Hardware
It is critical that general and technical users are equipped with not only the best available hardware technology for their job, but also correctly configured hardware. In addition, this hardware must have a centralized and simplified acquisition program in place to ensure users get what they need.
Hardware for engineering tools
An effective team must have the right hardware to do the jobs required of them. Staff in DND/CAF will typically be provided, by their Local Service Provider, with a computer that will be appropriate for business activities; modern engineering applications needed to effectively manage real property and to deliver major capital projects will either run poorly or not at all on these business machines. A moderate investment in the right hardware can greatly expand the productivity of a team.
Who needs engineering workstations
The varying roles and responsibilities of the team members will determine what kinds of hardware are required. A user who needs to consult a drawing file every few weeks will not require powerful hardware while someone who is responsible for editing and modeling spatial information as part of their core responsibilities will need improved hardware to make the best use of their time. RP spatial has developed a usage matrix that provides guidance into the type of hardware required by your team members.
Click here for the User Classification matrix
Hardware specifications
Software manufacturers provide system requirements for their tools; However, these system requirements typically only covers the very basics of what hardware is needed to run the software, not what hardware will actually give the best performance. RP Spatial has researched specifications to determine what hardware is fir for purpose. Recommended specifications are provided for basic, standard, and advanced workstations. This is intended to be used in conjunction with the usage matrix.
Click here for the workstations matrix
Purchasing engineering workstations
Purchasing engineering workstations for usage on the DWAN must be done via Shared Services Canada. Suitable workstations meeting specs provided are listed on the Shared Services Canada IT Procurement Website. At present RP Spatial group in DAES cannot purchase and ship workstations across the country for DND RP Ops units; local det commanders will need to work with SSC and their Local Service Providers to procure and deploy these workstations on the DWAN