Expert: Bob - 8/22/2008

Question
Hi
I work for a landscaping company that works closely with Garden designers/Architects who use a combination of AutoCAD and Vectorworks.  
Currently we have NO capability to open any of these drawings and have to resort to requesting pdf's.  We want to bring in Auto CAD and/or Vectorworks but have limited knowledge on the subject.  What would be interesting to know from your point of view is what strategy you would recommend so that I can look into costs/logistics.

We wondered if we should install a ‘read-only’ package to start off with as we only really need to open and print drawings at the moment, but then eventually we will want to design with it, so should we outlay for this at the start?  In other words is it ‘short sighted’ and a waste of time/money to buy the ‘read only’ and then upgrade?  Or indeed is 'upgrading' possible.

Also, what kind of hardware will we need?  Memory etc etc?

We also want to get a plotter… any recommendations?

Any help or advice you could offer would be fantastic…

Really appreciate you taking the time to read this and respond
Many thanks
Susie


Answer
Hi-- by the hour, I might guess you are in the far east, or ?

Go to ths website --- try to convince the orginators to create DWFs (AutoCAD's version of  pdf, but much more versatile, and measureable)
--- they can easily do this if they want to, from AutoCAD drawings, and you can read them and more on the free viewer
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=4086277&siteID=123112

YOU JUST PLAIN DONT WANT TO MESS WITH VECTORWORKS -- they need to convert all drawings to AutoCAD. (if they draw in Vectorworks, then need to save it as a dwg, open in AutoCAD, save as a DWF) And I cant imagine why you want to make all that financial investment right away.

Each program has system requirements listed.

Later, get AutoCAD LT when you need to draw -- or an advanced AutoCAD to do more -- BUT ONLY IF YOU TAKE CLASSES, or bring in someone who is experienced. DO NOT bother having staff learn Vectorworks unless you are contracted to make a lot of money on the work.

At first, I would have it plotted by a service -- then check the local dealers for HP plotters.

Again, if they want you to do all the converting from Vectorworks, you need experienced people and a contract that pays you enough

BOB