AUTODESK AUTOCAD USER REVIEW: SUNCOR ENERGY (1 of 2)
REVIEW SUMMARY |
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Like many other construction firms, large and small, Suncor Energy uses Autodesk's popular AutoCAD software for drafting and as an architectural design tool for plant and process layouts as well as for the designs of their smaller projects.
"AutoCAD has streamlined drafting and provided a standard in the industry," said Darren Cyr, employee of Suncor Energy. The features and capabilities of Autodesk AutoCAD simplify and reduce the amount of work necessary to get the job done.
Since Cyr had studied AutoCAD in college, he was well-versed in the program's features and capabilities. His education, coupled with Suncor's internal IT department's expertise, means he has not called Autodesk for support; however, he has found the software documentation to come in handy at times, describing it as "very good and extensive."
He rates Autodesk AutoCAD an 8 out of 10.
USER PROFILE |
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| User: | Darren Cyr |
| Company: | Suncor Energy |
| Location: | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Website: | www.suncor.com |
| Type of business: | Oil and gas construction |
| Business size: | 5,000 employees |
| Experience: | 10 years |
| Software tools used: | AutoCAD, Prism, SAP, Microsoft Project |
| Tool & Version | Autodesk AutoCAD |
REVIEW DETAILS |
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What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
How long have you been using this tool?
Where did you obtain it?
How much did you pay?
How are you using this product?
Why did you pick this product?
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made this product better)?
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
What would you change about the product if you could?
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
Who would you recommend use this tool?
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
How would you rate the user documentation? Is it helpful?
When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?
What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
In 1967, Suncor pioneered commercial development of the oil sands. Since then, Suncor has grown to become a major North American energy producer and marketer. I am involved in process-related projects, typically involving building construction to support process improvements, additions and expansions.
I have used AutoCAD for eight years.
Where did you obtain it?The companies I work for typically have large IT departments that look after the software purchase and installation. Most of our software would have been purchased directly from the developers.
How much did you pay?
I do not know.
How are you using this product?
I am not currently using Autodesk AutoCAD on major projects, but I have used it primarily as an architectural design tool for plant and process layouts and designs for smaller projects.
AutoCAD is a standard drafting software package. This software was promoted and taught at the college I attended. It is very functional for design purpose.
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made this product better)?No, I didn't look, but other design tools are being used at Suncor, such as Intools by Intergraph.
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?Autodesk AutoCAD has streamlined drafting and provided a standard in the industry.
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?On one project there were not adequate engineering drawings to allow for the proper design of a new process for the facility. We used AutoCAD to create new as-built drawings based on field measurements. After that was completed, the equipment was included to provide the design of the facility.
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?
Autodesk AutoCAD has saved significant drafting resources as it streamlines drafting and reduces re-working in the field, by providing design details that can be reviewed prior to installation.
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
AutoCAD's engineering design and drafting tools are extremely useful to us.
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
Yes.
I wouldn't change a thing.
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
No. We use it all.
Who would you recommend use this tool?
I would recommend AutoCAD for designers and architects.
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
I think about two years of experience.
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
Yes. I learned Autodesk AutoCAD in several college courses.
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
No, I have not called them.
It is very good and extensive.
When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?
Yes.
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?
8