Overall Satisfaction with AutoCAD
As the Principal Engineer, I use AutoCAD daily for HVAC Design. I also use an AutoCAD addon called DesignMaster to perform specific HVAC Engineering tasks like load calculations, outside air calculations, and duct design and layout. AutoCAD allows my small business to produce high quality, easy to interpret engineering drawings for my clients.
- The more I use it, the more I customize my drawings, the more beautiful they become.
- AutoCAD has a seemingly infinite number of tools and features.
- Because the user base is so large, there are so many resources to problem solve and learn new features.
- AutoCAD can be very s-l-o-w. My computer spec's exceeded those listed on AutoCAD's website, but I think their requirements may be under specified.
- It's a bit pricey - but for what it does, I really don't mind the investment.
- Some glitches that AutoCAD knows about seem to never be resolved. Forums show the same question is asked over years of new releases.
- Quality of design.
- Design integration with other design professionals.
- Sophistication and functionality.
- I am able to win contracts and repeat business based on the quality, complexity, and usability of my designs.
- Since some competitors use lesser software, their overhead is less. I let them have the lesser jobs.
- Other professionals and I can collaborate on drawings since we are all using the same software.
For the HVAC engineering and design field, companies like RHVAC and Wrightsoft make competing products. I have not used these packages, but I have seen the designs they produce. These designs are not up to the quality, customizability, or standard that I am able to put out with AutoCAD software.
Do you think AutoCAD delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with AutoCAD's feature set?
Yes
Did AutoCAD live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of AutoCAD go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy AutoCAD again?
Yes