Engineering360: "The Hidden Costs of Computer-aided Design (CAD)"

I have been keeping an eye on an up and coming CAD platform that addresses nearly all of these concerns. It is a cloud based subscription. So, the files are always up to date, you don't need to purchase software upgrades, it never crashes, collaboration is easy, and it will run on any internet enabled device. There is an online community that is great at helping you learn the software that includes enhancement requests, online tutorials, and discussion boards. They even offer a fully functional free version for "hobbyists, makers, and others." Just search for “Full Cloud CAD” and you’ll find it.

This subject has been perpetually reviewed. The costs of initiating and building a CAD system integral with a business must be seen as a component of its total overhead and anticipated as any other element of expansion: Capital growth costs. Its limits are the point of general business expansion itself; but at no point can it be justified as an indulgence beyond a company's profit margin. The fine line is investment for growth as a profit incentive and an expense which cannot be justified against its worth. Nothing more or less. An example: If a company wants to do work for the federal or a state government almost all of these agencies require CAD documentation. There is no choice. Please do not think about using these tools as a form of advertising your firm. You will go broke if the project cannot withstand the increased cost.