AUTODESK CIVIL 3D CAD MANAGER’S GUIDE
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that you and your users can look at issues specific to your design environment.
One preferred method of knowledge transfer follows this sequence: classroom
training, mentoring (on-the-job training), reviewing and making adjustments to
training, followed by ongoing support.
Selecting a Consultant
The skill level and experience of your instructor is crucial to the success of your training
experience. Specifically, make sure a consultant meets the following two qualifications:
Real-World Production Project Experience
A consultant should have experience with your type of business. In the construction and
engineering industries, look for someone who has designed a project or worked in the
field on a project, or both. Preferably, look for a technology consulting firm with recent
experience and references that relate to the construction industry (not just the
technology).
Expert Knowledge on Product
It may seem obvious, but be sure that your consultant has thorough knowledge of the
product. He or she should at least have expert knowledge of your version of Civil 3D. In
addition to expertise with the software, the consultant must also have experience using
the software to complete a real-world project. This requirement is directly connected to the
first item. Knowing what works and what doesn’t work in a production environment is
essential.
In addition to these two crucial requirements, also consider these criteria when choosing
consultants:
• Make sure the consultant has the availability and capacity to meet your training
needs.
• Ask about the individual consultant(s) who will provide your training. Don’t
assume that because the consulting firm has a good reputation that the individual
consultant meets the two main criteria.
• If a prospective consultant’s fees seem too good to be true (very low), then they
probably are. Expect to pay for high-quality consulting. The flip side, of course, is
to be wary of consulting firms that charge overly high fees without providing
expertly qualified consultants.
Finding Help
Finding a qualified consultant is the first step in getting the most out of Civil 3D 2007.
Several resources are available to you.
Resellers
The first place to look for training services is the reseller who sold you the software.
Nearly all resellers offer training on standard features to get you familiar with Civil 3D
basics. Several offer advanced training and consulting. Many resellers maintain a regular
schedule of classes on various topics and also offer custom classes that can be
scheduled at any time and filled with attendees only from your organization. Instructors for
classes presented by the resellers are often Autodesk Civil 3D Implementation Certified
Experts (ICE). The ICE program was designed to provide advanced training to reseller
Application Engineers and to test their implementation knowledge with an in-depth exam.
