CAD – Computer Aided Drafting touched new level grades back when Auto-desk introduced CAD software. This software was easily accessible to an architect or engineer in the confinement of his site or office. Auto CAD became so popular that all engineering services was christened under "CAD Services". However this industry has witnessed its share of ups and downs.
Late 80's and 90's saw tremendous spurt of growth in this industry. CAD was being used in every aspect of engineering. Be it simple drafting, construction drawings, detailing, visualization CAD services are everywhere. Slowly and gradually, CAD started becoming common and need to speed up services started rising. Auto CAD had its own limitations like complex commands, lack of atomization with regards to changes etc. Construction industry was scaling new heights of growth, mechanical industry started witnessing new changes and new new concept of visualization inked in which made further developments inevitable.
Introduction of visualization in form of 3D Images – Third dimension cave a realistic look to any building or component. 3D studio max bought in the first concept of modeling in 3D and then rendering subsequently followed. Scan-line render and special effects using photo-shop gave a good look to buildings, products and furniture. Ultimately, in early 2000 V-ray came into existence which has a photo-realistic effect to entire buildings and site around it.
With all this development and growth, one aspect that was bothering the building construction industry was increasing cost and long construction schedules. Even after Auto-CAD coming into existence this concern did not seem to melt down. New software under the flag ship of Auto-desk was developed to end this concern. This software was created keeping in mind the construction standards, common building construction requirement and covered most of the aspects of building analysis and construction. Building information modeling subsequently came into existence. Core purpose to bring BIM was to reduce construction cost and optimize turnaround time. Revit software brought a revolution in the construction field. Its user friendly approach, interface and atomization feature eased the most complex issues. Errors that normally could have been detected post construction is being spotted before construction and rectified. This has been instrumental in reducing the construction cost and time.
CAD services today are used in every engineering domain. They are broadly categorized into architectural CAD services, mechanical services, BIM services and structural services. CAD industry has seen its peaks and troughs than any industry across the globe. Recession hit several parts of the globe by 2008 year end and industry saw around 23 to 25% decline in business and employment opportunities in this industry. Every aspect like software sales, new construction projects or renovation plans saw a major downfall. Employment opportunities also took a down slide during this phase.
Lot of companies started paying more attention towards getting trained in new technologies, software and developing new business models. It looks like the situation is improving and CAD industry definitely will rise back and provide excellent job opportunities to all CAD professionals. Engineering industry is definitely regaining lost fortune and is recovering faster. Companies are already investing time and money in developing new technologies to recover the losses. This has helped companies recover their losses to greater extent.