Introducing CAD systems. Problems and the role of user–developer communication in their solution

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Abstract
Every introduction process of a CAD system calls, at least potentially, for user–developer communication (UDC), since CAD systems always require adaptations and completion of the software to meet the specific requirements of a company. Furthermore, there is a principal demand for the redesign of the organization in which CAD is to operate. On the other hand, quite a few methods and procedures of UDC have been developed and tested, though not in the field of CAD. An empirical study of CAD applications in the West German mechanical engineering industry shows that the typical conditions under which CAD is introduced and the problems which arise in connection with the introduction in practice call for methodical guidance of the process and particularly for increased UDC. At the same time managers, developers and users are not aware of the methods of UDC and their potential. The question whether UDC would, in fact, have positive effects on the introduction process remains unanswered. As a conclusion some principal conditions are tentatively stated which must be fulfilled before methods and procedures of UDC can gain practical importance. It is suggested that with respect to the introduction of CAD systems UDC should not, in practice, be restricted to the process of software development, but should much rather comprise the process of organization development as well.

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