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IT Department Restrictions
3

IT Department Restrictions

IT Department Restrictions

(OP)
How much do IT interfere and limit your computing power.
 
Typical restrictions we have at a new company I have recently joined
Unable to download any program, driver, camera pictures, etc.
Cannot run anything from CD, DVD (whats that)
Cannot change any basic setting (e.g. power options so my computer switches off every 5 minutes).

All these mods have to be done through IT; as I guess it protects their usefullness.

We are fortunate to still have email & internet access, though highly restricted.

Who allowed some evil little I.T. dictator to take over the world at some point?
Damn, Bill Gates will now crash my Windows Unco-Operating system.

FOETS
Social Drinker with a Golfing Problem

RE: IT Department Restrictions

If you were allowed to do what you like on the company pc, you would be complaining a lot more about pc problems and how IT wouldn't have time to fix them. They would be too busy fixing all others pc's because of c**p loaded onto their pc's.
There has to be control from IT.

Chris
SolidWorks 06 5.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 02-10-07)

RE: IT Department Restrictions

The problem sometimes stems from IT taking TOO much control, more than is necessary.  Our corporate IT dept takes it upon themselves to set security settings in our CAD program and part folders and directories.  We are the only site with this CAD package, and there are some settings that we need to control to keep it running smoothly.  It seems like every time we get things set correctly, everything gets reset overnight from corporate.  I've finally thrown up my hands in frustration.  When I am asked why we can't control something (such as drawing default settings or released files), I just smile and say that there's nothing I can do about it, call corporate.
If we have any computer problems, we are supposed to fill out a work order and send it to corporate.  This is a multi-national company, and as I've posted above, we are the only site with this CAD package (and this type of product development).  We're supposed to have them fix something that they know nothing about.  Fortunately, we have one IT guy on site, so of course, we have to work behind "their" backs to actually get anything done.
Sorry about the rant.  Some control is good, but sometimes IT depts can go a bit overboard and try to control too much.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

A little dialog and exhibited restraint can go a long way towards gaining some freedom back from the IT Department.  A box of donuts doesn’t hurt either.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Right. If there's anyone who you should be happy to bribe it's your IT folks. Bond with them.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Why do most IT guys love donuts, Doritos and soda?

IT having too much control would bother me but there has to be a line drawn somewhere.  No access to CD/DVD drives and downloading digital photos off your camera is going too far.  There might have been a guy who watched too many DVDs on company time.

IT folks, in my opinion, should have power to limit programs installed on the workstations and all the drivers.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

The more standardized the computer configs, the easier they are to troubleshoot and repair.  I would want that if I was in IT.  As soon as people start installing weird programs (bad copies of Drempls, etc), there is no telling what could be causing a problem.

Of course that doesn't explain why we are running W2K, XP Pro, OSX...  I also think it's funny that folks here have CD/DVD players, but IT has omitted the sound cards.

I have found that you can argue almost anything with IT (and win your case) if you have solid documentation and ROI numbers.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: IT Department Restrictions

We have an unwritten philosphy around here, when you start working you get no permissions to change anything.  You gradually have to earn and prove what you need access too.  Our IT guys are pretty understanding so its not like you have to name your first kid after them or anything.


Zuccus

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Keep sending work orders until they get the message - even if it is 50 a day. If you bypass the system they will never be aware of it.

This will at least get someone on the phone asking you why you need so much IT time. You can make them aware of the cause and effect.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Those restrictions are far too harsh. Yes end users should not have admin rights, but not allowing downloading of photos and not allowing access to the CD/DVD is ridiculous.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

In my opinion, IT has sort of become like lawyers. The more of them there are the more you need because they create most of the problems and generate their own work.

From what you describe, I would say that is far too restrictive. The only way to stop or slow the problem is to get someone in your company that is on par or above the IT manager to buy into the fact that what is happening is counter productive. The IT dept. will want to build their own little empire and you won't be able to stop it without manger support.

Put together actual numbers they can use like hours spent per month staring at the ceiling due to computer issues.

good luck

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Consider yourself lucky.  Until recently we used to get new PC's (with CD ROM Drives) and IT used to take them all out so staff had no access to a CD drive.  They have relaxed it now so if you get a new pc with a CD drive you get to keep it, but there are still those without one.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Cost difference between a CDROM drive and CD-ReWritable drives is nil yet many firms do not have the ReWritable drives for perhaps security reasons.

Taking all the CDROM drives out from the new computers probably costs the company a lot more money than the cost of the drive itself.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

FOETS,

   Once upon a time, I was the system administrator for a network of Sun SPARCstations running AutoCAD.  This was in addition to my mechanical design resposibilities.  I love UNIX, and I still run Linux on my home computers.  It is time for #$&%* SolidWorks to bring out their Linux version.  :)

   On any computer, you want to be using the system administrator's favourite software.  This software will be well understood and supported.  Obviously, I had UNIX AutoCAD worked out thoroughly.  Less obviously, I got very good with UNIX PordWerfect.  Even less obviously, people running UNIX Lotus-123 were on their own.  It was buggy, and I did not use it much, and I did not learn how to work it and fix it.  Neither did the other administrators.

   I think there is a good case for someone in the drafting and engineering department being trained as a system administrator.  Mechanical CAD is just about the most abusive thing you can do to your computer.  You need an administration resource that responds quickly and successfully to engineering's requests.

   One of my administration strategies was to write up instructions for installing and repairing each computer that I was responsible for.  When things got busy and I did not have time to help, I could tell people to RTFM.  Other administrators could repeat any of my installs if they had to.  This would make it easy for an engineering department administrator to implement and follow company administration policies.

   Having said all that, it is not your computer.  Your company is responsible for any naughty stuff you do on the machine.  There are lots of idiots out there who install porn, video games and other things they downloaded off the internet, legal or otherwise, ignoring SolidWorks' advice to keep your machine pristine if you want stability, and affecting the stability and security of the company network.

   The administrator could be a control freak.  Perhaps there is a history of stupid conduct.

                        JHG

RE: IT Department Restrictions

2
(OP)
Seems like our IT is a little more over zealous (or power crazed) than others posted here.
The reasons for complete lock down are as you say probably the result of flagrant misuse by a few clowns in the past; plus the threat of some viruses and nasties getting into their systems.
Its workable but frustrating having to ask all too often as we are remote from their office

IT's only saving grace is they aren't quite as bad as HR; HR set the bar extremely low.

FOETS
Social Drinker with a Golfing Problem

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Our IT department management style has ranged from something resembling a third world dictatorship through to a really good working relationship. Currently we are in the latter state I'm happy to say. We went through the nonsense FOETS describes during the earlier phase and it was hard work. Most of the problems were due to one or two people with personality disorders promoted too far up the ladder rather than with the department generally, and they've moved on elsewhere.

Overall the electrical & control engineers here have a pretty good relationship with IT because we manage the installation of their infrastructure (fibre / cable / UPS) and in return we get reasonably fast response to our problems and a fair degree of flexibility in the application of 'the rules'. We also speak a lot of the same language because Engineering runs a Unix-based private network for the distributed control systems and we tend to assist each other with problems and hardware loans. Being next door to their office has benefits too. MadMango's post has a lot of merit.
 

----------------------------------
  Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Be careful. There are many wonderful toys that your local IT guy will have to see what you are doing/saying (about them) in cyberspace. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING.


PS I have been watching 'Conspiracy Theories' this weekend, so I have a heightened sense of paranoia

Kevin Hammond

Mechanical Design Engineer
Derbyshire, UK
 

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Our current crop of ground-level IT techs are quite helpful.  It's the level above them that seems to think that their job is to keep us from doing things, rather than to help us do our jobs.  They've gotten ridiculous power in ridiculous areas.

Before the tech crash, I attributed this to the fact that anyone working in my government sector instead of the lucrative tech field either just needed a break or was too incompetent to go get a job that paid 3x as much.  The "just needed a break" crew was too laid-back to be moving up in management, so the higher ranks of IT were in the incompetent category.  The higher ranks are mostly still there, so I guess I don't really have to revise my assessment post-tech crash.

In addition, there's a lot of insecurity there.  They're not engineers, and they're not out working on the roads, so they need to do something to show that they're important and not "just" administrative.  So they convince the computer-illiterate aging white males in charge that what they do is really vital, and they get lots of power.

That said, oddly enough, our restrictions are mostly policy rather than actual ability.  I was rather shocked to discover we had admin privileges on our workstations (at least we used to; I follow the rules, so I haven't tested this recently).  They pretty much count on us being too illiterate to do any real harm, though of course it's the most illiterate who are most likely to download something stupid.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies:  FAQ731-376

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Where I work, small family owned company, one of the sons (about 19 or 20 I'd guess) is the designated "it" guy.  He spends more time dreaming up new titles then fixing things.  This week he is "Director of Technology Services" or some other such baloney...

He didn't load anything on to my computer when I started - I've done it all myself.  Last week he tried to take my mouse away (the Dell roller ball mouse that came with the system) and replace it with a $50 wireless ball-less mouse.

I told him to back off, I'm happy with my mouse...  he'll have to justify that title on someone else's system.  

So is it worse to have a know-it-all college kid as your it person, or a room full of graduated lackeys?

I've found if I have problems with anything, I just email my brother where he works and I have an answer and a fix in just a few minutes.  If I had to wait for our Director to fix it, it could take days!

RE: IT Department Restrictions

If IT wont let you download photos, keep sending them a formal request each time you have photographs stating that they are holding up the project.

If you cop any flak, then you can use these as evidence of how IT is holding you up.

The IT guys are generally lazy and will eventually take the easy way out and give you the access rights.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

In my last, IT were required to uninstall "games" from everyone's PCs.
The MD was not amused to see so many hearts games being played when he did his walk round. He also banned all screensavers save a corporate logo version.
It wasn't It who initiated these things though they were quite capable of independent thought and the evidence of it was in other areas.

JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com

RE: IT Department Restrictions

HgTX,

   A major problem I see with computers and databases and such is that there is an obvious, manageable threat of you doing something you were not supposed to do.  The threat of you not bothering to do something important, or forgetting to do it is less obvious, and it is not IT's responsibility.  This is sort of equivalent to you walking into your kitchen, backing your teenagers into a corner and screaming at them that you will rip their f#*%^&$#ing heads off if you catch them washing dishes without your permission.

   Building to-do lists and providing access to resources is a much less obvious thing to do, especially if the administrator rule-driven, rather than objective-driven.

                        JHG

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Our company did something similar.  This is an operating company with an engineering department.  

So, for us engineers not being able to download applications, run DVD/CDs was the same as not being able to do our jobs.

It didn't last very long and now we are "Power Users" who have full access to everything.  Sales, secretaries, VPs, Operations are still stuck.

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

If it tried a strict policy, our IT group would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.  Just about every office has at least one networked PC/laptop and we have many out on the floor running test equipment.  The emergence of "Thumb" drives originally caused heightened concern but that seems to have settled down.

I suppose, like our phones, we have a reasonable use policy.  The PC is primarily a tool for work.  You might be monitored occasionally but you are expected and entrusted to use it as a work tool.  Some personalization is OK but the department reserves the right to set a limit (likely individually) as to what is considered excessive.

Regards,

RE: IT Department Restrictions

controlnovice,

How was it brought to the attention of IT that these things were slowing you down?

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Quote (FOETS):

Who allowed some evil little I.T. dictator to take over the world at some point?

The boss of the little IT dictator.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."   
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Our IT department won't let us ...  #$%Q$@ @#()$*!@($%&*  @#)$*!$)......

Looks like they can intercept posts.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

I worked in one company where the IT had a lot of restrictions. Then the IT guy was fired (and arrested!) for illegal porn use of the company server.

IT may watch and monitor to make sure everyone is using the company computers according to policy. But who watches IT?

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Quote:

How was it brought to the attention of IT that these things were slowing you down?

We hid their mouses to show how hard it was to do their job without the right tools.tongue

We are fortunate in that almost each department has an IT liason who has worked with us for a long time.  Also, our manager is also our mechanical engineer, so it didn't take much convincing.

The biggest factor was not being able to get manuals and product information of the internet.  I can't tell you how few vendors I've seen since Gore invented the internet.  Waiting on the vendor for information can be translated to your time wasted.  Plus, in todays economy, there seem to be fewer sales reps per vendor as well.  Makes it even more difficult to get ahold of someone.  Also, our department has gone to electronic documentation on all of our projects.  It really helps.  I do alot of research on the net as well.  There are some great articles in magazines that I've read, but I don't keep the magazines, because i can find the articles on their website.

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

RE: IT Department Restrictions

(OP)

RE: IT Department Restrictions

Ou IT department block me to go into this eng-tips.com.

I don't know why? I get a lot of information here!! Please answer me. IT guys. I need to come at home now!!!!!

RE: IT Department Restrictions

John,

This is a very worrying post and  I quote...

"Ou IT department block me to go into this eng-tips.com.

I don't know why? I get a lot of information here!! Please answer me. IT guys. I need to come at home now!!!!!"

1. IT guys need to know that we (engineers) use this site for engineering purposes.

2. What exactly are you doing at home??????? And why do you need to do that sort of thing wit heng-tips site on screen, there are others that are much better for that sort of activitycensoredcensoredcensored

Kevin Hammond

Mechanical Design Engineer
Derbyshire, UK
 

RE: IT Department Restrictions

I know our IT group tries (well, most of the time), but my favorite saying when asked about the performance of our IT group relative to needs of the engineers is, "I think our IT department's salaries are paid by our competition!"

debodine

RE: IT Department Restrictions

I am the user of some programs, such as ansys, abaqus, solidworks. I want to come here to share some information. Now, I can't, so I come here at home.

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