CAD MANAGER

Whether you are performing administrative work or procuring AutoCAD software, Autodesk has resources available to meet the needs of CAD managers and CAD coordinators.

Image courtesy of Luis Peso

What is a CAD manager?

CAD managers assume the combined roles of CAD drafter, IT department and manager in design and engineering firms. They differ from CAD coordinators who take a holistic view of the company's design production capability and focus on overarching production-related issues to ensure that production never stops.

Responsibilities of a CAD manager

Keeping up with all the changes in the industry can be overwhelming and challenging, yet at the same time, they can be viewed as opportunities to make organisations more competitive.

Project management

CAD managers manage staff, projects and procurement of both software and hardware, plus the day-to-day output of the CAD function.

Time management

CAD managers oversee the work of CAD drafters, making sure that every drawing is legible and professional and adheres to applicable project standards.

People management

CAD managers are skilled at learning their team's individual strengths, building on their weaknesses and delegating work to the appropriate team member.

Managing software

Customisations and standardisations are crucial to productivity. Showing your prospects or clients what their projects can look like in 3D with the right tools can be the differentiator in landing new business.

Managing projects

There's constantly a myriad of projects in play while juggling priorities. As a CAD manager, you'll be wearing lots of different hats. Always manage to the best of your ability, be knowledgeable and most of all, be approachable.

Staying competitive

Operational efficiency requires the right training, support and integration. CAD managers must ensure that the software works and that people can learn how to use it, while also establishing standards and best practices for productivity.

Image courtesy of Luis Peso

Working smarter is easier with AutoCAD 2023

AutoCAD 2023 software includes industry-specific toolsets; improved workflows across desktop, web and mobile; and new features such as drawing history.

AutoCAD software for CAD managers

AutoCAD
2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile and seven specialized toolsets.
AutoCAD LT
Best-in-class tool for 2D CAD drafting, drawing and documentation. Subscription includes AutoCAD LT on desktop, web and mobile.
AutoCAD Web
View, edit and create CAD drawings in a simplified user interface that runs in your web browser.

Guides for CAD managers

Master AutoCAD sheet sets

Master AutoCAD sheet sets

Whether you design parts or buildings, the sheet set functionality in AutoCAD enables you to efficiently create, manage and share your entire set of sheets from one location.

Choose the right CAD software

Choose the right CAD software

Unsure of which CAD software is the right solution for your business? Compare the features of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

Earn your Autodesk Certification

Earn your Autodesk Certification

Autodesk provides industry-recognised certifications to verify that you have the essential Autodesk software skills and industry knowledge to start your career.

CAD manager resources

Using tool palettes to manage standards

USING TOOL PALETTES TO MANAGE STANDARDS

Learn how Tool Palettes can assist CAD managers with the elimination of inconsistencies across workstations, projects and even offices.

Two people reviewing an AutoCAD landscape plan model on a tablet

INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY

Discover these CAD manager tips to increase your team’s productivity and efficiency, keeping them on the cutting edge.

Rendering with 2D overlay of a café created using AutoCAD

WORKPLACE COMPLAINTS AND SOLUTIONS

Use these CAD manager tips to address common workplace complaints – and their solutions – from a CAD draftsman.