Means to an End

Policing blindly, rather than establishing effective, nuanced procedures, is a common response when a company concentrates on tools instead of people and processes. In his latest "CAD Manager" column ("CAD: Just a Tool in Your Toolbox," page 38), Robert Green tackles this CAD management misstep, advising that a focus on good design will ultimately lead to payoffs that aren't possible if you're focusing too narrowly on technology deployments. "Which technology do we need, and when?" should never be the first questions you ask. To find success where technology is involved, you must first know your goals as an organization or department (or as an individual, if you work independently). Ask instead, "What is our mission?" Do you aim to develop the highest-quality products, create energyefficient buildings, make roads safer?