Since 1980, the development of readily affordable CAD programs that could be run on personal computers began a trend of massive downsizing in drafting departments in many small- to mid-size companies. As a general rule, one CAD operator could readily replace at least three to five drafters using traditional methods. Additionally, many engineers began to do their own drafting work, further eliminating the need for traditional drafting departments. This trend mirrored the elimination of many office jobs traditionally performed by a secretary. Now a days word processors, spreadsheets, databases, etc. became standard software packages that everyone was expected to learn. In the field of product development, there are often immense costs associated with the testing of a new product. Every new product must undergo at least a small measure of physical testing, not only to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards but also to ensure that it will successfully operate under the range of conditions to which it can expect to be exposed. For instance, wing of an aeroplane must undergo stress tests to ensure that it will retain its integrity even under the most gruelling weather and turbulence conditions before it is approved for use.
Leave a Reply