In a CAD context, the proving ground is simply a group of test users - I call them test pilots - who put new software through a controlled barrage of testing to find out which key features to pursue, what works and what doesn’t. The proving ground concept supports rapid but extensive testing in a controlled environment, where engineers can catch errors early as well as update the design easily as they receive feedback from test pilots. Compile training materials to support yourself and your users.īecause the software will be in trial mode, it will be impossible to set up everything perfectly the first time - you’re sure to experience glitches and problems as you test - but now you can get the software up to production standards quickly.Īircraft design companies use proving ground to test designs in real-world conditions before ever delivering an aircraft to a customer.

Organize standards-related files, such as templates, families, content libraries, and so forth.Create required network folders and set up correct permissions.

Acquire software trial versions or licenses.

To build the trial infrastructure, you’ll need to do the following, at minimum: Use the same network systems, directories, and standards you’ll use in production mode and you’ll not only debug the software - you’ll also emulate its actual working environment. If you’re going to the trouble of doing a software trial, then don’t just test the software itself test everything related to running the software. Think of the trial deployment as a dress rehearsal for the eventual real-world implementation you’ll perform, and you’ll be amazed how much you’ll learn. In this whitepaper, I’ll lay out my best practices for software trials - a step-by-step list of how to ensure a thorough, controlled, successful test process. If your company is considering the deployment of new CAD tools, doesn’t it make sense to test the software thoroughly before pushing it to the entire company? Of course! But how, exactly, should you carry out such testing?

Architecture, Engineering & ConstructionĬontact me Modena AEC Marketing Karin Smith +27 The DO’s and DON’ts of Autodesk Trials.

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