Many years ago, when I wrote the first edition of this book, I asked the ques- tion,“Do you need a computer on the first day of your business?”The answer to this question depends on your generational position, your open-mindedness to technological advances, and your literacy on the computer. However, in today’s IT world, you cannot open a design business without one.
Computers are incredible assistants for small business as well as business in general. However, should you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on accounting software if you are going to do only twenty projects and invoice
$100,000 in the first year? Computers are constantly changing for the better.
CHART 13
Typical Business Equipment
Equipment Cost/Buy/ Time frame/
Near future Future lease Present
Accounting software Batteries
Bookshelves for library Business cards
CADD hardware CADD software
CADD 3D animation software CADD station table
Digital camera Chairs Coffeemaker Computer paper Computer printers Conference table Copy paper (8.5''⫻11''
and 11''⫻17'') Database software
Desktop publishing software Dictation/recording equipment Sketching/drafting equipment Envelopes
Facsimile machine File cabinets Flashlight Flat files
DVD/CD storage units Folders
Glue, rubber cement Laptop computer Lamps
Laser printer
(Continued)
Equipment Cost/Buy/ Time frame/
Near future Future lease Present
Letterhead Mailing labels
Cellular/digital/mobile phone
Modem Mouse PC
Personal data assistant Paperclip holders Paper cutter Pencils Pencil holders Pencil sharpener Pens
Post-it note pads Postage machine Photocopier Scale for postage Scissors
SF254/255 software Spray adhesive, spray mount Spreadsheet software Stapler
Large stapler for drawings Scoth/double-coated/
drafting tape Tape dispenser
Tape measures (25' and 100') Tape recorder
Telephone system
Telephone voice mail system Three-hole punch
Time management system Two-hole punch for files White-out
Word-processing software
As soon as you purchase one, it is outdated! Remember, once you make a commitment to hardware and software, you must always upgrade to stay current with speed and accuracy.
Purchase a computer system that you are comfortable with. You have been utilizing software for years, so you know what is right for you.As for hardware, going with a PC or laptop depends on how much processing power you need.
Is mobility important for you? For millions of users in the world, Apple users swear by Apple, and Windows users swear by their operating system. It is up to you and the type of computer individual you are. Both systems can operate software recommended for design firms.
Software applications for the start-up design firm should include word processing and spreadsheets at the minimum. You may consider incorporat- ing an accounting software package as well. Be a smart shopper when it comes to computer hardware and software. Talk to your colleagues and find out what they recommend. Learn from their war stories, and try to avoid their mistakes. Many computer stores offer hardware with software already loaded on the hard drives. A variety of word-processing, spreadsheet, and accounting software exists, so be comfortable with your decision. Beware of software that is too complex for your new operation. For example, you do not need accounting software designed for a fifty-person firm! It may be years before you get to that number. There is no status in overpaying!
Purchase a system that will work for a firm of up to twenty staff.
Other software available for design firms includes master specification formats, databases, desktop publishing, CADD, and 3D Animation programs. If you have never been trained in CADD software, you had better learn it or have someone in your start-up who has. If you have a background in CADD and are “one to one” (have extensive knowledge and experience and can work effec- tively on it), and if you can afford a CADD station with software and plotter, then go for it! The fact of the matter is that if you are not “one to one” on CADD when you start your firm, you won’t have the time to be trained on it.Also, many designers purchase a CADD system but do not buy a plotter to save money at the initial purchase.Their goal is to add the plotter later, and utilize a consultant’s plot- ter or a reproduction house’s plotter at present. Remember, there is a fair amount of risk involved in using another firm’s hardware and plotters.The formats must be compatible, and you must coordinate your deadlines with their availability.
If you can’t afford a comprehensive CADD system, think twice before you act.
Another key decision is whether you should purchase a desktop or laptop computer to work from. Most businesses have conventional PCs in their offices. Laptops are the future of PCs, and are here now. New models appear almost daily, with faster and faster hard drives and memory. The benefit of a laptop is the transportability of the unit. You can work on it at home, in the office, on a train, in an airplane, or even in a client’s office. Laptops offer the most flexibility. Some designers even have CADD on their laptops to make adjustments to files in the field, on a job site, or in the client’s office. In the past, you might have had one computer that lived in the office, and you might also have had a home computer. Now the laptop platform allows you to purchase one system and use it everywhere. PCs also have wireless modems to link with other PCs and databases. Many designers use wireless modems in their laptops when they travel to stay in touch with the office and data. Once again, before you make a purchase of a laptop or standard PC, talk with your friends and colleagues. Conduct your research, and help reduce your risk in making the right computer decision for yourself.
Computers are the backbone of the design professions today. Computer- ization of a business requires a total commitment to remain up-to-date and be successful.A common complaint of small design firm owners is the expense of computerization. PCs for word-processing, spreadsheet, and accounting appli- cations are affordable, but CADD-based PC systems are expensive.A good rule of thumb is to commit to budget approximately 7 percent of your annual revenue toward computerization that your firm needs.
Make your decision regarding technology before you jump out of the air- plane. Again, it will become increasingly difficult to get trained in software after you have started the firm, since its operation will dominate your every waking moment. If you get through the learning curve before you open your new business, you will find that the business and professional software will smooth your firm’s growth transitions, speed your operations to make the firm more profitable, and in the big picture lead your firm more rapidly to success!