How CQi Automates CAD Deployments and Reduces Risk

In modern Architecture, engineering, construction and design environments, the pressure is on IT teams to deliver fast, consistent, and secure software setups. Whether you're supporting ten users or ten thousand, manual installation methods simply can’t keep up with the demands of large-scale CAD environments.

That’s where CQi (Configuration Intelligence)steps in.

At Symetri, we developed CQi to help organisations automate CAD deployment, reduce risk, and maintain standardisation—all without increasing the burden on IT departments. In this blog, we’ll explore how CQi works and why it’s becoming a go-to solution for smarter CAD management.


How CQi Automates CAD Deployments and Reduces Risk

The Problem with Manual CAD Installations

Manual deployments can be time-consuming and error-prone. They rely on engineers and IT teams following the same steps, using the correct templates, and installing the right add-ons—every time. But when projects are fast-moving and requirements shift, even small inconsistencies can lead to major problems.

Manual methods introduce risks such as:

  • Inconsistent configuration across users or teams
  • Missed updates or outdated files
  • Increased support tickets and downtime

This slows down productivity and often leads to duplicated effort across projects.

What CQi Does Differently

CQi is built to automate and simplify your systems and configurations. It allows you to:

  • Symetri supply pre-configured, quality-assured installation packages that include your CAD software, templates, licence settings, and third-party tools
  • Deploy silently across teams and regions using automation tools like SCCM or Intune—no user interaction required
  • Push updates quickly, ensuring everyone stays on the same version

·        CQi ensures updates and hotfixes are deliveredsmoothly, without disruption.

This means no more chasing updates, troubleshooting inconsistent setups, or manually copying configuration files across systems.


Why It Matters: Reducing Risk and Increasing Control

By automating your CAD deployment systems and configurations, CQi helps you reduce risk across the entire lifecycle of your software:

  • Security risk: Keep systems up to date with critical patches
  • Operational risk: Reduce variation between users and devices
  • Project risk: Avoid delays caused by missing files or misconfigured tools

With CQi, you gain more control over your IT environment and empower your AEC and design engineering teams to get up and running faster.


A Real-World Example

Curtins Consulting—a UK-based engineering consultancy with over 450 staff across 14 offices—faced a time-intensive challenge managing large-scale CAD deployments during Autodesk’s shift to named-user licensing. Their small IT team was under pressure to uninstall and reinstall hundreds of licenses while ensuring configurations were correct and consistent.

After partnering with Symetri and adopting CQi, they were able to:

  • Seamlessly uninstall and reinstall 450 licences across the business
  • Standardise deployment across multiple locations
  • Eliminate time-consuming manual follow-ups for plugins and configurations

“This project could have taken weeks, but CQi completed it in the background—quietly, efficiently, and without disruption.”
Dave Price, Head of IT, Curtins Consulting

It wasn’t just about automation—it was about trust, accuracy, and giving Curtins the confidence that every deployment would be secure, consistent, and aligned with their standards.

Built with Security in Mind

CQi isn’t just about deployment efficiency — it’s also designed with your security in mind. As part of Symetri’s broader IT and security services, we help protect your business from evolving cyber threats while ensuring your CAD environment remains stable, compliant, and resilient.

Whether you're deploying across global teams or securing remote endpoints, Symetri supports you with:

  • Managed Security Services – continuous threat monitoring and rapid incident response
  • Endpoint Protection – securing remote CAD users wherever they work
  • Compliance Support – helping you meet standards like Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and GDPR
  • Vulnerability Assessments – identifying risks before they become problems
  • Security Awareness Training – equipping your team to spot and stop common threats

With CQi and Symetri’s Security Services, you gain not only control over your CAD environment — but also the confidence that it’s protected.


Get Started with CQi

If your organisation is still relying on manual CAD setup, now is the time to modernise. CQi is designed to help you move faster, reduce risk, and give your teams the tools they need—when and where they need them.

Let’s talk about how CQi can transform your software deployment.


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