Classic comments: “I’m going to wait until it gets cheaper.” “I’m waiting until it gets faster and easier.” Get the idea? The truth of the matter is the worst CADD software package on the market right now, will improve productivity and increase profits. Selecting the correct program will increase productivity by a minimum of three to one and can be cost justified anywhere from four months to a year. If it takes a year, the proper effort simply has not been applied. Waiting for systems to become cheaper, faster, and easier, is a total lack of vision. CADD is a tool. No different than buying a truck or a hammer. CADD totally eliminates redundancy, invites revisions with relish, and as a result frees time to better manage and market ones practice. Waiting for cost reduction and greater efficiency at this point in time is like waiting to fly a jumbo jet without lessons, because it is bigger and better. But watching the competition fly the jet while still pedaling a bicycle is worse. First things first. CADD is now and now is the time to become involved.

Any good CADD system implemented will accommodate any later improvements and can easily be updated. As technological advancements occur on the scene they will be immediately understood and the benefits derived. The reasons used for chasing technology are fast becoming an apparent guise for covering up an inherent fear or distaste of computers. It is basic human nature to resist change. But in this case, it is imperative the change be made. Developers realize the benefits and in many cases are requiring architects of all types to be involved in the CADD environment. There is no need to chase technology any longer. The software available on the market will improve profits and response time to clients. As was mentioned last month, CADD is the place for Landscape Architects to start in the computer world, because there is no language barrier to overcome. The simplicity of operation is virtually one finger typing and the menu driven screen prompts allow for a chronological sequence that make the programs easy to use by just following instructions. Everyone is in the business of making a profit. CADD will insure this today. So why wait? Ain’t technology wonderful?!!!