Upgrading ADT?

[StephenJ]

I am in the process of upgrading from ADT 3.3 to 2006 and was wondering if the newer release is more user friendly? I used a very small amount of the features offered to me by ADT 3.3.

I was at a 45+ person firm with 20 cad users. Supporting and training the ADT features would have been a nightmare. Not to mention the learning curve. I would have had to not do any drawing and in the position I was in that would have and didn't ever happen.

Now I am at a 10 person firm with 5 users and am willing to learn the full functionality of the software and try to implement its functions. I will be able to support my team and meet my employers expectations.

Thanks for any input.

Stephen J

ever wonder why it is called ADT instead of AAD (Autocad Architectural Desktop) or AD (Architectural Desktop)? I guess it goes along with the ACAD (AutoCAD) abbreviation. Its like saying to an old school architect "RCP" and they say "what?" and you have to say "reflected ceiling plan"... "...ooooohhhhh"

[arcadia_x27]

Not having used ADT 3.3 for much beyond doing walls and doors in 3d I cant say much i will say though that ADT 2006 is a larger improvement over even ADT 2004 which is where I really started to getting into ADT.

The biggest thing to consider is the level of experience of your users. how much of ADT 3.3 's features are they using? or are they just using it as AutoCAD? If they are fairly expereinced with ADT 3.3 then their transition wont be as difficult. If they are just straight AutoCAD users expect 6 months to a year before they are really really productive with it.

Can you give some more details on what kind of work your firm does? Your user's level of expertise, etc. I can better gauge what obstacles you might encounter.

I can also suggest that you get a copy of Paul Aubin's book "Mastering ADT 2006" and Implementing Architectrual Desktop" both are excellent resources to have.

[StephenJ]

Yes I was going to purchase the books for reference.

My users were trained with ADT 3.3 at their schools. They understand the concept of the software but have no extensive real world experience. I would put their capabilities and ability to learn up against any other group that I have worked with in the past 11 years.

Everything I know is from self-teaching and working through the problem. I have been using acad since release 9 (in school) and 10 for a job. I have worked with architects (11 years) and for a reseller (2years) during that time. I have used ADT for plans on a few projects. It was not practical nor did I have the time to teach nor learn with my previous users...

Previously I worked mainly on mid-rise office buildings in the DC area and retrofit warehouses, flex buildings, multi-use, schools, building renovations and a little bit of residential. The firm I am at now works on custom residential, low income housing, historic renovation and restoration, hospital additions and renovations, and senior/assisted living.

My plan was to upgrade our software and start using ADT to generate plans and then add other pieces from there. I know there will be a learning curve that I am willing to support. My current employer is also willing to deal with the learning curve. They also think their residential clients would understand the plans better if they had the 3D option.

Thanks

SteveJ

[arcadia_x27]

It sounds like you're in a better position than I was when my company switched over 2 years ago. I dont think your users will have a big problem converting to 2006, especially since they understand the concepts associated with the software. That was one of the biggest hurdles we had, Trying to get users who had drawn in ACAD for years and years to start thinking in 3d and to realize that they were no longer creating a drawing but a model of a building.

Some pointers I can give you:

- Take the time to set up as much of your content, lisp routines, etc before hand. so that when the users start drawing with it it will be all ready.

- Learn to use the Project Navigator effectively. It is a big advantage especially with larger buildings and is an integral part of the Software.

- Use as much out of the box content as you can. This way it reduces the time you have to spend customizing and creating new content.

- Read everything you can get your hands on. AUGI, blogs, the ADT discussion groups it will all be an immense source of information.

We started out using ADT to do just walls, Doors windows and roofs. and now probably 75%-80% of the model is created using ADT objects. Soon we'll be doing quantity takeoffs off the drawings for our Purchasing Department. It will take time (its taken us almost 3 years) but once you start using it you'll wonder how you ever did drawings in AutoCAD at all.

[jay.80870]

I agree with Jason. ADT 2006 was pretty much so the turning point in our ability to fully utilize & implement the BIM concept. The greatest barrier we found to BIM was our internal beliefs of what could be and should be done as well as general user fears and inabilities. Some users will never grasp the concept and unfortunately they might get passed by. This is just the nature of new technology. Keep plowing ahead and you will one day find yourself leaps and bounds ahead of your competition.

However, there is a cost to being on the leading edge. I see too many that think new technology = easier. Not the case. It means more opportunity and information but not easier. Be prepared for a learning curve and accept that profitability will take a hit for some time. But once you are past that first group of hurdles you are getting loads of more information, chargeable items and profitibility vs. prior 2D only or hybrid 2D/3D work (only walls, doors and windows). On average we find that a former AutoCAD user (with some minimal ADT knowledge) was able to become as proficient on their production of full 3D BIM's as they were creating only 2D CD's in about 4-6 plans (Average 4,000 s.f. with 3 elevations). So the return to profitability was quite minimal esp. when we spread it across several individuals instead of the whole office at one time.

Change is good go to 2006! :)

Thanks
Jay

[StephenJ]

Thanks for the input.

I was working with a reseller when they first introduced ADT and remember saying that it was a good concept but still needed some work.

Using 3.3 I was discouraged with the simple thought of creating a metal pan concrete stair and having to tweak the program to get the railing to sit on the stringer. Then on the hand rail I had to put the top rail below the intermediate rail to get the balusters to stop short of the top rail in elevation and also extend the posts beyond the top rail all to get it to look right. Once again I thought still needs a little work.

Now from what I have demoed, read and heard it seems that I wont be saying that anymore.

[jay.80870]

Yeah, when you were working with that reseller (and on that version) remember you were on the "bleeding edge" of that technology. Now that it has had a few years to "simmer" and prosper you will find that much has changed for the better. Much less "bleeding" :)

As with all things there will still be issues but the key is getting the bulk of your information / model in a timely and efficient manner. IMHO, this is now possible. Also much can depend on what you are doing and what industry you are working in (residential, commercial, etc.). Though they both build the needs and requirements for the two could not be more different.

Thanks,
Jay

[brian.tuffin]

I would like to also add that you need to take a close look at Detail Component Manager and the functionality that has been added to it. You now have the ability to manipulate the detail components without exploding the blocks. You can also annotate these components automatically.

Defiantly take the time to look into Project Navigator. It will take time to set it up and you will probably have a lot of question, but it is worth it. If you dont use ADT as a BIM solution you still get the benefit of the efficacy you gain from these two components.