Drafting is the art of creating accurate representations of objects for technical, architectural and engineering needs. In earlier times, drafting used to be entirely by hand, which meant that it was time-consuming, costly and with unavoidable errors. Today, computer-aided design and drafting services (CADD) have changed all that. Almost all engineering/ technical companies rely on such computer-aided design drafting services today.

Drafting is a specialized skill that involves preparing technical drawings and plans, which are used in the fields of architecture, industrial design and plant design. Today, with companies preferring to concentrate on their core business, the business of computer-aided drafting services is booming. Especially in the West, companies prefer to outsource drafting services to other countries like India, taking advantage of the lower costs. The result has been a boom in outsourcing.

There are many specialties in drafting services. These include aeronautical, architectural, civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical, and other types of drafting services. Electronic drafting may involve wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, layout drawings, schematic diagrams used to manufacture, install and repair electronic devices etc. Architectural drafting may involve cross-sectional plans, elevations roof framing and foundation plans, reflected ceiling plans, raster to vector conversion, survey-based site plans and landscape plans, interior plans, 3D views of residential and multi-stored houses, 3D walkthroughs etc.

As we mentioned earlier, almost all this kind of work is done through computer-aided design and drafting (CADD systems). These allow drafters to create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems.

CADD has brought about huge efficiencies and reduced costs for companies. Earlier, when there was a change in plans, drafters had to draw all over again. Today, CADD enables changes in a matter of minutes.

Indian outsourcing companies have had considerable success in attracting business from the West and other developed countries. India has a vast pool of trained architects and draftsmen who can provide high-quality drafting services at a fraction of the cost.

Typical of such companies is the Bhubaneswar-based AABSyS, which has seen rapid growth in business turnover and profits in the ten years since it began operations. The company has a growing client list that includes companies in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. The company’s range of services include 2D and 3D CAD conversion, CAD drafting, GIS mapping, 3D CAD modeling and 3D rendering services.

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