Many firms have taken on CAD systems with the expectation of soon achieving increased productivity and reaping the other benefits commonly attributed to CAD. Not infrequently, their expectations remain unfulfilled months and, in some cases, years later. Although this lack of success can sometimes be attributed to the adoption of an inappropriate system, more commonly it relates to poor management practices and a lack of appreciation of the increased level of organisation necessary for the efficient use of CAD resources.

No single approach to CAD management is appropriate to all organisations, but some factors appear to be common to the approaches adopted by firms which utilise CAD effectively. These include:

• the acceptance of change
• the perception by management of the nature of the tools provided by the system adopted
• an appreciation of the potential impact of adopting CAD
• the ongoing involvement and commitment of senior management
• the recognition of necessary management roles
• the establishment and enforcement of standards
• the provision of training
• the maximisation of system usage
• effective monitoring of system usage and costs

As with most human endeavour, commitment and enthusiasm are necessary ingredients in the successful management of a CAD system.

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