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Making the World a Better Place
What a difference technology has made in engineering. We have seen drafting boards replaced with computers running CADD and BIM software, grid paper replaced with Excel spreadsheets, and manual engineering calculation forms replaced with sophisticated engineering calculation software.
The benefit is that engineers can provide designs that are far more complex, evaluate far more options, and design to much tighter tolerances – all in less time.
Instead of hand drawn lines on Mylar, owners now get 3-D computer models they can use for facilities management. Instead of a couple of system options, owners now get to narrow down numerous options and combinations to optimize efficiencies and operating costs. All for the same design cost they paid twenty, or even thirty years ago. Why? Because we work in a highly competitive industry with thousands of firms going after the same design dollar. According to economic theory, perfect competition yields zero profit. While engineering isn’t a commodity yielding this result, it’s pretty close when you look at the field of competitors and what some firms are willing to work for.
As engineers, we get to work on interesting projects that challenge our imagination. We get to deal with highly talented and intelligent colleagues on a daily basis. We get to deploy new technologies in production and application to make the world a better place for its inhabitants. And we get to continue to learn for our entire career, while benefitting from being in one of the most rewarding careers on the planet. Not a bad gig.
Happy Engineers’ Week!
