An application of the Systems Engineering Process to the evaluation and selection of an architectural Computer Aided Design system

Abstract

The Systems Engineering Process has been applied to the evaluation and selection of a Computer Aided Design system for AER Architects to automate the design and drafting process, establish computer-based compatibility with contractors and vendors, and improve productivity.

A needs analysis establishes the architecture firm's desire to produce higher quality drawings in a reduced time schedule. Detailed functional, operational, and maintenance requirements are developed through interactive meetings with the Principal Architect, and a set of desired advanced software capabilities is identified. Alternative CAD software packages are compared, and two packages are selected for further evaluation. A brief discussion of decision making models is included, with justification for the utilization of the Analytic Hierarchy Process model. The two CAD software packages are evaluated against the objective and subjective attributes defined by the Principal Architect through the use of Automan, a software package developed by Stephen F. Weber of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.