#OrbitFromHome: 10 at-home learning resources from SketchUp

We’ve all had to adjust to working from home, which means keeping in touch with colleagues, family and friends remotely. So, to keep you occupied and to help develop your SketchUp skills, we’ve rounded up top 10 learning resources from Trimble that you can benefit from while you #OrbitFromHome.

1. Learn the SketchUp fundamentals from this self-guided course. Reminder: it’s free and subtitled in more than 100 languages!
2. If you’re more experienced at SketchUp, dive into the Skill Builder video playlists and polish up your skills.
3. Discover the Podcast, SketchUp Talk! A great companion to listen to while you’re orbiting away on the axis.
4. Still tight on time while working from home? In under 60 seconds, explore these Quick Wins packed with powerful skills.
5. Curious about how other professionals are using SketchUp? Learn from the best and brightest in our customer case studies.
6. See it all live! Tune in to live model challenges - every Friday at 12 pm MT. Don’t have time to catch it live? Watch the recordings.
7. Try out some of the other products you have access to as a SketchUp Pro Subscriber! Spend some time learning LayOut, share projects with Trimble Connect, model online with SketchUp for Web, or check out SketchUp Viewer for your mobile device!
8. Looking for new ways to customise your workflow? Explore our Extension Inspections to find the perfect plugin for you.
9. Tired of dressing up with nowhere to go? Recover your sense of style by learning how to make (and personalize) your very own 2D Component!
10. *BONUS!* Share how you’re staying inspired over the next few weeks by tagging your designs with #OrbitFromHome for a chance to be featured on Trimble’s social channels!

Whether you’re using your free time to become more proficient and efficient at SketchUp, getting workflow tips from other SketchUp users, or leaning because of your love of design during these times, we hope you’re staying healthy and taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

For further help with SketchUp, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: https://www.symetri.co.uk/products/sketchup-pro

4 Things you Need to Know About PC as a Service (PCaaS)

As we’ve seen over the years, technology is constantly evolving, everywhere, and the way in which people are working is also changing.

According to ZD Net1, traditional CAD computer sales are declining and will continue to do so for the next decade or more. This is because more and more people are beginning to use mobile devices for their work instead. Why? Because they are easier and cheaper to upgrade and purchase.

However, with the recent emergence of the PC as a Service (PCaaS) model which emulates the subscription model now prevalent in the technology world e.g. mobile phone upgrade plans etc, PC and CAD computer sales are less likely to decline for several reasons. These include: 

1. Simplicity

Within the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, the CAD software used on a daily basis needs to be run on a CAD computer with enough power to handle the demands of this software.

It is common for people to purchase the CAD software from one supplier, the CAD workstation from another and support from another also. With PCaaS, the need to use different suppliers is eliminated as it allows you to procure these assets through one, simple subscription.

2. Lifecycle Management

In addition to being able to procure your CAD workstations, software and support as a subscription, it also takes away the stress of managing these assets e.g. making sure that there are enough software licences, making sure that the CAD computer meets the demands of the software and checking that the software is installed and verified across every machine.

With the PCaaS model, this lifecycle management almost completely shifts to the supplier allowing you to focus on more strategic ventures.

3. Scalability

PCaaS allows organisations to easily scale up or down. For instance, whether you are taking on a new project and only need additional CAD workstations for a certain period of time, or whether you have increased/decreased your staff count, you can simply reduce/increase the number of devices you lease from the supplier rather than being left with a surplus of devices you may not ever need again.

4. Latest Technology at Your Fingertips

Most PCaaS terms are annual or over a certain period which means that every year or so, when your subscription is up for renewal, you will be given the option to upgrade to the latest software release and a more powerful CAD workstation, keeping you continuously up to date with the latest technology. This prevents you from holding onto ageing devices and  will eventually save you more money in the long run.

Earlier last year, Excitech launched its own PCaaS offering known as the “Excitech Design as a Service Package” which addresses the specific workflow requirements of construction and manufacturing sector businesses. Learn more about our PCaaS offering here www.excitech.co.uk/Excitech-Design-as-a- Service.

1 ZD Net https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-pc-as-a-service-is-the-next-big-thing/ (20th December 2018).