Resistance Is Futile

About a year ago a friend of mine who is largely thought of as a CAM expert told me about a unique program he was selling that was designed to automate, simplify, and speed up the programming of CNC machines. My first reaction to this was " you should make a lot of money with it", but he quickly told me that the exact opposite seemed to be happening.

The problem seems to be that many programmers view the new technology as a threat to their job security. I think we have all reacted this way at one time or another but common sense tells us we can't do this. If we resist technology, technology will just pass us by, and before you know it you won't have a job to protect.

Rather than find fault with new technologies we need to keep an open mind and look at how we can use these advances to our advantage. Will this new technology make my job easier? Will our company become more competitive and be able to attract new customers? Will this open the way to new opportunities for myself and the company?

We also need to ask ourselves "what will happen if i don't take advantage of this?". The answer to that question is usually not something we want to hear because historically companies or industries that have resisted change have found themselves on the wrong side of a loosing battle.

So what we have to do is to keep an open mind. Be ready and willing to accept change. Don't be an obstacle to progress. Seek out new ways of doing things and seriously consider their merits. If we do this we will stay ahead of the curve, we will help our companies grow and we will be laying a solid foundation for the future.

For more information on CAM automation please go to www.roneysoftware.com or contact Mich Roney at mitch@roneysoftware.com

Free SolidWorks Training

Some time ago SolidWorks started promoting a free mini training/sales event called a Hands On Test Drive, or HOTD if you like using acronyms. Since their inception I have helped Roney Software host a half dozen or so of the events and I have to say that they are a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with 3D design software. Don't get me wrong, these are sales events but the emphasis is placed firmly on providing a real hands on educational experience.

The format is simple; put a half dozen people in front of computers, show them the very basics of how SolidWorks functions, guide them step by step through the design process, and then setting them free to play and learn. In the classes I have been in we started by drawing a 2D box, making that into a 3D cube, adding a list of features and modifications, creating an assembly, doing a bit of animation, simulation, rendering, etc. By the end of the morning you really do know the basics of SolidWorks and are capable of turning out some pretty neat stuff.

Things I like most about these HOTD's:

• The sales pressure, if you can call it that is very low key.
• You start out at ground zero in a non-threatening atmosphere that doesn't make you feel like a dummy for asking simple questions.
• You really do get the basics down in just a few short hours.
• This type of environment really showcases one of the major strengths of SolidWorks, which is its ease of use.
• Finally the price. In case I didn't mention it they are free! You even get a pretty nice lunch out of the deal

Bottom line; if you want to see a great piece of design software up close and personal, you have to attend one of these events.

The next HOTD that Roney's are sponsoring is in Meadville PA on Thursday February 18, 2010. I am 99.99% certain that this date is already filled to capacity, but I know that they will be hosting many more of them this year so visit their web site (www.roneysoftware.com) and sign up for the next available date.