connectCAD

connectCAD began as a personal effort to streamline my work as a systems designer. Evaluating other design software in the market I realised that I wanted something less complicated, easier to learn, much better value.

At the time I was already using Vectorworks® - a powerful 2D & 3D CAD program that is good value-for-money and very easy to learn. Over the years it had proved to be a reliable and stable platform. So it was a natural development to start extending the power of Vectorworks. This collection of software "plug-ins" has evolved into a full connectivity design solution now known as connectCAD.

connectCAD is an open system in the sense that all data is stored in the drawing and can be inspected and modified using standard Vectorworks commands. Instead of linking the drawing to an external database, it rests on the principle of making the system drawings themselves both human and machine readable. This completely removes all database synchronisation issues. Information can be processed quickly by software programs but the results can always be directly inspected, verified and corrected if necessary.

Concept      establishment of basic functions and workflow

Schematic  detailed drawings of equipment interconnection

Physical     layout drawings of rooms, equipment racks and furniture.

Listing        compilation of equipment lists, cable lists etc.

Labeling     labeling of connector panels etc.

Correction delivery of accurate "as-built" system documentation

connectCAD provides a set of tools and functions that facilitate these processes without restricting your freedom as a designer. Drawings can begin as vague ideas, and shape up as more information becomes available - the way real projects work.

Drawings are useful because people understand them. They impress clients, convince engineers, help users, and contribute to the smooth presentation, documentation and maintenance of a project. Effective visual communication needs control over the look of drawings. connectCAD can be customised to give a distinctive look to your drawings either as part of your own house style, or even to meet the requirements of a particular project.

The work of system implementation is more efficiently organized as lists: cable lists, equipment lists etc. Compiling accurate lists from drawings and updating drawings with changes used to be a painstaking manual process. connectCAD automates all this, giving you a staggering increase in the speed, efficiency and reliability of system design and documentation, with the minimum of rules and fuss.