January 2008 - Happy New Year

This is my first blog entry for the year (ever), so I thought I would start out introducing myself.  My name is Darren Hartenstine and I have been with MasterGraphics for a little more than three years.  Before MG, I was an industry professional for more than 16 years specializing in Manufacturing.  During that time, I’ve worn many hats….I’ve been a CAD/UNIX Administrator, Mechanical Designer, IT and Engineering Consultant and even spent some time working as a webmaster for a large website.  So, I’ve been around the block.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with many renowned manufacturers, like Ford, Maytag, Newport News Shipbuilding, St. Jude Medical, Medtronic, Starkey Laboratories, Pampered Chef, Tyco Valves and Controls and Turck; just to name a few.

My role at MasterGraphics is specializing in Data Management.  My primary focus is on Autodesk Vault and Productstream and its integration with the Manufacturing products we sell, like Inventor, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, etc. 

December and January are a fun time of year.  This is when Autodesk releases its Beta versions of software and we get to play with all the new features.  Unfortunately, I can’t discuss what’s coming in the 2009 software releases; I’d probably lose my job.  I can tell you that there are some great enhancements and new features that will improve productivity and reduce that time-to-market thing.

We’ve just finished a major project writing a Data Management test drive for anyone that wants to play with the software.  It’s a hand’s on process that mimics what typical users go through in designing products and the challenges they face managing their data.  It’s broken into two parts; one section for Inventor Users and another for AutoCAD Electrical Users.  Each of these products interfaces with Autodesk Vault and Productstream and the many features that will help improve productivity.