If you read my earlier rants (first post, second post) about getting rid of 2D, then this one is the next logical step: dealing with the human element.  Inevitably, there will be folks who refuse to give up their 2D software.   This is their comfort zone, and most people don’t like change anyway.  To ensure your transition to 3D is 100% there are a few things that need to be done to help the people along.  Read the rest of this entry »

“Design automation tools are just configurators for finished 3D models and 2D drawings.”  Wow, if only we could get the Mythbusters to take a look at that one.  Nothing would explode, but that myth would certainly be busted.  Design automation goes far beyond the simple configurable design, and automation need not wait until a design is completed and fully documented to be valuable.  Read the rest of this entry »

We at Razorleaf have been going through the ENOVIA V6R2010x documentation to figure out the “real” meaning behind the much publicized SOA readiness of V6. Before we dive in, let’s get familiar with the definition of SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture). Read the rest of this entry »

There is a lot of buzz around cloud computing today, and not all of it is positive.  If you don’t know much about cloud computing, the simplest description is to think about a bank of remote computers whose resources you can harness on an as-needed basis.  Note that this description omits any discussion of where the computers are located (other than not being attached to your keyboard), who owns the computers, who else can access the computers, etc.  The concept of cloud computing itself doesn’t imply answers to any questions about ownership, location, or privacy/security.  So let’s dig a level deeper to discuss how these ownership, security, and privacy issues relate to cloud computing, and specifically in the world of PLM.  Read the rest of this entry »

If you read my previous rant about why people are still designing in 2D, then this one is the next step: getting rid of the 2D authoring tools at a company.  Today, there’s no reason why companies can’t make the switch – it’s just a matter of taking the time and having the willpower to do it.  Of course I am oversimplifying a bit when I say this, but you can get rid of 2D from a company with basically five steps: 

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I am always surprised, no make that astounded, by the number of companies that are still designing in 2D software.  3D CAD has been around, and relatively mainstream, for over two decades.  When I ask this question of my customers they tell me things like “Oh, Mike can crank out 16 drawings a day in 2D, but the 3D CAD jockey only puts out 8 drawings a day.”  I have my response ready: Read the rest of this entry »

Razorleaf has just released the new CADFIT tool for public consumption.  I don’t recommend actually eating or consuming the tool, but I do recommend that you use it.  “Well of course you do, you work for Razorleaf.”  Okay, that factor not withstanding, CADFIT is a really great tool to help you determine the health of your SolidWorks files, to check and see if they are “fit.”   Read the rest of this entry »