getting users to use lisp where possible

[feargt]

Hi,

 

Was wondering what other firms do to encourage users to utilise the Lisp files that they have at their disposal. A lot of users are not aware of what lisp files that are available to them, or they are, and just don't know what they are for. I want to know what methods are out there to encourage users to utilise the lisp files that we have. any ideas?`

 

thanks

 

feargt

[Tommy78]

Maybe you could organize a small introduction course that shows the advantages of using lisp?

Many of the oldtimers (with all due respect) are not keen on using new/unknown things, they work the way they have always worked and it's hard to change that.

[feargt]

That could be the right approach actually. Generally when people can see the benefits of something visually it is easier for them to embrace it. So by demonstrating what some of the lisp files can do & how much easier it can make their tasks they have both seen it in action and are aware it exists. This may encourage them at the same time to seek a lisp for other tasks once they realise what they can do for them

[Tiger]

If you are in charge of the installation of AutoCAD, or of the customization of Autocad, why not do a Toolbar with the Lisps accessable as buttons. The way to get people to use things is to make it as easy as possible in my opinion.

[feargt]

I will be putting them on toolpalettes for accessibilty but that does not mean someone will use it just because it is on a toolbar or toolpalette. They also need to know what it does and why it makes sense to use it. I am currently in charge of a project where I am customising CAD for 8 different departments. (the current situation is installing autocad out of the box, with no customisation done. If a user needs a lisp they load it into autocad each time. Well all this is with the exception of my department which is why I am charged with doing the same for all the departments.) But it came to my attention that many of the other department users are simply not aware of what we have or what the lisp files will do, which is why I wanted to hear what other companies do

[CJJ]

Where I work, we have a "Standards" menu added by the previous CAD managers that contains some block libraries and libraries of Lisp routines. I'm slowly moving a lot of these block libraries to pallets because it's much easier to manage, but I'm leaving all the Lisp stuff in the menu, so it will always be there and won't get in the way like a pallet. You might want to consider using a menu instead of a pallet. You can't ensure that people will use it, but you can at least ensure that it's always there for them to use without having to reload a pallet.

[CJJ]

... They also need to know what it does and why it makes sense to use it... But it came to my attention that many of the other department users are simply not aware of what we have or what the lisp files will do, which is why I wanted to hear what other companies do

 

You could also create a simple webpage or PDF or something that describes what your routines can do and has instructions on how to use it. Then post this to the company intranet site, or just email it out to all of your CAD users. Again, you can't make them use it, but at least this will help lead the horse to the water.