Computer-aided design (CAD) has been around for a number of years. An overview is provided of a number of major computer-aided design programs. A short analysis of each program includes the addresses of the software producers. (MLF)

Microcomputers and available software can be used to display spreadsheet information helpful to facility planners. This article discusses the nature of electronic spreadsheets, presents an applications procedure, and illustrates a practical facilities planning application by using software generally available. (MLF)

Describes the following aspects of the State University of New York-Brockport's preventive maintenance computerization project: (1) software selection, (2) project implementation; and (3) problems and benefits of the system. (MCG)

Computer-aided design (CAD) programs are powerful drafting tools, but are also able to assist with many other facility planning functions. Describes the hardware, software, and the learning process that led to understanding the CAD software at the University of Alabama. (MLF)

The Physical Plant Department at Portland State University (OR) performs accounting, inventory control, and purchasing tasks with a local online system. Using in-house software, this system has replaced and improved upon services formerly provided by the State System of Higher Education. (MCG)

Unusually hard hit by the 1970s recession, the University of Michigan accumulated more deferred maintenance problems than could be analyzed efficiently either by hand or with existing computer systems. Using an existing microcomputer and a database management software package, the maintenance service developed its own database to support…

Explains how school planners can use microcomputers to create electronic spreadsheets that reduce the time required to calculate educational specifications. (MLF)

Demonstrates how "School Planner," a menu-driven educational facility cost simulation program, is used for showing the changes in space and cost requirements, given varying assumptions about such factors as number of pupils, class size, number of classes per week, and proportion of space used for instruction. (MLF)