CAD solutions - why stick with them?

A Business Advantage Group product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 1, 2002

99% of CAD managers operating within the electrical engineering sector have no intention of changing their main CAD solution in the next 12 months, according to recent research.

99% of CAD managers operating within the electrical engineering sector have no intention of changing their main CAD solution in the next 12 months, according to recent research conducted by The Business Advantage Group.

12% of these managers said the idea had been raised but not seriously considered.

Only one out of seventy organisations questioned was definitely considering switching its 'main' CAD solution (that for which it has the greatest number of seats).

These findings concerning the reasons behind sticking with a particular CAD solution in the electrical engineering sector were conducted in May 2002 with managers responsible for CAD functions at 70 UK-based sites.

The sample was taken from Business Advantage's database of 20,000 UK CAD/CAM user sites.

The research also found that when presented with a list of reasons for continuing to use a CAD solution, and asked which were important factors for them in sticking to their main current package, seven out of ten said that they believe that they have the best package for their needs, while three out of ten said that the cost of purchasing an alternative was prohibitive, (respondents could identify more than one factor).

When asked to identify the single main reason why they will continue to use their current CAD package, just under half maintained they had the best solution for their needs.

None of the managers said that the cost of retraining on a new CAD package was the major factor.

Chris Turner, Managing Director of The Business Advantage Group, observes: "The maturity of the CAD market and the tendency for end-users to stick to their chosen solutions makes gaining market share a tough prospect for CAD vendors.

Further research into attitudes relative to company size and brand would provide vital information for any vendor seeking to target the customer base of a specific rival".

The full report, entitled "CAD solutions - why stick with them?", including colour charts, can be read free of charge on the Business Advantage website.

(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 31 July 2002).

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