CAD software procurement guide
A practical framework for evaluating CAD before purchase
Use a structured process to compare CAD platforms against your organization’s actual requirements
Define requirements
Team
Users, roles, locations and future growth
Workflows
2D/3D, DWG/DXF, standards, automation and file exchange.
Identify the 3-5 requirements that cannot be compromised.
Validate technical fit
Test representative drawings and workflows.
DWG/DXF • Xrefs • Layers • Blocks • Dimensions • Templates • Plotting • PDF • Automation
Record each requirement as:
Pass • Needs Review • Fail
Check user & IT fit
Users
workflow familiarity, training and adoption.
IT
installation, deployment, licensing, updates and administration.
Review commercial requirements
Consider:
Licenses • Licensing model • Additional users • Support • Training • Deployment • Future growth • Overall cost
Make the decision
Before approval, confirm:
- Critical workflows validated
- Users involved
- IT requirements understood
- Licensing confirmed
- Commercial terms reviewed
- Outstanding risks addressed