Understand the power of models, data, and management working and evolving together with shared tools across one environment. Through the lens of a vast, 270,000 sf greenfield pharmaceutical manufacturing facility project, CRB shares how their team flowed through multiple phases from design to operations for this advanced digital facility. This session outlines how data and models from previous phases of a project can be used to better inform and improve the subsequent phases and the overall optimization of a factory’s production. Supporting the facility, tools like ACC, Revit, and Plant 3D enabled effective project, document, and field management, with to support turnover and proactively avoid issues. Autodesk tools continued to shake hands and support the project through factory operations, with tools like FlexSim to justify the business case, develop operating strategies, and detect future production inefficiencies.

Water infrastructure owners and operators face poor asset information handover due to system misalignment. Could automation and integrated data enable Digital Workplaces to support operational efficiency, reduce rework and costs, and improve health and safety (H&S)? Learn how GHD successfully used client-focused data exchange and cloud collaboration during the 40MLD upgrade of Wellington Water Limited’s Te Mārua water treatment plant to ease these struggles. Automating the integration of asset information using Autodesk products enabled delivery of the asset register 12 months early—saving NZ$150,000 and 1,400 hours in asset data management. Combining Esri mobile apps and dashboards enhanced as-built quality and reduced site H&S risks. A proof of concept was developed where GeoBIM and Docs software were fused to create a geospatial common data environment (CDE)—the foundation for an operations and maintenance Digital Workplace. We’ll share valuable lessons on managing evolving data needs and supply chains to demonstrate how connected workflows made more efficient.

ObjectARX technology is the premier API (application programming interface) that is supported by AutoCAD software, AutoCAD for Mac software, and the industry-specific AutoCAD software systems. If you need to access APIs that aren't exposed through AutoLISP programming language, if you want to create applications that are optimized for large data sets, or if you need to build efficient applications for Windows and Mac OS, ObjectARX technology may be the most effective API for you. This lecture will help you understand the basics of ObjectARX technology. We will discuss which development tools you need, how to interact with AutoCAD software, and how to create a very simple 'Hello World-esque' project. ObjectARX technology utilizes the C++ programming language, but this session does not require that you know C++. Prior AutoCAD software programming experience with AutoLISP programming language or Microsoft .NET is highly recommended. The second session of this series is a hands-on lab.

ObjectARX technology is the premier API (application programming interface) that is supported by AutoCAD software, AutoCAD for Mac software, and the industry-specific AutoCAD software systems. If you need to access APIs that aren't exposed through AutoLISP programming language, if you want to create applications that are optimized for large data sets, or if you need to build efficient applications for Windows and Mac OS, ObjectARX technology may be the most efficient API for you. This session provides hands-on experience using Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Visual C++ to create and build an ObjectARX technology project that can be loaded into AutoCAD software. Prior experience with C++ programming language is helpful, but it is not required. However, you should have experience with AutoLISP programming language or Managed .NET. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series.

Over the past 7 years, hundreds of Associated Engineering production staff members across our 23 offices have been using AutoCAD software’s Sheet Set Manager (SSM) to efficiently coordinate project drawing packages. Throughout that time frame, we have continually adapted and fine-tuned our Sheet Set Manager templates (and support files) to not only provide flexibility for utilizing internal, project, or client-specific CAD standards, but also for ensuring conformance and standardization for all AutoCAD (and AutoCAD software-based) software output. Sheet Set Manager can greatly impact productivity while reducing repetition, user frustration, project budgets, and schedules. Please join us for this class, as we will be discussing 6 “key” Sheet Set Manager strategies that have proven to successfully assist CAD managers, project CAD leaders, and production management through incorporating this powerful productivity tool throughout development, implementation, and ongoing support.

Go beyond the standard “globular” shapes for equipment in AutoCAD Plant 3D software and harness the alternative options to convey your piping design more accurately. We will work on understanding the ins and outs involved when using standard equipment, but also get in depth with options of creating more-complex 3D solids or bringing in designs from outside sources. Finally, for equipment configurations that constantly change during project design, use the power of AutoCAD software’s external references (xref) to keep your designs up to date with the latest changes to the equipment.

How to use the isometric configuration files for your needs - with a main focus on the isoconfig.xml

Industrial piping projects routinely run into difficulties validating model design against P&ID schematics. Missing tags and incorrect descriptions wreak havoc on schedules as designers work to transition from drawing-focused design to data-centered design. Engineering managers and project managers need clarity in design quality. Learn how estimating design points as part of your AutoCAD Plant 3D modeling gives you and your project management team better insight into project progress, identifying critical paths, and helps your projects stay on time and on budget.

We can extend AutoCAD software in a number of ways, but many users are unsure of where or how to get started. In this lab you will create custom desktop icons, modify the ribbon and Quick Access toolbar, create and modify command aliases that you can use to start commands, and define tools and tool palettes to reduce repetitive drawing tasks. This lab will give you a solid foundation in some of the available customization features that AutoCAD software offers to help you become more productive when you return to your office.

AutoLISP programming language has been around for decades, yet there are many functions that often go undiscovered or forgotten by veteran AutoLISP programmers. While there are hundreds of AutoLISP programming language functions (thousands, if you count ActiveX), this class will focus on 21 functions that new developers often overlook and that veteran programmers often forget. All of the functions fit into 1 of several different themes, including function execution, object creation and manipulation, and error handling. We will also discuss loading LISP files, accessing variable values, and configuring contextual help.

Thanks to recent advances and enhancements to BIM 360 software, collaboration between software is now possible! We will navigate recent changes to Revit software, AutoCAD Plant 3D software, and Civil 3D software in BIM 360 that let us collaborate more efficiently than ever before. They are together at last! Explore workflows, successes, and pitfalls that we’ve encountered on our journey to join everyone together in the cloud!

You can more do than you think! The configuration of AutoCAD Plant 3D software will not even done via user interface but also with databases, XML files, and other files. In this hands-on class you’ll learn some tips and tricks for how to configure your project, your spec, and your model to your needs. Sometimes you think that some stuff is not possible—but maybe it is. Learn some interesting insights into AutoCAD Plant 3D software.

In this class we will cover the essentials of data backup and restoration of critical design information, and we'll differentiate between normal backup strategies and archival technologies and methods. We will also discuss data retention policies and requirements. We will explore several different technologies, both local and remote, for backing up mission-critical data, and we will discuss the necessity of archival storage and we'll explore the appropriate media to meet data-retentions requirements. The class will also cover disaster recovery planning and techniques to maintain business continuation and data security in extreme circumstances, from fires, to natural disasters, to zombie apocalypses.

In this class you will get a look at the 10 most popular apps for under $100 available in the new Autodesk Exchange right now, including AutoCAD software plug-ins, web services, and content that you can immediately download and use to be more productive and solve pressing problems. The most popular apps available from Autodesk Exchange are AutoCAD software productivity enhancers that can help you and your team get the job done faster, eliminate boring repetitive tasks, wow the boss—all while getting you home earlier on a Friday afternoon.

Paper space and plotting using AutoCAD software applications can be overwhelming and frustrating. Paper space is often misunderstood and plotting is not necessarily the most intuitive task. This class will work through the process of setting up a drawing for plotter output using paper space layouts. You will learn about viewport scaling and viewport property overrides, as well as how to effectively use Page Setups to easily change plot settings.

Multidiscipline collaboration is key when using different tools for each discipline. Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro software helps different teams that are using different design tools from different locations to coordinate design and engineering work more easily and efficiently. We’ll solve the challenge of combining Revit software for architectural, structural and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) design and AutoCAD Plant 3D software for industrial piping design. We’ll share specific workflows using Autodesk Construction Cloud that address both simple sharing needs (for consultants and owners for example) as well as co-authoring controlled and coordinated design.

Frustrated with repeated model quality and coordination issues with piping models on your projects? Come join this class to learn how SSOE has adopted Revit Fabrication Parts on many of its industrial and manufacturing projects for initial design modeling. Discover how Revit Fabrication Parts can enable specification-based modeling—something that traditionally would have been accomplished with other products such as AutoCAD Plant 3D software. We’ll cover the benefits of using one common platform (Revit) to complete building design as well as when we should or should not use specification-based modeling. Finally, we’ll discuss unique challenges SSOE faced as an AE firm as we adopted Revit Fabrication Parts, and how we overcame those obstacles to produce higher-quality designs for our clients—saving them time, trouble, and money.

With Autodesk's acquisition of PlanGrid and release of Autodesk Construction Cloud there are several tools that assist in the flow of project information. This class will show various workflows not only with the supported software tools like Revit, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Plant 3D, but also with approval workflows, RFIs, submittals, ways sheets flow through a project, and ways you can use Autodesk Construction Cloud Connect to transfer data across different cloud platforms. This class will inspire you to expand your use of Autodesk Construction Cloud.

In this session we’ll discuss why Hazen chose to implement the Design features of Autodesk Construction Cloud for Civil 3D, Plant 3D, and Revit after extensively testing a variety of other Document Management Systems (Nasuni, Panzura, ProjectWise, BIM 360). Things covered will be: How testing was performed and over what time frame. The key factors that led to Hazen to choose ACC. What our experience was with each DMS. How Hazen is transitioning to ACC from other Document Management Systems. What the positives and negatives are of utilizing ACC Design. What our internal feedback has been from both Designer, Engineers, and Project Managers. What improvements Autodesk can implement to make ACC even better. Along the way we’ll provide details on ACC workflows Hazen has developed and their resulting project efficiencies. We’ll also touch on the possibilities of future ACC implementation around the Takeoff and Build features.

This is an open panel discussion about all AutoCAD Plant 3D topics. Ask us—we will answer.