Budget Time

For many of us 4th quarter means budget time.  If you're not submitting a budget hopefully your supervisor asks you for suggestions.  Be proactive and let them know what you need. 

Here are some of the things I consider every year (kind of a check list).

1) Hardware

If possible replace your computers every 3-4 years.  I find the cost is worth the productivity increase.   For computers you're not replacing look at what's in them.  Think about increasing the RAM or upgrading the video card. 

How much RAM do you need?  It depends on what you're doing you can use Windows Task Manager to monitor how much you're using.  For me 2GB is a minimum for our current machines.  When I next buy machines there'll be more than that in them.

Every tried a 3D mouse.  They're not for everyone, but they can help you manipulate your model faster and alleviate some stress on your mousing hand.

The last hardware item is monitors.  I personally love dual monitors.  Most decent video cards support this out of the box.  If dual monitors are not your thing, consider getting bigger, landscape or an LCD. 

Many VARs keep up to date on hardware.  They are a good source to goto if you're debating on which video card to choose, how to get the best bang for your limited bucks, if you should go to 64 bit, etc...

2) Software

License Renewals, look at the list of Add-ins/solution partners and any other packages that may be specific to your type of business.

3) Equipment

Everything these days seems to be about getting to the market faster.  Check out the cost of Rapid Prototype Machines, 3D Scanners (Ricky Jordan has 2 blog's on this topic) or in-house machining tools and equipment.  This industry has changed a lot and you may be surprised how affordable some things have gotten.

4) Training, Certification and Books

This may be the most important category in this list and it's often over looked.  It is really worth the time & money to keep yourself up to date on the tools you use.  Especially if you in it every day. 

In this category I capture classes (update, adv. modeling, Geometric Tolerancing, DFMA, etc..), conferences, certification testing and books.  There are a number of SolidWorks Books (check out the SolidWorks Good Reads section of the SolidWorks Community Blog for a few), ASME standards, Machinery's Handbook, etc..

Many times if you don't budget for these things its difficult or impossible to get it approved when it comes up.  So, think ahead.