD files over the last decade. There has been a dramatic change in the way drawings are developed and output and this hasn't been good for the design/build industry. We'll discuss some reasons for this decline and share ideas on how to correct things.
Craig Swearingen, Implementation Specialist at Bricsys with an extensive background in CAD Management, joins us to discuss BricsCAD, it's impact on the CAD software market, and what is does better than the competition.
One of the biggest changes in construction over the last decade has been the shift toward the use of PDF construction documents as the primary tool for quantity takeoff. In this podcast, we discuss the reasons for this shift and the tools that help staff generate more accurate takeoffs in far less time.
In this episode, we're discussing a new way building product manufacturers can make themselves known to buyers in the construction industry. Providing tools sets with product metadata makes it easier for designers and estimators to handle layouts using the products and increases the chances of the product being specified for the construction job.
In this episode, Todd Rogers, BIM Manager at Walter P. Moore, joins us as we discuss the serious impacts that the rising costs of construction materials is having on the industry. We'll discuss the dramatic impact on profitability and the skyrocketing costs of building everything from commercial to residential projects.
We're discussing the concept of "lite" CAD systems, those specifically designed for 2D drafting. We'll talk about who they're good for, what they cost, and which ones to consider.
In order to alleviate bottlenecks in the punch list process, construction firms are turning to software systems that help automate this process. Join us as we discuss what you should consider when selecting a software system.
Jo Walker, owner of Jo Walker Design, is back to discuss her experiences (good and bad) with using architectural renderings. We'll talk about how they're used, when it's beneficial to do them and when it's a waste of time and resources.
Craig Swearingen, Implementation Specialist at Bricsys, is back with us to talk about the challenges of bringing on new hires and getting them up to speed on your systems and standards. He'll also share some tips based on his experiences.
While it sounds like a no-brainer, many management personnel do not want to involve design staff in the standards and workflow development process - and that's a big mistake. Learn why it's necessary.
Utilizing custom dashboards in project management software allows team members to easily sort and review all the data related to a specific construction project. In this podcast, we discuss the benefits of custom dashboards and discuss how you can create your own for better file management.
Julie Keverian, Customer Success Specialist at Bricsys, is back with us to discuss the true benefits of 2D design, whether digital 3D modeling is taking over, and the fate of 2D drafting in the design and construction world.
Join us as we discuss affordable ways to get BIM and 3D model data into the field for staff to access easily.
Robert Green, expert in all things CAD Management, is back with us to discuss why CAD Managers need to understand and address the business side of CAD - from ROI to preparing training to selling your ideas to upper management. CAD Management is not just about setting up CAD standards and being a really good CAD person - listen in and learn why.
This week we discuss the powerful estimating tools in Bluebeam Revu and how firms can make the most of them to make their construction estimating processes more accurate and efficient.
Craig Swearingen, CAD Management & Civil Design expert, joins us today to discuss BricsCAD Pro, a CAD system with vital civil design features and tools that can be an alternative to the more expensive civil design software available today. Mr. Swearingen is also an Implementation Specialist at Bricsys.
Kevin Vaughan, Vice President of Tavco, joins us today to discuss why paper plotting isn't going away in the digital design world. We'll also take a look at cool new tools and features available.
Our friend Kimberly Fuhrman, who is now the Revit Community Manager at Autodesk, joins us to discuss the new things coming our way from the Autodesk world and the direction she sees things moving in the next year or two.
In this week's podcast, we discuss the lack of formal CAD skills training in post-secondary education for young engineers & designers, along with the problems it poses for them once they graduate and look for their first job.
Jo Walker of Jo Walker Design joins us to discuss her experiences with 3D design as it relates to smaller design firms, along with what she sees as the positives and negatives of 3D modeling.
We have a special guest for this episode. Matt DeBasio, estimator at P. Agnes, joins us to discuss the key components of a constructability process and the important content that's often missing from projects. We'll also discuss the issues that many construction professionals run into, particularly with PDF construction documents, and how those issues can be fixed.
Todd Rogers, BIM Manager at Walter P. Moore, is back in the house to discuss his thoughts and concerns on the best way to develop and implement CAD standards in a firm, and whether you should do it yourself or bring in a consultant.
In this week's podcast, we discuss PDF takeoff systems and the estimating tools and processes you can use within them to ensure consistency in your construction projects.
Travis Fischer, VDC Manager at Kinsley Construction, joins us once again to discuss how firms must proactively consider company culture and how employees will respond to your new technology, long before you implement it. He'll share his work in this area and tips and tricks for our listeners.
With the rise of IPD, Integrated Project Delivery method of working, Procore construction management software provides a huge benefit to design firms. We discuss how it works and the benefits of using it in your design workflow.
The BIG 5-0! Yes, today marks our 50th podcast! For those who have been listening, we thank you for your support. In today's podcast, we're going to do something a little different and talk about what we've learned on our podcast journey, and just maybe spark some ideas for those who want to create their own podcast.
Training is vital at all levels and research shows that employees who receive regular training are less likely to leave their employer. Today we'll take a look at the different options for training and discuss the pros and cons of a few of them.
In this podcast, we discuss the management of the remote workforce in the design and construction world, along with practical concerns and where the environment is headed in the future.
Join us as we discuss the major and up-and-coming players in the Civil Design software marketplace, along with the pros and cons of their tools.
Julie Keverian of Bricsys is back to discuss the Scan to BIM process and whether it's a viable reality for many firms. This process encompasses scanning an existing environment and converting the point cloud data into a 3D model with BIM data.
Matt DeBasio, Estimator and Construction Technologist at P. Agnes Construction, uses Procore on a daily basis and he joins us to discuss his experience with this project management system, including its benefits and drawbacks.
Owen Wengerd, CAD Industry veteran for over 20 years, joins us to discuss his views on the long-term effects that monopolistic CAD practices have on the design world - both individually and corporate-wide.
Travis Fischer, VDC Manager for Kinsley Construction, joins us this week as we discuss the emerging technologies that are becoming most important to the design/build industry and how they change the work processes between field and office.
Jason Harless, CADD Manager at Cannon Corp, joins us this week to help us understand the different types of 3D scanning, the processes and the underlying concepts. We'll also discuss concerns and the importance of using 3D scanning in your projects.
Traditionally most construction firms don't bother with a CAD system. But with the advent of 3D and BIM technology, more firms are finding that old school paper drawings and PDF files aren't enough anymore.
Todd Rodgers, BIM Manager at Walter P. Moore, is back for a candid discussion on the breadth of the Autodesk AEC Collection and the concerns that come into play when users are trying to configure, distribute, and work with all the software in the collection, whether they use it all or just one or two of the software tools .
This week we discuss the concept of tool sets in Bluebeam Revu and how you can create re-usable, company & task-specific intelligent tools that can be used on every one of your construction projects.
Robert Green joins us once again to discuss the concept of a software portfolio, how to manage it, and why it's important for every design and construction firm to have one. Mr. Green is the author of the CAD Manager column at Cadalyst, Director of Implementation at Bricsys, and all around CAD expert, so we're really excited to have him speak with us about this topic.
This week Tony Gaffney, veteran CAD consultant, designer and instructor, joins us as to discuss the benefits of using a CAD drafting service and the process for effectively working with the firm you select.
In this podcast, we discuss the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it plays into the CAD world. We'll talk with Julie Keverian, Customer Success Specialist at Bricsys, about how AI benefits designers today and how much more we expect from it in the next few years.
In this podcast we discuss a controversial topic - whether having employees attend CAD conferences, workshops and tradeshows provides a return on investment for a firm. We'll discuss the actual vs perceived benefits when compared to the cost, regardless if the event is virtual or in-person.
Kimberly Fuhrman, architectural technologist and President of AUGI, is back with us this week to discuss the major architectural rendering options available on the market today, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.
With the recent mass layoffs and business closures, many people are making the decision to open their own firms. This week we talk about how we started ZenTek Consultants and the share some of the lessons we learned during the process, including the necessary internal technology.
This week we discuss the pros and cons of the different types of CAD training (in-person, online and pre-recorded) and which is best for modern businesses.
Do you need to spend thousands of dollars for extensive 3D civil design systems? Or could you work in a much more affordable 2D system? In this podcast, we discuss the possibilities of using civil and survey design tools in a 2D CAD environment and whether it's a worthwhile pursuit.
Construction is such a high dollar-value prospect that even minor efficiency and performance increases in project management can have a huge financial impact. Listen in as we discuss the Enterprise and Modular systems.
In this podcast we discuss how too many software solutions can actually hurt your bottom line rather than help it in the way you had hoped. There is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to technology and you can put so many processes in place that the bulk of your workday is spent controlling those processes instead of completing billable work.
This vital process all too often gets overlooked in the design & construction world because it's still done manually with pen and paper. However, modern technology makes this process faster, cheaper, and more efficient. So why is there resistance to change?
Todd Rogers, Senior Associate at Walter P. Moore & an expert in the Civil/GIS/BIM world, is back with us for an honest discussion about the positives and negatives of visualization in the Civil Design world. Listen in to learn why visualization is important and the benefits of using it over traditional plan presentations.
Robert Green, Director of Implementation at Bricsys and expert in all things CAD, walks you through the most important steps for preparing your network and systems for both upgrades and fresh installations of the software your firm uses.
We welcome back Kimberly Fuhrman, President of AUGI and a leading architectural technologist, to discuss early energy analysis and LEED when designing buildings. Specifically, we'll discuss the benefits of using the combination of Autodesk's Revit, FormIt and Insight360 software to perform multiple analyses on a project to optimize for a greener building, ensure compliance with LEED standards, and save the client money in the long-term.
This week, we continue with BIM and discuss how Revit is not the only option available today.
Today we're talking with Todd Rodgers about the uses of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the Civil environment. Mr. Rodgers is the BIM Manager at Walter P Moore and on the Board of Directors for AUGI. Listen in as he explains why it's important to consider BIM in Civil projects and the details of implementing BIM workflows in the Civil workspace.
While there is some overlap between software resellers and technology consultants, there are also very distinct differences. In this week's podcast, we discuss the best practices for working with each one so you get the most out of your experience.
In this podcast, we discuss how Building Products Manufacturers are looking to get their products directly into the hands of architects, engineers, and contractors, and the tools they are using to ensure their products are specified in the design and bid processes as early as possible.
In this podcast, we discuss the best practices for controlling your non-CAD files (i.e., bids, specifications, reports, cut sheets, etc.) in a design/build project.
In this podcast, we discuss the Cloud world and the feasibility of using CAD in the cloud.
2D CAD is the oldest and most-widely used tool of the CAD world, but has it been left behind when it comes to development & innovation?
Robert Green, CAD expert and Director of Implementation at Bricsys, joins us today to discuss the benefits and superior features of BricsCAD and why people are starting to shift from AutoCAD to BricsCAD as their primary drafting tool.
This week's podcast deals with the realities of site and road design processes. We'll discuss the best ways to start a design and the different tools you can use to begin and, eventually, complete a project.
Today we're discussing working remotely in the Construction world. With 42% of the construction workforce being regularly mobile today, construction firms are always looking for better, faster, simpler ways to control their documents while still making them available to staff, no matter where they are located.
In this podcast, we discuss training CAD and design staff in this new paradigm of working remotely.
Most firms are using at least three different software systems for design. Many more use specialized programs for HVAC, MEP, Structural and engineering analysis. This creates multiple headaches for CAD personnel and designers.
Today, we'll discuss the current shift in the CAD industry, where smaller, more responsive CAD systems are going to the concept of Single File Type Models. In other words, you use one primary software package, with one set of tools, that will handle all your design needs.
We’re moving a bit outside the CAD world in this podcast to discuss construction estimating tools for an important reason: construction is the end product of designs and it helps to understand how end users work with design output we provide.
In these unprecedented times, a lot of us are having to work from home without having the experience or infrastructure to do so. And in the design/CAD world, this is compounded by the need for collaboration. Join us as we discuss these challenges and how you can work through them.
Interested in learning more about CAD Management? Join us and special guest Robert Green as we discuss the What, Why and How of CAD Management. Mr. Green is a respected speaker, author, and all around expert in all things CADD.
In this episode, we dive into the world of manufacturing and discuss the two primary methods of modeling, Direct and Parametric.
In this episode, Kimberly Fuhrman, President of AUGI, joins us to discuss the differences between BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D Modeling.
In this episode, we'll discuss the two major topics that come up when talking about layers: layer standards and plot styles.
In this episode we discuss the benefits of customizing your CAD system versus using it straight out of the box.
The Construction industry has been booming in the last 2 years and over 80% of construction firms in the U.S. are reporting a skilled worker shortage. Right now there are over 200,000 unfilled construction jobs in the United States. What can be done to address this?
Do you own too many software packages that perform similar or overlapping tasks? Do your employees use different design systems? This fragmentation can cause confusion among team members and slows down projects, which in the end causes the firm to lose money.
Is 2D CAD still alive and a viable option for design...or has it been fully replaced by 3D CAD?