Bloggers

Hi, my name is Andy Davis and I specialise in training, technical support, consultancy and product demonstrations of the Autodesk Plant Suite of products.

With a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering I have many years' experience in designing, developing and supporting computer hardware and software applications to acquire and manage scientific data for laboratory information management systems, initially in the days before the PC. I hold a patent for the Windows GUI to one LIMS application. During this time I installed and provided on-site support for laboratory information management systems in many countries throughout the world. I practised as a quality system auditor in an ISO9001-TickIT certificated environment for several years and also found time to study for an MSc and PGCE in IT and train as a Motorcycle Training Instructor.

In addition, I also bring my experience in the Plant and Process arena to my role in CADline, having supported Plant-4D, ISOGEN and the NavisWorks product suite for several years. I was heavily involved in the original pre-release beta test program for AutoCAD Plant 3D, helped develop the Plant 3D content authoring toolkit with the team at Autodesk, and have also authored Plant 3D content for Autodesk.

Hi I'm Ashley Rice, Cymap Application Engineer at Cadline.

My career started as a Plumbing, Heating and Gas Engineer working in the domestic trade fourteen years ago. Nine years in I diversified towards design when I gained a HNC level Engineering qualification and applied my CAD and mechanical knowledge to other companies such as Ideal Boilers, Uponor UK and Derry Building Services. Now, at Cadline where I work as a Cymap application engineer, I am still learning new methods and solutions, innovating and supporting to better our services to our valued customers and selling our tried and tested workflows to some of the most advanced companies in the UK.

If you would like to see any of our software packages or even how they seamless work together in a project, then please do get in touch and I would be more than happy to help or indeed any of my fellow friendly Cadline colleagues.  

Hi, My name is Chris Smith and I am an applications engineer for Cadline where I provide training, installations and support for a range of Autodesk manufacturing software applications. I also provide consultation on these software packages.

I have almost 20 years experience in Mechanical Engineering and I have been using Autodesk products for over 15 years. I have gained experience in many areas including sheet metal, casting, machining processes, welding, CNC processes and more. All of which have helped me in designing using Autodesk products.

I enjoy sharing the knowledge I have gained over the years with other users and find problem solving/finding solutions to customer issues engaging and rewarding when the issue gets resolved. I also enjoy learning from other users, seeing the different methods and techniques with the software. Every day is a school day.

I am a motorcyclist in my spare time and play games with friends both online and tabletop. I enjoy the outdoors and like to camp off the beaten track a couple of times a year if I can.

Hi, I'm Chris Turner, and I am the Manufacturing Industry Team Leader at Cadline. My responsibilities are supervising the MFG Application Engineers as well as customer training, technical support, consultancy and solution/product demonstrations.

With an Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Specialisation, I have over 30 years technical, business and sales experience in the CAD industry and have worked with some varied products. Although I was initially trained on the Integraph 3D systems back in 1985, I moved onto working, training and supporting the high end Computervision products in South Africa.

Since coming to the UK in 1999, I joined Autodesk Distribution and was heavily involved directly with the Autodesk team on launching their latest manufacturing solutions including Inventor and Autodesk Vault. This involved training and developing of the Autodesk channel partners that market and support their manufacturing solutions today. After 6 years working with Autodesk, I joined Cadline in 2005 and together with a great team of industry specialists, I have enjoyed working with many customers who have successfully implemented the Autodesk Inventor and more specifically the Vault data management solutions.

In the past 10 years I have predominantly focused and successfully implemented the Autodesk Vault products, which range from basic level to professional global engagements. This involvement has given me professional knowledge not only on the successful delivery of single-sites, but also large multi-site replicated environments throughout the world. From as far as Europe, Asia and the America’s.

Hello my name is Connor Ferguson and I am a Solutions Developer at Cadline, joining in March 2016. I have a lot experience of software development with Autodesk API’s and enjoy solving problems for customers. This includes integrations with other systems and software add ins to provide further functionality.

My first experience with an Autodesk Product was in 2012 when I was taken on as a Development Engineer within the same company and my main role was to automate 3D model creation using the Inventor iLogic add in and Inventor API’s. I then moved into a Systems Developer position where I did a lot of Vault Explorer customisation using the Vault API’s and acted as a Vault administrator.

I really enjoy the freedom that Autodesk gives you to customize the setup of its products to a way that suits you and like to keep up to date with the latest advancements. Welcome to my blog.

Hi, my name is David Crowther and I am a GIS Application Engineer within the Technical Team at Cadline. I provide configuration, implementation, training and support services for Cadline’s DynamicMaps suite of products – MapThat WebGIS, Report-It, LLPG, GML Translator and Open Source GIS.

I have over 20 years experience within the geospatial sector, working for both public and private sector organisations, with experience in GIS training, data manipulation, business analysis, product management, software testing, quality management and consultancy services.                                                       

Historically, I have utilised desktop GIS – AutoCAD Map, MapInfo Pro and ESRI ArcGIS – although more recently I have expanded my skillsets to include Open Source and Web technologies.. a perfect fit for the DynamicMaps suite of products!

I hope you enjoy my blog posts and find my ‘How to Videos’ and FAQ’s a useful resource to get the most out of your choice of geospatial tools.

Hello my name is David Lewis. I am an Application Engineer at Cadline with an enthusiasm for working with people to explore how Digital tools and technologies can help realise their business potential.

Working at Cadline offers me the unique opportunity to work with customers to develop their digital skills and processes by exploring and responding to their individual challenges and proposing new applications and solutions, be-it working with them to maximise the potential of their existing Autodesk products or proposing new workflows to improve efficiencies.

Throughout my career I have gained valuable insight and experience working across different disciplines within the AEC industry with my main areas of focus being in Architecture, Design and Geomatics where I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the world’s leading Design, Construction and Geomatics companies.

Working in the Geomatics industry ignited my interests in reality capture and I enjoy exploring the different applications of point cloud data as well as its integration into the BIM process.

I have over three decades of experience of electrical distribution design and supervising installation projects for mains supply upgrades, standby generator replacement and UPS installations. This has involved coordinating and building solid working relationships with suppliers and contract installation teams to successfully deliver completed projects.  I was also one of the early adopters of Cymap and specifically the electrical design package Wiring. As part of my role as a product champion at a large telecommunications organisation, I provided guidance on the future direction of Cymap, as well as coaching and developing project specific electrical design teams. I have been part of the core Cymap team at Cadline for more than twelve years, where I specialise in delivering implementation services for customers that use the electrical aspects of the product.

Hello, my name is Dennis Collin and I am involved in all aspects of delivering post sales services at Cadline. Before joining Cadline I qualified as a Land Surveyor/Site Engineer with over 5 years' experience in conducting small site surveys, setting out, major and minor traverse control, aerial photo-grammetry survey verification & measuring small building surveys.

I then joined an Autodesk Channel partner as a service provider before joining Cadline 10 years ago.

With over 14 years experience in training and implementing various software packages including AutoCAD. At basic, advanced, 2D, 3D levels, including menu customisation and implementation of symbol libraries etc., 3ds Max, Viz, Rhino, Flamingo, Penguin, Accurender, Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP. I now spend a great deal of time helping our customers adopt and migrate to BIM technology.

Hello, my name is Florentina Stirbu and I have joined the Cadline team as a support engineer based in the Staines Office.

My first experience with Autodesk products was in 2014 when I started an Industrial Engineering study programme at the Politehnica University of Bucharest.

I have been employed for an Oil&Gas company as a Mechanical modeller/drafter prior to joining Cadline. Shifting from being the end user of Autodesk software to offering support for it provides an amazing new perspective.

I am very fond of the easiness of using CAD – features, add-ons and all the intuitive tools that it provides and keen on finding new solutions for various engineering problems.

Welcome to my blog!

Hi, my name is Garry Stockton and I’m currently on the Technical Team as an Industry Specialist. My role is to deliver training, technical support, consultancy and product demonstrations around Autodesk’s Building Design Suite and BIM as a deliverable.

I started my career as an Architectural Technologist, gaining my first experiences working for a European based Restoration and Conservation Consultancy. Although at heart I’m a keen Archaeologist, my roles in industry have given me a great interest in Renaissance Architecture, particularly Andrea Palladio (1508-1570). The project restoring Pallazio Loredan on the Grand Canal in Venice was very challenging, but rewarding in the end and is a stunning building. I was also involved in restoring Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium.

During the last 15 years I have been involved in Consultancy and Training roles focussed on improving construction industry design and BIM processes.My aim on training courses that I deliver, is to ensure that all delegates completing the course have clear, concise and essential knowledge of their chosen subject, whilst making it very enjoyable with a bit of fun thrown in.

Hi, my name is Gary Mann, I am a building services application engineer at Cadline. My role includes training, helpdesk support, software development and testing. For many years I taught building services engineering (HVAC) at an FE college and was course tutor for the National and Higher National Certificates and Edexcel External Examiner at London South Bank University for five years.

I also serve on a British Standard Institute committee for pipework related standards. I am also an ex-chairman and active member of the CIBSE Home Counties North East region and was awarded a Bronze Medal for services to the region in 2013. I also worked for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering as Technical Officer, which also included a helpdesk for the general public and the Institute’s members, these experiences have given me important skills for my role at Cadline.

Hopefully, I will be talking about my work and how it integrates BIM, sustainable design and energy analysis, but not forgetting the bread and butter aspects of plant sizing and equipment specifying working closely with own development team and our valued customers. If you have any ideas for Cymap features that would make your life a bit easier I would love to hear from you.

Hello, I am James Philip and I am a BIM specialist here at Cadline. My role uniquely allows me to help our customers develop their BIM technology skills, processes and even business culture.  I am fortunate that my week is pretty varied and one day I can be teaching a classroom of building service engineers how best to use Revit MEP and the next explaining the benefits of BIM to the senior partners at an architects practice. I am mostly involved in helping our customers understand the impact BIM may have on their business and putting in place the training and processes they need to enjoy the benefits that this way of working can bring.

I have increasingly found myself in demand with customers around the world and particularly enjoyed my recent trips to Italy and Hong Kong. I have also worked with some of the world’s leading design and construction companies on projects as diverse as a new mass transit system and some of the most innovative new buildings.

I started my professional career as a mechanical engineer, which gives me an interesting perspective on the development of BIM but have worked with the construction industry for over 20 years. When I am not working directly with customers I can be found adding to my blog on our Cadline Community technical portal or spending time working with new technology.

My top tip for anyone attending an instructor led training course is to try and leave your day to day work at home. Turn off your phone completely when you are in a session and don’t be tempted to log on to your emails on your training workstation!

Hello there,

My name is John Flanagan currently working at CADline as an Applications Engineer. Originally from a teaching background specialising in Geography & Art/Design, I have always had a keen interest in Architecture and the Built Environment.

Since retiring from teaching (undefeated) I have obtained a HND in Building Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology. For my dissertation I examined the growing trend for eco homes by self builders in the UK. One hypothesis posed the question “why is current legislation in Britain regarding major house builders demanding standards that were the norm in Scandinavian countries over 50 years ago?” I believe that all BIM applications such as Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP have a crucial role to play in addressing such issues of sustainability.

My first position as an Architectural Technologist was in a small practice in Stockport called Rishworth Design where I used AutoCAD LT to produce working drawings for building adaptations. I also wrote specifications to accompany working drawings and tender packages.

Realising that BIM was the future I took up a position in a growing architectural practice called Pozzoni LLP in Altrincham where I worked for almost five years gaining a lot of experience in MicroStation and Revit Architecture 2010. Within the housing team, I supported Senior Architects and Project Managers on major projects by giving technical advice at design review meetings. Refit was an invaluable resource at such meetings especially when setting up projects.

My most rewarding experience of modelling in Revit was when I completed a presentation of a ‘flagship’ care home in Platt Bridge, Wigan for CLS Care Services. This was a 66 bedroom development and the model that I created in Revit was published in the CLS Care Services magazine announcing the opening date of the care home.

After studying Civil Engineering in the early 1990s, I began my career as a 2D designer at an engineering firm just as the industry started transitioning to digital drawing production. I spent the next two decades working for an international consulting engineering organisation evaluating, implementing and supporting each new generation of digital design technology. I advocated a progressive change policy and helped deliver significant advances in the way that software can transform the way that projects of all sizes are delivered. I am passionate about the benefits of 3D modelling, BIM and big data for driving standardisation and optimisation throughout infrastructure project delivery.

I joined Cadline 2 years ago with a focus on Infrastructure. Over these two years I have used my considerable experience delivering complex projects in the Netherlands to support our customers through their digital transformation journeys. I specialise in AutoCAD Civil 3D with drainage design, survey data, content creation with the Sub-Assembly Composer and most recently rail design and the new Dynamo functionality. I develop BIM workflows that connect multiple Autodesk applications such as InfraWorks, Navisworks, Recap, BIM 360 and Vault.  I am an Autodesk Certified Engineer and I am actively involved with the development of the NLCS, the CAD standard of the Dutch civil engineering sector.

Hi, my name is Justin Doughty, I am a Product Support Engineer at Cadline. My day to day role is customer technical support.

I had my first introduction to CAD at college, Using AutoCAD Release 14. From that experience, I could see the future potential of the software and I knew this was the area I wanted to pursue.

From there, I entered the construction industry as a trainee AutoCAD technician for a mechanical and electrical contractor. Here I gained over 13 years in the construction industry, moving through the releases of AutoCAD, working on a variety of mechanical and electrical projects. As my industry experience and knowledge of CAD packages increased, I moved into the coordination of M&E services, working on several large sites as part of a team. This allowed me to gain experience in the Architectural and Structural side of the industry, liaising with other teams on the projects.

As time and the industry progressed, I was exposed to the MEP side of AutoCAD which naturally lead through to the learning of Revit. I found increasing amounts of my time being directed to the support and training of Autodesk products, where I enjoyed the variety of the challenges met.

Joining Cadline has given me the opportunity to increase this enjoyment, and I look forward to the evolution of CAD and the future of Autodesk Software.

Hello, my name is Kim Hyde, I am an Applications Engineer working as a member of Cadline’s Manufacturing Team based at the Gatwick Office.

I have been in continuous employment since December 1971, using my first CAD system back in 1979.

Since joining Cadline in 2007 I have specialized in Data Management solutions that have included the integration of a broad range CAD systems and supporting non-CAD data.  I have successfully delivered single-site and multiple / replicated sites solutions for both commercial and MOD disciplines.

My duties for customer engagements include a range of activities from pre-sales Proof-of Concept analysis and demonstrations, through to project-driven delivery of scoping, installation / configuration and custom training for both administrative and user-level training.

Customer delivery for multi-site requirements has involved both remote and site-visit access to global areas including EMEA, Asia and North America; my overseas visits have included USA, France, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic and India.

Hello, my name is Martin Lee, I am an Industry Specialist specialising in the manufacturing Industry. I have over 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing sector starting in the late 80’s in a traditional design office on a drawing board, but I quickly moved to using 2D CAD. With the introduction of affordable 3D CAD I moved onto Autodesk Inventor, eventually becoming the CAD manager for a large design office. This brought its own challenges such as how to look after the data, this led me down the path as an early adopter of Autodesk Vault.

I have now provided Autodesk Inventor and Vault training, support and consultancy for over 10 years.

Fast forward to today and I mainly focus on data management either using Autodesk Vault or at a wider level Fusion Lifecycle.

Hello, my name is Martin Phelps and I am one of the Construction Industry Specialists at Cadline. I started my industrial career as a mechanical design engineer, designing one off special purpose equipment for all area of industry requiring material handling solutions. Clients included most major automotive producers, the MOD; this gave me my first exposure to AutoCAD in 1982.

About a year after starting to use AutoCAD I took on a part time associate lecturer's position at a local college teaching AutoCAD to part time mature students, hoping to gain a formal qualification in 2D or 3D draughting using AutoCAD, and CAD management, this was in addition to my normal day job.

After ten years of holding the position of projects engineer, I moved to a medium sized engineering company with a different remit to my previous employ. This meant taking on more of a managerial position, involving the day to day running of the design office and design of new products to break into new areas, also overseeing current projects. Installing AutoCAD was also one of my main priorities, in no time at all AutoCAD was proven to be and important addition to this company, with all new and existing projects being carried out on AutoCAD. The software was also proven to be a good tool for presenting proposals and schemes.

After four years changed role again, this time to a sales / design position, making initial contact, designing the solution and costing the required equipment. Unfortunately due to the economic situation at this time, an unexpected forced change was on its way.

Contract draughting proved to be a suitable transition between permanent positions, producing technical drawing for a variety of companies in a range of disciplines, working in engineering, civil, and architectural practices

After a couple of years of contract draughting a full time opportunity of CAD manager in a heavy engineering material handling company came my way, which I decided to accept. The role included setting up company CAD standards, procurement of the CAD computers and software (AutoCAD release 12), network hardware and server, plotter and cad management software, and of course day to day running of the design office.

Another change of career direction would lead me to become a full time AutoCAD software trainer working for an Autodesk reseller, training all aspects of AutoCAD, including 2D and 3D, AEC, (which later became AutoCAD Architecture), GTXrasterCAD, 3D Studio and 3D Studio MAX, Genius, and Administration for Windows NT.

After another couple of moves within the channel I arrived at Cadline, where I have now been an employee for nearly ten years initially training delegates in AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD Architecture, MicroStation J, to V8i. My time spent teaching at college has also been a proving ground for my ability to moderate and mark formal exams to a consistent level, checked by an external moderator.

I now spend my time helping our customers increase their skill base by designing targeted training programmes and gaining industry relevant qualifications.

Matt Lees graduated at the end of the last century, gaining one of the first UK “3D Design” degree’s. Over a 20 year career, Matt has won multiple design awards for 3D & BIM, both here in the UK and internationally.

Having lead large teams on a variety of projects ranging from the small to upwards of £200M, his track record in delivering Engineering Services & Digital Transformation allows Cadline to take our customer support to the next level.

Specialising in Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical, Matt’s multidisciplined background allows our Digital Engineering team to work with clients across all sectors and all disciplines.

Hello my name is Miles Nicholson and I am an Industry Manager at Cadline for electrical applications. I am involved in training, customer pre & post sales support, consultancy and product demonstrations.

I am a qualified electrical and electronics engineer who has designed for a multitude of industries from lathes to nuclear power plants. Having worked on AutoCAD since R9 but also on earlier versions dating to R2.6 it has given me many years of customers issues and of course solutions.

I have worked in the CAE/CAD industry for over twelve years specialising in electrical CAD with a variety of electrical CAE systems.

Through my experiences in designing in multidisciplinary environments it has given me a great understanding of the design and manufacturing problems that you face and the standards we have to adhere to; working with a variety of electrical CAE systems has put me in a better position to understand on how to help you solve your issue.

Hello, my name is Nick Harris and I am the Technical Director at Cadine, responsible for service delivery throughout all industry sectors and professional IT. My goal is to ensure that we deliver to you the level of service that I myself would like to receive. Through a programme of encouragement, continuous development and a strong mutual support network I have built a team of dynamic experts who are passionate about delivering great service every time.

As a business we have developed a performance culture focused on understanding the requirements of all customers and delivering the services that are right for them and us. My team of technology and support specialists share a common service ethos based on an empathetic approach to our customer's needs. We encourage and request feedback at every stage of the process and I use this to direct our future strategy.

My name is Richard Evans, and I am the Technical Manager for Digital Manufacturing. My responsibilities include delivering and advising customers on training solutions and support to customers.

My career spans over 40 years within the manufacturing industry, which include automotive press tool design and manufacture, aerospace and Formula One.

Over this period, I have developed expertise in leading CAM technology including Delcam Duct, PowerMill, Hypermill and Lemoine. I have also been very involved with product design and reverse engineering, using many of the products commonly used in our industry such as Powershape, Catia and Hypermill.

Prior to my current position I spent 4 years working at Autodesk delivering training for both Powermill and Powershape in a classroom and on-site environment.

I look forward to building relationships with customers and to share my passion for Autodesk’s digital manufacturing software.

Hi, I’m Shaun Griffiths and I am a Manufacturing Application Engineer here at Cadline. In this role I provide training, technical support and consultancy for Autodesk Manufacturing Software Applications.

My career over the last thirteen years in engineering and CAD consultancy has led me from designing tooling and heavy machinery to analysing and manipulating large data sets for large scale designs and visualisations. Thus, providing me with the opportunity to experience a range of industries and technologies.

Historically, I have used AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, Vault and 3DSMax in industry but have delved into the additional manufacturing applications over the last six years to help deliver a wider level of knowledge and support.

I enjoy providing and developing solutions with and for customers that improve their manufacturing processes, whether that be through bespoke training or complete workflow implementations.

In my spare time I’m a keen mountain biker, climber and ecologist.

I have over 30 years' experience in the Building Services sector, having first started as an apprentice, before working towards a degree. Experience gained in retail contracting as a contracts manager and then working in a consultancy role in the NHS arena, exposed me to a wide variety of specialised projects. I now concentrate on leveraging model centric design alongside detailed energy analysis to deliver high performance, low carbon emission buildings. Specialising in products such as Autodesk Revit, Cymap, Tas, CySpace and Cylink, I work with our customers to develop workflows to enable them to make informed engineering decisions, throughout the project lifecycle.

Hi, I’m Simon Taylor and I am a Manufacturing Application Engineer at Cadline. My responsibilities are for training, technical support, solution/product demonstrations for Inventor/Fusion 360 products including CAM.

I have over 27 years manufacturing/technical experience with Cad/Cam in a variety of different industries. I started out using Pathtrace Cad/Cam programming system and over the years used a variety of other Cad/Cam products including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidCAM, Edgecam, HyperMill and PowerMill.

In the last few years I have been working as an application engineer for a Cad/Cam software provider where I specialized in offering technical support/training for Cad/Cam products. I have also worked as an applications manager for a machine tool reseller where I ran the company’s application department. Where I had to look at component’s customer wanted to make and creating a complete package to manufacture components. This involved looking at complexity of components, type of machinery required, workholding, tooling, time studies to offer customer a complete turnkey package from start to finish. I worked with small and multinational companies through the UK as well as internationally.