• Author: admin

    Can Meridian EDMS be used as an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Tool?

    Posted on by admin

    In short, yes. By design, Meridian is an engineering document management system (EDMS). But once in use by Engineering, the tool can be extended to support more general content management needs and maximize your software investment.

    How? By definition, enterprise content management is a system designed to collect, organize and manage an enterprise organization’s content. This includes unstructured documents – like those found in a Word file, an excel spreadsheet, or a PDF and everything in between. An enterprise content management system is rarely, if ever, one tool but rather a combination of tools, processes, and strategies used to organize information and improve business performance.

    The goal is to:

    • Eliminate dependence on paper documents
    • Maximize employee efficiency
    • Improve productivity and customer service
    • Streamline and automate business processes
    • Make business-critical information both accessible and valuable
    • Improve collaboration

    Because it can easily handle both structured and unstructured documentation – like CAD drawings, engineering documents, and technical manuals – Meridian can streamline content management needs.

    Plus, with our powerful workflows and version control, we can ensure everyone in the organization is working from a true single source of truth.

     

    What Can Meridian Provide For General Enterprise Content Management System Do?

    An enterprise content management system helps with document management throughout the lifecycle. In other words, it allows users to:

    Capture information

    Users can easily and securely enter data into an ECM. This can include invoices, emails, PDF documents, spreadsheets, etc. Effective content capture can take many forms, like using electronic forms, scanning documents, or managing documents that are already digital.

    Manage and retrieve documents

    Will well-managed and organized documents, all relevant users can easily access business-critical information. This can be done in many ways, including full-text search, keyword search, or preset search options that allow users to search by creation date, username, or other factors.

    Store

    With a robust ECM, users can easily store all their documentation. The key? To make the information accessible and searchable. That way, users can easily view documents, edit them, organize them, view the metadata, and more. This, in turn, can improve compliance and reduce the time and complexity associated with document management processes.

    Preserve or Archive: Users can also preserve – or archive – information that doesn’t need to be readily available but may prove vital in the future.

    Deliver

    Finally, users can use the ECM to deliver the right content to the right people at the right time. Today, this will include a significant degree of automation, which can streamline manual tasks and help teams accomplish more with fewer resources.

     

    Why Do Organizations Need Content Management?

    Organizations need enterprise content management to help them organize, manage and utilize all the content they have coming in today. And this is more important than ever, as organizations have information coming from more sources than ever before. Emails, spreadsheets, documents, presentations – the volume of data is staggering, and it is only growing as organizations continue to mobilize, digitize and adopt new systems and tools.

    In this context, effective content management is critical, as it’s the only way that team members can maximize efficiency, make decisions, manage risks. Improve record management and complete projects.

     

    Is Enterprise Content Management the Same As Document Management?

    It can be. Document management will always be a smaller but essential part of content management (which, as we mentioned, necessarily also includes best practices, strategy, and supporting tools). That said, with the bevy of content we have coming in today – from thumb drives, smartphones, apps, email, social media, video, paper sources, and more – not all content management will come from documents.

    However, the content that does come from documentation will have to be well managed. That’s where a tool like Meridian can help significantly.

    General document management systems like SharePoint, for example, can organize linear, largely static documentation. A blog document, for example, can be stored and accessed in SharePoint because that document is usually created, edited, posted, and archived. And a general system can handle that process.

    However, a typical ECM cannot handle complex documentation like engineering information. This kind of documentation – which many organizations have today – must be regularly redlined, updated, and utilized to reflect the business’ actual environment. Meridian is unique and can provide a complete EDMS & ECM solution. Meridian is tailor-made to handle this kind of documentation and workflow, so this complicated documentation never falls through the cracks.

     

    Does Enterprise Content Management Help With Both Structured And Unstructured Data?

    Not well. There have been many new content management challenges and opportunities with machine learning, cloud technology, and mobile capabilities. Today’s content management systems must handle:

    • Unstructured information, or information without a fully defined structure that people frequently use. Examples include PDFs and Word documents
    • Structured information, or information that is highly defined and quickly processed by computers. This includes information that is housed in databases
    • Semi-structured information, or information (like invoices or receipts) that is defined by a human then stored and read by a computer

    This, in turn, can help organizations battle issues that accompany poor data management, including lost time, lost productivity, compliance concerns, and more. Most general ECM tools cannot get this done.

     

    What Are the Benefits of Effective Content Management?

    There are many benefits to excellent content management, including:

    • Improved efficiency and business continuity
    • Streamlined compliance and improved record retention policies
    • Fewer paper documents, which can lead to increased efficiency and enhanced collaboration
    • Less downtime and document search time
    • Reduced time and overhead costs associated with document storage and document management
    • Automated manual tasks
    • Improved document security (which is achieved through restricted access and controlled access)
    • Reduced duplicate or outdated information
    • Improved customer satisfaction achieved through increased employee productivity

     

    How Can I Start Implementing the Right Content Management System For My Business?

    If you’re considering implementing an enterprise content management system, you should first consider:

    • Your organization’s short and long-term business goals and how you would like your content management tool to help you achieve those goals
    • The various types of content that are included in your business and how your organization handles those types of content. Do you have unstructured engineering documentation? Is that documentation static?
    • Your existing processes and how you would like your EDMS to streamline those functions
    • How information is shared and utilized by your employees and departments
    • Your business culture and whether your team is ready to adopt a new system and enact change

    Getting this information straight can help you determine exactly what features and functionalities you need from your system. From there, you can get into the nitty-gritty of the implementation. Here, it’s important to remember to:

     

    Prioritize the most mission-critical documentation and areas that need improvement.

    Get your team on board and bought into the tool you choose by explaining the vision and showing them concrete benefits and expected results.

    Invite feedback, so you fully understand what your team expects and needs.

    Create a dedicated team to oversee the implementation process.

    Ensure that there are clear ECM policies and rules in place. This will prevent the mismanagement of data.

    Embrace the growing pains. No technology implementation is ever super smooth. Expect the unexpected and be ready to adjust course when it’s necessary.

    To learn more about Meridian solutions (EDMS and CMMS) and how they can help your team, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the SolidCAD Meridian team.

    What’s New in Plant 3D 2022

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    One of the strengths of AutoCAD Plant 3D is its customizability. For example, it allows users to build custom P&ID symbols and tags to suit their project needs. Whenever I conduct Plant 3D training, I’m always asked if there is a way to copy custom symbols from one project to another. Unfortunately, my answer was always no. That is, until this new feature of AutoCAD Plant 3D 2022.

    Say hello to Project Compare. Project Compare allows you to see differences from 2 projects and lets you sync data from one to the other.

    In this example I am comparing a SEED project with a DEMO project. The SEED project contains the custom P&ID symbol. As you can see, the tool compares more than just P&ID objects.

    I’ve selected the P&ID category and applied the synchronization settings. The preview will provide a list of what items will be synchronized. After reviewing the information and a few clicks I can now bring in the custom symbol into my DEMO project.

    After the synchronization process, the DEMO project is now updated with the custom symbol from the SEED project and is ready for use.

    This new feature is time saving. There is no longer the requirement of rebuilding the symbol for new or existing projects. You can just compare and synchronize.

    If you would like more information on this process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

    3D-P

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    Success Stories

    3D-P

    3D-P consists of a team of mining and positioning technology experts. It was created to bring innovative thinking and new technologies to the mining industry. They have since evolved to bring this approach to several outdoor industrial environments around the world. They continue to work hard to understand the unique environments their clients are working in and the unique needs their operations have.

    Streamlining workflows and improving data management with Fusion 360 Manage!

    The Challenge

    After investigation of their issues, 3D-P identified two specific areas they wanted to improve; (1) the inefficient design management that relied heavily on manual data entry, and outdated practices for managing their Bill of Materials (BOMs) and (2) challenges of change management and communication. As the company grew, they realized that a lot of their processes were slowing them down and needed to be optimized.

    Particularly, they were able to identify their need for a redefined workflow and sought out a PLM strategy that would help them better share and collaborate their BOMs with other departments from design to manufacturing and improve the way they managed their regulatory documents. They wanted to have the ability to quickly identify documents that were related to a specific component in their products, rather than manually digging up information.

    Their goal was to have a centralized system that would help them identify changes and communicate them effectively with other parties involved. After diligently investigating six different platforms, they reached out to the SolidCAD team to help them on their journey to success.

    The Solution

    Partnering with SolidCAD’s Enterprise Team, 3D-P decided to proceed with an implementation of Autodesk’s Fusion 360 Manage.  The solution enabled them to achieve efficiency and control of their BOM’s, documentation and change control processes. Working with SolidCAD gave them access to the expertise needed, ensuring the solution would be designed to achieve their goals.

    The BOM management feature in Fusion 360 Manage helped 3D-P to have more structured process when they create, modify, and manage both their electrical and mechanical BOMs. Since Autodesk PLM solution is in the cloud, 3D-P’s manufacturing team always had access to the latest information. The company was able keep track of their changes and more importantly identify the business areas that required improvements. Since the change and BOM environments in PLM are connected, 3D-P was able to take advantage of the revision control and easily keep track of their product changes.

    As an added bonus, team members within their engineering department were already familiar with Autodesk products and adapted to the implementation of their new software with a shortened learning curve.

    The Results
    • Fusion 360 Manage is now their single source of truth. While they previously spent a lot of time consulting various departments and team members to verify data, the information is now in one central location, easily managed by their engineering manager.
    • Their change management is now more ergonomic and practical. Team members are notified of any changes or updates, ensuring everyone is working with the latest data.
    • It now takes their team a third of the time to manage BOMs.
    • Overall, they save 7-10 hours of rework that would often be due to human error in their design and engineering data.

    Testimonial

    One of our core values as a company is that relationships matter. We’re all about building relationships with our customers and working to enable their success. The tool on its own is one thing but in order to be successful, you want someone who can be a good partner and that’s what SolidCAD has been from the beginning. You want a partner that understands the importance of that relationship and is willing to work with you. That’s the key to success.

    – Billy Muma,
    Engineering Manager at 3D-P

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    Meridian Tips – How to Easily Add Redlines and Comments

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    Today in our Meridian Tips video blog, we want to show you how easy it is to collaborate with other user’s in the Meridian EDM solution. If you have ever wanted to add comments or markups on technical documents within an EDMS tool, Meridian is your solution. 

    If your business is interested in unlocking the power of a dedicated EDMS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the SolidCAD Meridian team. 

    Starline Windows

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    Success Stories

    Starline Windows

    Starline Windows is an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of architectural aluminum window systems, as well as residential vinyl windows and doors for over 50 years. They have completed thousands of contracts and worked on multiple award-winning buildings across North America.

    Their commitment to customer service is and always will be a pillar of their success. With a highly experienced team, they work with their customers on every stage of the project, from initial consultation and design through to installation.

    As part of their business, they work with architects to design structural façade glazing features, provide on demand customized manufacturing capabilities in-house, and have a crew to construct and install windows and doors on site.

    Rising to the Challenges of the Industry with Vault, Revit, Inventor, Autodesk Construction Cloud and PLM software!

    The Challenge

    Today’s push for remote work and custom designs have exposed some logistical difficulties for Starline Windows. To continue providing services in every step of the process, there is a constant need for better tracking and traceability of project commitments, product manufacturing and installation life cycles. Starline Windows faces business challenges that many other businesses face such as (1) lack of design collaboration engagement with external architects and contractors, (2) lack of design revision visibility for field personnel, (3) lack of project cost clarity, (4) limited data transfers between operating systems from the office to the field and (5) lack of cross department visibility in their overall coordination for logistics management.

    First and foremost, Starline Windows has always sought to improve granularity and accuracy related to their costing takeoffs. Due to software limitations, they often had to manually manage their takeoffs and Bill of Materials (BOM). This resulted in other departments working with manually generated data reports on a regular basis which are prone to human error.

    The Solution

    Starline Windows first connected with SolidCAD in late 2019 to provide insight to the concerns and challenges they have been facing. SolidCAD helped organize a detailed plan that would organize their pain points and provided a solution into four key phases:

    PHASE 1: Improving their Product Lifecycle Management

    Starline needed a solution that would better manage their projects for employees working in office and provide visibility over the progress of those projects. SolidCAD implemented Fusion Lifecycle Manage PLM to achieve this and set-up automatic notifications to any team members, to ensure they are always staying on track with any project changes.

    PHASE 2: Enhance their Design process with Revit and Inventor

    Outside of the issues with their workflows, they also struggled with their current 3D design process. Starline was looking to better automate their workflow between their Revit models and how they would be imported into Inventor for further manufacturing design. SolidCAD automated model creation based on their Revit schedule into Inventor, speeding up their entire design process.

    PHASE 3: Document Management with Vault

    With the seamless connectivity between Revit and Inventor, it was important that all teams were working with latest design files. It was critical to integrate Autodesk’s Vault Professional to ensure that everyone at Starline was working from a central source of organized data. As a result, Starline noticed an immediate improvement in being able to easily manage the revisions that slowed them to automatically tracks changes, maintains past file versions, and capture the entire history of their designs. This also reduced the amount of time and rework that often happened when they worked with outdated files.

    Most importantly, Starline wanted a seamless integration between their newly implemented Fusion Manage PLM system and their Autodesk Vault, which SolidCAD was able to achieve through a managed service delivery team.

    PHASE 4: Collaboration on field and in office with BIM 360/Autodesk Construction Cloud

    Although it was important for SolidCAD to help Starline Windows integrate systems that would better connect their internal departments and processes of design management, they also needed a solution to collaborate with their on-field and in-office employees. SolidCAD introduced Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and specifically Autodesk Build and integrated it with their PLM solution to manage their Revit models and provide project visibility. Starline Windows was able to easily record, capture and manage the exchange of design data between their project teams and on-field contractors, ensuring that all teams were working from the latest model designs produced in-office.

    The Results

    Over the past year, SolidCAD has successfully implemented these various solutions and continues to support Starline throughout each phase. Although many of these processes do not give instant results, Starline Windows have already seen initial improvements and are on track to many more successes in later stages of their journey, such as:

    • Improved project management for office staff, allowing for visibility over processes and projects.
    • Introduced Revit and Inventor to streamline their design process.
    • Automation between Revit and Inventor allowed for automatic model creation based on Revit Schedule.
    • Implementing Vault and connecting it to PLM software has led to accurate data sharing to be available remotely.
    • Automation between ACC and PLM software meant that projects can be visible in personal productivity applications as well as project and organizational management allowing for improved resource management from beginning to end of projects.

    To learn more about the solutions implemented and the ways that Starline Windows have recognized and overcome some of the biggest challenges facing their industry today, check out the recording from our online event, “The Digital Thread – A Customer Journey” with Catherine Walmsley, Business Analyst at Starline Windows and Autodesk’s Queen of Prefab, Amy Marks.

    Testimonial

    We first reached out to SolidCAD to ask for an initial consultation after having searched worldwide for experts in design to manufacturing automation. The management team at SolidCAD listened to our biggest challenges and helped connect us with multiple experts in several disciplines to answer all our questions, however technical and detailed they became.
    SolidCAD not only helped the Starline Windows management team formulate a strategic plan to increase our ability to deliver productivity tools to our users while simplifying change management; they also provided key resources to configure and integrate new systems, onboard new users and train key players to help us accomplish our goals in record time.
    -Catherine Walmsley,
    Solutions Analyst at Starline Windows

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    Importing wire types in AutoCAD Electrical

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    Figure 1

    Whenever we are working with AutoCAD Electrical, one of the key features that we have when we are creating our drawings, is the ability to

    create and assign the custom wire types that we will use throughout our schematic designs. Every time that we create a new drawing, by default the only wire that is going to be available is the WIRES layer which is the generic wire type that the software uses when we first create any type of wire as displayed on Figure.1 in the Create/Edit Wire Type editing window.

    Having to manually enter the types of wires that we are going to use is a task that cannot be avoided the very 1st time that we create a drawing, but once we having created the list of wires that we need to use in one drawing, we can reuse them over and over again.

    To achieve this we need to do the following:

    • Open the Create/Edit Wire Type editing window and click on the icon that says “Import” as seen on Step 1 on Figure 2.
    • A window will pop-up asking you to browse to the drawing that contains all the wires information, browse to the desired drawing.
    • Once we have selected the DWG another window will pop-up displaying all the wires from that drawing.
    • By default all the wires from that drawing are selected and highlighted in black as seen on Step 2 on Figure 2.
    • We can pick and choose the wires that we want to import and the click OK to complete the process.

    Figure 2To take this one step further, we can standardize the wires that we use with your CAD Manager so we can import that list of wires directly into your templates. To achieve this we need to open the current template as a DWT file, then repeat the exact same process that was described earlier.

    Once we have completed importing all the wires we need to re-save the template as a DWT one more time to make sure it will be usable as a template in the future.

    This will further standardize the wires that the designers are required to use and remove the guess work by setting the wires at a template level.

     

     

     

    CMAC-Thyssen

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    Success Stories

    CMAC-Thyssen

    CMAC-Thyssen Mining Group is a contractor and mining equipment manufacturer offering a diverse range of fully integrated services with contracts carried out across multiple continents and over 850 employees worldwide. CMAC-Thyssen Mining Group makes the mining profession accessible through their unique training program, mechanized equipment, solid partnerships and innovations.

    They have been working with SolidCAD since 2015 and maintain a strong relationship to this day. Being such a prominent company in their industry, CMAC-Thyssen stays up to date with the most efficient software and training to help them succeed.

    Improving data flow with Vault, Inventor and AutoCAD!

    The Challenge

    Due to their vast international client base, CMAC-Thyssen accrued a tedious amount of paper data. The production team was unable to access drawings without help from their engineering department. This ultimately slowed down their workflow as their engineers became overwhelmed with the huge amount of information and lack of resources to efficiently store it.

    The Solution

    CMAC-Thyssen reached out to SolidCAD to streamline their processes and improve data management. Our team of industry professionals was able to assess their needs and implement AutoCAD, Vault and Inventor to help bring their data into the digital world. Rather than speeding up the processes they had in place, our technicians helped them rethink their processes altogether and streamline their entire workflow through organized and accessible data.

    The Results
    • Since implementing these solutions, CMAC-Thyssen has seen a huge leap in productivity.
    • The production team can now access the most up-to-date drawings independently.
    • Document retrieval for 3rd parties had improved by 100%.
    • They have improved document filing and now have more flexible archiving.
    • Documents can be easily accessed online without the need for physical records.

    Testimonial

    SolidCAD does their job very well, we have a good relationship with them. Their technicians helped us with implementation and are an integral part of the team. There has been a lot of collaboration and it is very appreciated on our part. I advise other companies who have the same challenges as we did to choose SolidCAD, a supplier with a long history of technical and problem-solving experience, communication, resources and a lot of knowledge. Their staff has a lot of lived experience. Instead of wasting time trying to search online and solve workflow problems on your own, call on the expertise of SolidCAD.

    -Normand Gauthier,
    IT Manager at CMAC-Thyssen Mining Group

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    Enabling The Navisworks Plug-In in Plant 3D

    Posted on by admin

    In my previous blog, I explained how Navisworks can complement Plant 3D.

    Now I will show you how to enable some Navisworks features directly within Plant 3D, or any AutoCAD based products. With this feature enabled the user can export a Navisworks (NWC) file directly from within AutoCAD. They will also have the option to manage the Navisworks export settings.

    For this example, I will be using AutoCAD Plant 3D 2021 and Navisworks Manage 2021. If you do not have access to Navisworks you can download the Navisworks exporters from Autodesk directly.

    Here is the link: Navisworks 3D Viewer Free Download | Navisworks Freedom (autodesk.com)

    Loading the Plug-in in AutoCAD

    1) Open or create a new DWG in AutoCAD.

    2) In the Command line, type APPLOAD

    3) Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\autocad_exporter2021_x64.Addin.bundle\nwexport2021

    4) Select crx

    5) Click on Load

    6) It will inform you if the Plug-In was successfully loaded.

    7) To test it, start typing NW in the command line. A new set of Navisworks commands should be available.

    8) To export DWG contents, simply type NWCOUT and save the file.

     

    Adding the Navisworks Menu in AutoCAD

    With AutoCAD or a DWG open, type CUILOAD in the command line:

    1) Click on Browse

    2) Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\autocad_exporter2021_x64.Addin.bundle\nwexport2021\nwcreate_data18

    3) Change the File type to “Legacy Menu Files”

    4) Select mnu and click open.

    5) Click on Load

    6) Close the CUI dialog box. If you get a warning message, it is ok to proceed.

     

    If you would like to learn more, Navisworks training is available as a supplementary course to SolidCAD’s Plant 3D course curriculum. Please contact training@solidcad.ca

    What a “Free” Document Management Tool Costs Your Business

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    Many “free“ content management solutions are available in the market today, such as SharePoint, Box, Network Shares, and even USB external drives. Organizations recognize the need to capture their electronic documents online and use these tools to fill the need. While providing basic functionality, “free“ applications can cost your business more money and time than a dedicated engineering document management system (EDMS). 

    While seeming to be a cost-effective solution, the reality is these “free” tools are missing a considerable amount of standard EDMS functionality. Here are just a few examples:

    • Document control
    • Workflow automation
    • Full change management

    This lack of features can cost money to your organization and cause lost knowledge with staffing turnover and retirement.

    Where “Free” Document Management Tools can work and their Limitations

    Some businesses can have success using document management solutions such as SharePoint, Box, and other file share applications if they fall into the following categories:

    • Only require basic document management functionality
    • Small or mid-sized organization
    • No need to collaborate across different departments or external sources

    These tools tend to work as sizeable digital filing cabinets, allowing groups to share and save documents in an accessible space and provide the following benefits for non-technical documents:

    • Provide users the ability to save, share, and search for files across the business
    • Cloud-based sync storage of files
    • Mobile device access to documents
    • Easy management of landing pages, libraries, and lists

    Where “Free” Document Management Tools Fail Engineering Requirements

    While these “free” tools fill a niche role, they do not provide a complete solution required by an Enterprise-class organization that requires structured, controllable document management.

    A “free” tool can assist organizations that utilize a basic linear workflow for generic documents, but technical documents and drawings require a malleable workflow. Technical documents usually are highly regulated with a control process in place.

    Technical documentation also comes with the following challenges:

    • Normally unstructured data set
    • Used across multiple systems and teams
    • Difficult to access due to change management locks and file type diversity

    These factors make engineering documentation tough to manage, access, and control. When you add in other systems, such as a CMMS tool, it is challenging to monitor this information within the limitations of a free tool.

    Getting this wrong can have a significant impact and reverberating effects throughout multiple teams. In document-heavy facilities (i.e., power plants, factories, etc.), technical information must be accurate and available to avoid downtime and maintenance issues, leading to lost revenue. Businesses trying to shoehorn these free tools into their typically experience the following problems:

    • Increased costly downtime
    • No integration available between other systems such as CMMS
    • Increased complexity of change process management
    • Concurrent engineering challenges with technical documents
    • Lack of communication tools across multiple sites and departments
    • Lowered efficiency due to missing EDMS functionality

    The True Value of Meridian EDMS

    A robust engineering document management solution (EDMS) like Meridian is required to help organizations manage their technical data and avoid the pitfalls of “free” tools. While having an initial higher cost, EDMS solutions provide a considerable value when looking at the overall picture. Here are a few benefits gained by using a dedicated EDMS:

    1) Document Exchange

    Larger projects bring the challenge of sharing documents with multiple departments and teams. These documents can be lost or delayed when being pushed through the review cycle. An example of this is an AutoCAD file with external references. Drawings referenced by the target document can be ignored or lost during a typical workflow unless tightly tracked throughout the process.

    Meridian solves this issue by tracking these secondary technical documents with built-in functionality. Free tools such as network shares or Dropbox do not cover these scenarios, leading to lost or duplicated work.

    2) Extra IT Maintenance Costs

    While a “free” tool can seem cost-effective, it often strains IT resources assigned to manage them. Typically, the IT resource tasked with maintaining this tool is responsible for many other systems and lacks the proper training.

    The Meridian SaaS offering provides all maintenance, support, and upgrades which removes the added workload from your IT resources.

    3) Work Order Efficiency

    While “free” tools can help a smaller business execute on work orders, they become a hindrance to a larger organization with multiple teams and facilities. Work orders can be challenging to locate across multiple disparate systems with inadequate search tools, which can lead to the following:

    • Safety concerns
    • Multiple document copies spread over different systems
    • Technicians using obsolete document versions
    • Inaccurate data due to lack of document control tools

    With a dedicated EDMS like Meridian, your organization can refer to a single source of truth that features purpose-built document control. Technicians will gain access to the latest document version that is found easily using robust search capabilities. All technical documents related to an asset can be located quickly via a tag scanner or the surrounding metadata via the advanced search. Streamlining this process will have an immediate impact on work order costs and resource availability.

    4) Lower Operating Costs

    Using “free” tools alongside legacy pen and paper document solutions incur costs associated with printing and logistics. When you need to get a hard copy into the hands of a critical resource on time, this can impact your budget. Not only can this cost your business money, but it also wastes effort if the package does not contain all the required documents.

    The Meridian solution will allow your teams to move critical data into a single system with high online availability. Moving to an EDMS will allow your resources to access the latest complete document packages on many IoT platforms (i.e., mobile devices, tablets, PCs). Manual labor is heavily reduced via the automation capability of the tool, saving many hours in labor costs.

    Sometimes “Free” is Expensive

    The actual cost of a “free” or legacy tool can surprise an organization. By not using a purpose-built application to manage your technical documents, you can end up costing your business time, efficiency, and money in the big picture.

    If your business is interested in unlocking the power of a dedicated EDMS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the SolidCAD Meridian team.

    Getting Started with Product Design Visualization

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    Getting started with product design visualization is easy.​

    Currently most engineering is accomplished using 3D modeling software’s. It can be done in solids, surfaces, meshes, nurb curves etc. It can be done as freeform, sculpted, parametric design, AI driven even. The possibilities are endless. ​

    Still, somehow, it’s a common misconception in the manufacturing community that product design visualization is a niche discipline and is out of reach. Many companies even think that their products don’t require any type of product rendition because they are not doing consumer products. The fact is, that technologies and 3D models are so common and easily available now a days, that it is assumed by consumers that products are available to view on demands. One would expect to go on a manufacturer’s web site and view catalog products. That goes for any type of products, even heavy-duty industrial machinery. Lacking in product showcases can leave a diminished and negative perception of quality and services by a typical buyer. If people buy with their eye’s, setup a digital photo studio and give them eye candy.​

    As the title of this blog implies, getting started with product design visualization is easy. In all Autodesk Collection of software’s is included 3DS Max. 3DS Max is an industry standard for 3d modeling, animation, special effects and obviously rendering. It’s comprehensible that at first glance such a software can be intimidating with the thousands of tools and features. Many users opened it just to close it immediately in fright after seeing the user interface. But when it’s come to basic visualization you will only need a hand full of those features. The workflow for a basic Photo studio style visualization is as easy as this: ​

    1. Import your model​
    2. Adjust materials to taste ​
    3. Set up environment​
    4. render 

    1. Import your model

    3DS Max support lots of different file types. The list shown here cover lots of ground and enable easy and efficient importation from any provenance.​

    2. Adjust materials to taste

    The simplified material editor (Compact mode) is simple to use. I strongly recommend using the physical material since these materials have built in templates for quick creation and those materials are compatible with most renderers.

     

     

     

     

     

    3. Setup Environment

    In the environment dialogue box, a high dynamic range image can be imported as the scenes background. Those HDRI images do not only

    act as the scene environment but also act as the lighting scheme for the scene. This makes lighting a scene with the desired look a breeze. The high dynamic range image can also be used only as light. The actual environment don’t have to be shown to light the scene so another image can be used as a background. Having real lighting with a backdrop type background creates an excellent studio photoshoot space. 3DS Max come bundled with dozens of High dynamic range images but these images can be easily found by the thousands on the web.

     

    Scene without lights
    Scene with HDRI environment lighting
    Same scene with Studio backdrop

    4. Render

    From there you can render from the viewport as a point and shoot type of work. Cameras can also be created for more control and repeatability. To prove my point, I have done more examples of studio photoshoot style render’s. We can clearly see that this type of rendering is very suitable for manufacturing and industrial products and won’t break the bank.

    The learning curve of achieving your first renders with 3DS Max is not steep at all!

    Basic software file management, navigation and manipulation are the same as any other software and those knowledges are transposed with no effort. Learning how to set the environment dialogue box, how to use the material editor and how to adjust cameras will require a little work, but not much.

     

    Ask your Sale’s representative at SolidCAD about our new 2 days training; 3DS Max – Photo Studio Rendering.

    Bring your 3D design to life with 3DS Max.