The advent of computer-aided design software like AutoCAD and AshampooCAD came with too many expectations than usefulness to the average engineering student. This computer-aided software, no doubts have replaced the traditional method of making engineering drawing on a board with tee squares. However, engineering drawing in the old-fashion way of employing the services of old rotring set, setsquares and French curves remains an important part of the engineering curriculum in Universities, technical colleges and polytechnics. A messiah came and could not heal the people of their ailments. It is hilarious how smart engineering students fumble in engineering drawing examinations and tests.

You can succeed in engineering drawing if you try. It is like mathematics but it requires more patience, good planning, and lots of practice. Unlike mathematics, qualified engineering drawing course instructors do not repeat questions from class tests, take homes or from textbooks in examinations. In fact, engineering drawing requires some level of creative thinking along the mathematical problem solving line but from a different direction.

To be good in engineering drawing you must avoid the temptation of categorizing this field of knowledge in the same plane as mathematics. Instead, you would not be too wrong if you say the act of problem solving is synonymous with engineering drawing. The process of solving engineering problems is in three stages. First, you understand, second you solve the problem using both physics and good level of mathematics, and then you draw a conclusion.

Secondly, be an enterprising person. Give the solution you have in your head a chance and check to see for possible corrections whether it be orthographic projections, auxiliary, sectioning, assembly drawing or the simple one, inscribing of circles in an object. Take note of the areas you went wrong and watch out to prevent such errors in subsequent problems.

In examination conditions, the best way to tackle assembly drawing is to start drawing. Figure out a rough image of the engineering device on paper. Find a place for all the components displayed in the questions. Take note of inner and outer radius of the same diameter as they may fit together. In the same line, check for similar lengths.

Engineering is a complex field and an engineering directory would be a great help to practitioners. Before we look at the specifics, let us first understand what engineering means.

What Is Engineering?
Engineering could mean several things:

* Design and development of Structures, Machines, Apparatus, Manufacturing Processes and any combination of these
* Construction or operation of the machines, apparatus or processes with a full awareness of their design
* Forecasting the behavior of these under different operating conditions

The objective of the engineering activity could be to carry out some function, improve economics of operation or ensure safety to life and property.

Engineering activities would involve developing designs to meet the objectives, testing to check whether the product or process performs as intended, without causing any harm to persons or property, and finally constructing the product and/or organizing production facilities.

The complexity of the engineering function would be evident even from the brief discussion above.

How Does an Engineering Directory Help?
Let us take a look at an engineering directory to see a typical approach.

* Engineering Categories

** Automotive
*** Paint & Finishes, Parts & Accessories, …

** Building & Civil
*** Consulting / Design, Materials, …

** Chemical
*** Pumps, Measurement, …

** Electrical
*** Lighting, Cables, Motor Control, …

* Industry Categories

** Architectural
*** Consulting / Design, Structure, …

** Communications
*** Networking, Connectors, …

** Food & Beverage
*** Conveyors, Hoses & Fittings, …

** General
*** Docs & Translations, Signage, … …. (Source: http://www.engnetglobal.com/ )

Engineering section of the Yahoo Directory has sections like Quality Management, Reliability Engineering and Journals, in addition to several Industry Categories.

What is significant is that there is an attempt to match the engineering directory listings with the complexity of the field. There are major sections, like Building & Civil, supported by more specific sub sections like Consulting/Design, Materials and so on.

A harried engineering practitioner would indeed find the engineering directory a high value resource. With its help she or he can locate urgently needed services or components to complete the task in hand. The practitioner can also explore the alternative solutions available in the market, which is also an important part of her or his work.