Item: DraftSight
Rating: 10
Author: Adam Ehresman

Overall Satisfaction with DraftSight

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I've used DraftSight at previous employers to review .dwg drawings and create my own for plant layouts, machine design, and other manufacturing needs. It was a user-friendly tool that met all of my needs. So when I got to my current organization I recognized similar needs for software capable of performing these functions. I presented my case to the General Manager and he approved my purchase. I've since begun sharing its capabilities to other sites.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Super friendly user interface and tutorials on how to get started
Develop 2D plant layouts or machine drawings
Economical option to bring into an Organization / Company Location the ability to develop .dwg files

Cons

I don't have much to offer here because it has fit my needs and capabilities to develop plant layouts, review drawings, etc.
Perhaps look at an add-on that allows for mechanical simulations

Return on Investment

Has allowed us to create a better visual representation of our project/plant visions through developing tangible drawings. This makes it easier for Board members to understand our proposals and helps instill project confidence.
A great tool to review safety (egress; aisleways; etc)

Alternatives Considered

AutoCAD

DraftSight has many of the same capabilities as AutoCAD and has allowed me to do everything I've ever needed with plant layouts, machine drawings, etc.
AutoCAD has a few added capabilities and add-ons that are pretty cool but haven't always been a requirement to fulfill my day to day duties.

Other Software Used

Adobe Acrobat DC, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor

Likelihood to Recommend

DraftSight is a great program for developing plant layouts, cart designs, Machine designing and other basic drafting concepts. It is an economical option for bringing into an organization or department and allow dwg files to be opened and shared. I've been using it for over 10 years and at some organizations I've had access to it as well as one of its main competitors software and more often I found myself utilizing DraftSight as my "go-to" software.

Comments

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