OUR CLIENT'S CHALLENGE
Our customer reached out to us with an urgent need to replace their aging CAD software with a new version. Their challenge was multi-faceted: a seamless update for over 40 CAD software users belonging to various groups, each requiring distinct software packages. The additional complexity arose from the highly customised software packages, tailored to our client's unique needs. Alongside this update, they aimed to transition from old network licenses to independent licenses. Balancing all these variables presented a considerable challenge.
TRADITIONAL INSTALLATION WAS NOT AN OPTION
Traditionally, companies typically handled CAD software installation and updates manually. This involved the company's IT department creating and storing software packages on a centralised network, followed by the installation of these packages on individual computers. After installation, specific updates and configurations had to be manually added for each computer user or user group. This method had its shortcomings.
Firstly, it was time-consuming, as each step required manual intervention. Secondly, the human element introduced the potential for errors, as installations and updates were prone to mistakes. Moreover, there was the risk of incomplete installations, missing software components, or software being installed in the incorrect order, which could lead to installation interruptions, necessitating a restart of the entire process.
Errors in settings have the potential to lead to malfunctions. For instance, inaccuracies in file path specifications or incompatible settings can prevent the software from functioning correctlt, thereby impacting the efficiency and quality of design work carried out with CAD software.
In the traditional installation method, each of our customer's users would have had to download the software separately, a process that would have rendered the software unusable for a minimum of 7-10 days. Such an extended disruption would inevitably have had adverse effects on our customers' businesses.
OUR SOLUTION: QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION OF CAD SOFTWARE
In this challenging and speed-demanding situation, our collaboration with the customer led us to opt for the CQi solution. CQi automation streamlines the packaging, installation and distribution of CAD software.
Utilising CQi, we were able to install the software for multiple users simultaneously and maintain a consistent approach. An automated process copied the required files and packages, conducted installations with administrator credentials, and guaranteed that all software was installed in the correct sequence. Furthermore, we strategically scheduled the updates for Friday afternoons, coinciding with most users' free time, minimising disruptions to their business operations and work tasks.
For those users whose computers were powered off during the update, they had the flexibility to initiate the update process at their convenience. This approach ensured that their daily work remained uninterrupted, allowing them to seamlessly continue with their tasks.
Using CQi, we accomplished the update installation for over 40 different users in approximately three hours. This was a significant improvement compared to our client's initial estimate of 7-10 days. As a result, at our client’s company, we were able to focus on design and development work the following Monday, when the verification of correct settings and license management facilitated by CQi guaranteed the smooth and error-free utilisation of CAD software.
