CAD software helps architecture, engineering and construction firms digitize plans, store those plans in a central location and connect those plans to a Building Information Model that can be used through the lifecycle of a facility. But choosing the right CAD software can be a difficult task.

This CAD Software Buyers Guide aims to help you compare, select and implement software for computer-aided design.

Part 1 offers an introduction to the CAD software industry, which first emerged in the 1950s in the form of CAD/CAM tools for large manufacturers.

Part 2 points out several signs that it might be time to buy CAD software, including the proliferation of paper plans and a lengthy process for distributing those plans.

Part 3 highlights the main advantages of CAD software, including those identified above.

Part 4 describes how to put together a team at your company to evaluate various CAD software programs.

Part 5 walks you through the process of preparing for CAD software comparisons and demonstrations. Here we offer a list of questions to ask vendors during their demos; you can then use their answers in your final side-by-side comparison of CAD software packages.

Finally, Part 6 provides hints for easing the processes of CAD software training and implementation -- both of which should be made simpler by the presence of the CAD software vendor itself.