• Elevating Business Strategies with the Digital Practice Assessment (DPA)

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    Introduction

    How do leaders  maintain their edge in a rapidly evolving market? The secret isn’t just in the tools they use, but how they integrate these tools strategically within their business frameworks. Introducing the concept of Digital Practice Assessments (DPA)—a approach that transcends traditional technology usage to streamline operations and maximize efficiency across industries, and particularly within architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO).

    What is a Digital Practice Assessment?

    A Digital Practice Assessment dives deep into a company’s existing workflows, practices, and tools to pinpoint opportunities for improvement and innovative integration. It’s more than an evaluation—but it’s a strategic roadmap tailored to align technological capabilities with overarching business goals, ensuring that technology investments are precise, impactful, and directly tied to business outcomes.

    What is the difference between your traditional Business Process Assessment (BPA) and Digital Practice Assessment (DPA)?

    In the digital age, mastering your operational and technological strategies is more crucial than ever. While a Business Process Assessment (BPA) meticulously streamlines your company’s workflows—identifying bottlenecks and optimizing operations for peak productivity—it’s the Digital Practice Assessment (DPA) that really resonates with today’s tech-focused world.

    DPA dives into the heart of your technology stack, evaluating how your digital tools integrate and enhance your business processes. This isn’t just about using technology; it’s about transforming your operations to be digitally forward. As businesses prioritize digital transformation to stay competitive, DPA provides the insights needed to ensure your investments are driving genuine innovation. For firms looking to thrive in a digitally driven marketplace, understanding and implementing a robust DPA plan can be the game changer you’re looking for.

    Why Invest in Digital Practice Assessments?

    Imagine having a strategic tool that not only identifies potential pitfalls but also provides customized, actionable solutions. Here’s how a DPA can benefit your business:

    Enhanced Efficiency: It helps pinpoint and eliminate process inefficiencies, streamlining operations to boost productivity.

    Cost Reduction: By identifying areas where technology can minimize rework and errors, a DPA helps reduce overhead costs significantly.

    Competitive Advantage: Keep your business at the front of technological advancements, ensuring you lead rather than follow.

    Empowerment of Staff: By equipping teams with optimal tools and streamlined processes, a DPA enhances job satisfaction and attracts top talent.

    The Genesis of Digital Practice Assessments

    The development of DPAs was driven by the need for a structured, outcome-oriented approach to technology integration in various sectors. This need became especially apparent through discussions with stakeholders across multiple industries with our clients who expressed concerns over the overwhelming array of digital tools and the unclear ROI they presented. The DPA was crafted to demystify these technologies, offering a clear path to tangible business benefits, and track success.

    Looking Forward

    As businesses in sectors that focus on designing and making continue to evolve, integrating technological strategies becomes imperative. A DPA offers more than insights—it provides a pathway to a smarter, more efficient, and competitive future. In our next piece, we’ll explore the specific business outcomes achievable through DPAs through the Desired Outcomes Chessboard.

    Streamlining Manufacturing: How Autodesk Fusion Operations Optimizes Process Efficiency

    Posted on by admin

    Streamlining Manufacturing: How Autodesk Fusion Operations Optimizes Process Efficiency


    Discover how Autodesk Fusion Operations streamlines manufacturing processes by integrating systems and enhancing efficiency, leading to more productive and cost-effective operations.

    Introduction

    In the world of modern manufacturing, process efficiency has become an absolute priority. Companies are constantly seeking to improve their operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity. This is where Autodesk Fusion Operations comes in, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that transforms how companies manage their manufacturing processes.

    System Integration

    One of the major strengths of Autodesk Fusion Operations lies in its ability to unify various systems within a single work environment. This centralization of manufacturing-related information not only facilitates data access but also their analysis.

    Collaboration with Various Tools and Platforms

    Fusion Operations allows collaboration with various tools and platforms, including:

    QuickBooks Online: For accounting management, Fusion Operations can integrate with QuickBooks Online. This allows real-time synchronization of financial data, thus facilitating accounting and financial management.

    Webhooks and Zapier: For workflow automation, Fusion Operations can integrate with Webhooks and Zapier. This allows repetitive tasks to be automated and operational efficiency to be improved.

    ShipStation: As for shipping management, Fusion Operations can integrate with ShipStation. This allows real-time tracking of shipments and improved delivery management.

    Shopify and Wayfair: For e-commerce order management, Fusion Operations can integrate with Shopify and Wayfair. This allows online orders to be synchronized with the inventory management system, thus facilitating order management and improving the customer experience.

    Custom Integration and Adaptability

    In addition to these ready-to-use integrations, Autodesk Fusion Operations also offers the possibility to develop custom APIs. Autodesk partners, like SolidCAD, can create tailor-made collaborations.

    Real-Time Visibility

    Fusion Operations offers real-time visibility of production. Its dashboard allows managers to track performance and make informed decisions based on accurate data. This real-time visualization allows bottlenecks to be quickly identified and resources to be efficiently allocated. This proactive feature helps prevent production delays and improve overall efficiency.

    Integrated Maintenance Management

    Fusion Operations includes an integrated maintenance management function. This allows maintenance operations to be tracked and future actions to be easily planned. This can help prevent breakdowns and minimize downtime, which can have a significant impact on process efficiency.

    Resource Utilization Optimization

    Fusion Operations stands out for its ability to optimize the use of human, material, and financial resources. By automating repetitive tasks, it frees up valuable time for staff, allowing a focus on more strategic tasks. The optimization of material and financial resources results in waste reduction and more efficient use of investments. Therefore, Fusion Operations allows companies to achieve significant savings, while improving their efficiency and productivity.

    Conclusion

    In short, Autodesk Fusion Operations stands out as a powerful tool for any company looking to optimize the efficiency of its repetitive manufacturing processes. By integrating various management systems and collaborating with integrated and/or customized platforms, this solution offers comprehensive management of modern manufacturing. The future of manufacturing, thanks to this platform, is not only accessible, but also promises a smooth transition to more efficient and futuristic processes. It proves to be a valuable partner for any company looking to navigate the complex world of modern manufacturing. To learn more, please visit our website or contact our team today!

    Working with the Bluebeam Tool Chest: A Guide for Electricians

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    This story was originally published by FRANK KALMAN on the Bluebeam Blog.

    Discover how the Bluebeam Tool Chest can revolutionize your workflow as an electrician by providing a streamlined, efficient way to manage and reuse your most frequently used markups, ensuring precision and productivity in all your projects.

    As an electrician, your work demands precision and efficiency, especially when marking up electrical plans and blueprints. The Tool Chest in Bluebeam Revu can be your best ally, helping you streamline your markup process. This guide will show you how to leverage this powerful tool to enhance your productivity and accuracy.

    Understanding the Tool Chest

    The Tool Chest is designed to store and organize your frequently used markups, making them easily accessible whenever you need them. It automatically remembers your recent markups and can reapply them with their original properties or scale them to fit different drawings. This feature is especially useful for electricians, as it ensures that your tools are always at the right scale, saving you from the hassle of recreating them for each new project. And with the latest release of Revu 21.2, Tool Chest is even better, as users can now use search to quickly find and use markups based on Subject, Comment and Label search parameters (See more of what’s new in the latest release here).​

    Saving Markups to the Tool Chest

    Saving a markup from a PDF to the Tool Chest is straightforward. Right-click the markup, go to “Add to Tool Chest,” and select the desired tool set. This way, your electrical symbols and notes are always ready for reuse.

    Placing Markups on a PDF

    When you need to place a markup on a PDF, select the tool from the Tool Chest and click on the document. This quick and easy access ensures that you can efficiently mark up your electrical plans.

    Managing Tools within Tool Sets

    Organizing your tools is crucial for maintaining efficiency. To copy a tool from one set to another, simply drag its icon. You can also reorder tools by dragging them to your desired location. Deleting a saved tool is easy:

    – Click the tool and hit the delete icon on the toolbar.

    – Select the tool and press the DELETE key.

    – Right-click the tool icon and choose “Delete.”

    If you need a duplicate tool or want to change its color, right-click the tool icon and select “Duplicate” or “Change Colors” to customize your toolkit.

    Reusing Recent Tools

    The Recent Tools set automatically records markups as they are added to your PDF. To reuse a tool, click its icon and place the markup on your document. This feature is particularly handy for repetitive tasks, such as marking circuit paths or labeling outlets.

    When the number of saved tools exceeds the display capacity, an arrow appears on the right. Clicking this arrow reveals all your recent tools. You can configure the maximum number of tools stored in Recent Tools by clicking the properties gear and adjusting the “Maximum Recents” setting.

    If you need to clear your recent tools before closing Bluebeam Revu, click the properties gear and select “Clear Recents.”

    Permanently Saving a Tool to be Reused

    To ensure a tool remains available after Revu is closed, you have a couple of options:

    – Drag the tool’s icon from Recent Tools into another tool set.

    – Right-click the tool icon in Recent Tools and select “Add Item to My Tools,” which saves it to the My Tools tool set. Use the drag-and-drop method to save it to a different set if needed.

    To save a markup on the document as a reusable tool, right-click the markup, go to “Add to Tool Chest,” and select the desired tool set.

    Special Properties of the My Tools Tool Set

    The My Tools tool set is a customizable collection of frequently used tools, offering easy access and special properties. Tools in this set are assigned numeric hot keys for quick access, shown in the upper right corner of the icon. Changing a tool’s position in the set automatically updates its hot key.

    The My Tools set is a permanent feature in Revu, available in all profiles by default. While it can be hidden, it cannot be completely removed. Tools in this set can toggle between Properties Mode and Drawing Mode for versatile use.

    Properties Mode vs. Drawing Mode

    Tools in My Tools, Recent Tools, and custom tool sets can operate in two modes: Drawing Mode and Properties Mode.

    – Properties Mode: Adds a new markup with the same appearance properties as the saved markup, retaining properties like color and border, but not exact dimensions or text.

    – Drawing Mode: Adds an exact duplicate of the saved markup, perfect for repetitive tasks where precision is key.

    Switching modes is easy—double-click the tool or use the Toggle Mode icon on the Tool Chest toolbar. This flexibility allows you to choose the best mode for your needs.

    Pinning, Scaling Tool Sets

    For quick access, you can pin a tool set to any toolbar. Click the properties gear next to the section name, go to “Pin,” and select the specific toolbar.

    Tool sets can also scale automatically when placed in a calibrated drawing, thanks to Revu’s Dynamic Tool Set Scaler. This feature is particularly useful for electricians, as it ensures your markups, like conduit paths or switch locations, are accurately scaled.

    Generating a Markups Legend

    Creating a Markups Legend based on a tool set is a powerful feature, enabling you to keep track of all your tools and their uses. Refer to the Markups Legend section in Revu for detailed instructions.

    The Tool Chest in Bluebeam Revu is a game-changer for electricians and other construction workers looking to enhance their productivity. By efficiently organizing, saving and scaling your tools, workers can focus more on the critical aspects of their job and less on repetitive tasks. Explore these features to make the most of the document markup experience, ensuring electrical plans are always clear, precise and professional.

    How to Manage Survey Standards with CTC’s Survey Tools

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    A guide for civil engineers and surveyors who want to streamline their survey workflows with Civil 3D and other software

    Surveying is a crucial part of any civil engineering project, but it can also be a time-consuming and error-prone process. That’s why many civil firms use CTC’s Survey Tools, part of the CIM Manager & CIM Project suites of add-ons for Civil 3D that help manage survey standards, and convert point file data. In this post, we will show you how to use CTC’s Survey Tools to improve your survey workflow with Civil 3D.

    What are Survey Standards and Why are They Important?

    Survey standards are the rules and conventions that define how survey data is collected, processed, and displayed in different software. With respect to Civil 3D Survey standards include things like survey codes, point formats, figure styles, and linework settings. Survey standards are important because they ensure that the survey data is consistent and compatible across different projects and software.

    By using quality survey standards, you can save time and avoid errors when working with survey data. These survey standards should be applied across the entire organization to ensure an output that is consistent in quality and display for every project, because building a company brand for high quality output takes consistency.

    How to Manage Survey Standards with CTC’s Survey Tools?

    CTC’s CIM Manager Suite is a suite of add-ons for Civil 3D that help you manage survey standards and overall CAD Standards in a convenient and efficient way. The CIM Manager Suite include 4 main components that can help you with different aspects of survey standards management.

    These are:

    • Linetype Manager: This tool is a free tool in theis CIM suite that offers a much more dynamic way to create and edit .lin files then the conventional ways in AutoCAD. Providing a dynamic preview window to show changes as they are being made to a linetype.

    • Survey Template Manager: a tool that allows you to manage survey templates in Excel, instead of using the clunky interfaces of Civil 3D. You can create and edit description keys, figure prefix databases, and linework code sets in a familiar spreadsheet environment, and then import them into Civil 3D with a few clicks.
    • Layer Boss: Speeds up Civil 3D layer management and creation by syncing with an Excel spreadsheet. All layer properties can be managed from an external spreadsheet, allowing faster template management. All Civil 3D object layer settings can be synced in the same way. Initial spreadsheet creation occurs through a simple export option from any drawing or template file.
    • Point File Converter: Although this tool is in the CIM Project Suite, this is a tool that allows you to convert point files between different formats, such as CSV, FBK, LandXML, and more. You can also manage multiple survey coding standards and translate them to different software, such as MicroStation, Trimble, and others.

    To demonstrate how to use CTC’s Survey Tools, we will follow the typical survey workflow and show you how each tool can help you with each step. We will use Civil 3D and TBC as examples of software, but you can use other software as well, depending on your needs and preferences.

    Configure Survey Codes

    The first step of any survey workflow setup is to configure the survey codes that will be used to define the survey information. Survey codes are essential for creating accurate and consistent survey data, as they control how the points and survey figures are named, described, and displayed in the software. Civil 3D uses three means of managing survey codes: description keys, figure prefix databases, and linework code sets. These can be created and edited in Civil 3D, but the interfaces are not very user-friendly and can be very time-consuming. That’s why CTC’s Survey Template Manager is a better option, as it allows you to export and manage survey codes in Excel, which is a more familiar and flexible environment. To use Template Manager, you need to follow these steps:

    • Open the Survey Template Manager tool from the CTC Survey ribbon in Civil 3D.
    • Select the type of survey code you want to create or edit: description keys or figure prefix databases.
    • Click on the Excel icon to open the survey template in Excel.
    • Fill in the survey template with the survey standards information you want to use.
    • Save and close the Excel file.
    • Click on the Import icon in the CIM Managers Suite ribbon in Civil 3D to import the survey template from excel.
    • Verify that the survey codes are imported correctly in Civil 3D and click Apply.

    By using the Survey Template Manager tools, you can save time and avoid errors when creating and editing survey codes. You can also easily document these standards for use in formal onboarding documentation and CAD Standards.

    Perform the Survey

    The next step of the survey workflow is obviously to perform the survey in the field. The survey data is stored in the data collector, and can be exported to different formats, such as CSV, FBK, LandXML, and more. Most of which can be handled by Civil 3D.

    Import Survey Content to Civil 3D

    The next step of the survey workflow is to verify and import the survey content, which means checking that the survey points and figures are correct and consistent with the survey standards followed by importing into Civil 3D.

    Checking the survey data files is a crucial step in the process that will help confirm the point code and line work standards that have been used, as well as identify initial errors in the field data. Taking time for this step can pay dividends in later processing steps with data in Civil 3D. This step is generally easiest when working with a .CSV file in ASCII format. (ASCII format is the widely used format for point files these days, offering a typical five pieces of information. Point number, northing, easting, elevation, description or PNEZD)

    During import, Civil 3D uses a survey database to store and manage survey data, which can be imported from different formats, such as CSV, FBK, and more. During this import process line work is automatically created based off the figure prefix database file and the linework code sets, and survey points are stylized by the description key set.

    Once this survey data is imported into Civil 3D it can then be assessed again to ensure that it represents the existing conditions in the field. Looking for 0 elevations, and other oddities that can occur from incorrect inputs into the data collector or improper rod heights while surveying.

    Now the data is imported into Civil 3D, the rest of the design can continue with surfaces, corridors, pipe networks, and other design aspects.

    Compatibility Issues with Survey Standards & Data Files

    Often times organisations subcontract surveys. This can be an issue if these subcontractors don’t adhere to the survey standards the organization sets out. If the subcontracted surveyor does not adhere to the CAD standards of the organization, survey files cannot be read correctly. This leads to incorrect line work, poor stylization, and misinterpreted data.

    Point File Converter is a tool in the CTC CIM Project Suite That can help manage incompatibilities between survey standards and data files. It works best with .CSV files, and uses a spreadsheet “translation file” that spells out code conversions. The tool will read the conversion and apply them to one or more point files. Line work codes, as well as prefixes and suffixes in the coding are all accounted for.

    This offers unparalleled flexibility when working with subcontracted surveyors and their are various survey standards. This should also improve the surveyor’s efficiency as they are not forced to work in a foreign survey code list.

    Conclusion

    CTC’s Survey Template Manager Tools are part of a CIM Manager suite of add-ons for Civil 3D that help you manage survey standards, and convert point files. By using CTC’s Survey Manager Tools, you can streamline your survey workflow with Civil 3D and improve the quality and efficiency of your survey data and civil projects. To learn more about CTC’s Survey Tools, visit our website or contact us for a demo.

    Maximizing Security and Collaboration with Autodesk Construction Cloud: A SolidCAD Perspective

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    At SolidCAD, we’re proud to partner with Autodesk to bring forward-thinking solutions and services to the construction technology landscape. Autodesk’s recent strides in trust, security, and collaboration are perfectly aligned with our mission to deliver excellence to our clients.

    Enhancing Autodesk Construction Cloud Security

    Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) continues to elevate project management with advanced security features. Imagine managing your projects with the confidence that multi-factor authentication (MFA), role management, and seamless data syncing bring. These updates are crafted to enhance your project management capabilities, leveraging serverless architecture and custom integrations for a smooth, efficient workflow.

    Commitment to Data Security and Privacy

    In the realm of data security and privacy, Autodesk sets a gold standard. Their security and privacy organization has seen remarkable growth, now encompassing over 150 experts globally. This team meticulously measures security and privacy requirements, reporting progress to the board of directors quarterly. The three key pillars—build, run, and maintain—are not just concepts but active practices. Through threat modeling, rigorous testing, and proactive incident response, Autodesk ensures your data is safeguarded at every step.

    Recent Improvements in Autodesk Construction Cloud

    Significant improvements to ACC are transforming project management. Imagine the ability to approve information between linked projects or hide specific tools within the platform. These are just a few examples of the recent updates. The launch of Bridge is particularly exciting, allowing subcontractors and third parties to collaborate more efficiently on projects, with seamless data syncing between accounts. Moving to a serverless architecture and adopting an event-driven design further prioritizes reliability and performance.

    Upcoming Features and Investments

    Autodesk is continuously evolving. Upcoming features include secure service accounts for apps, project audit logs, activity tracking, and centralized role management. Their investment in data sovereignty, especially in Canada, reflects a commitment to regionalization. Additionally, their focus on generative design is a testament to their dedication to leveraging customer feedback for innovation. Recently, a video demonstration showcased Autodesk’s humane approach to AI, ensuring technology serves you better.

    The Future of AI and Customer Feedback

    Generative AI is revolutionizing various applications, and Autodesk is at the forefront. Customers are actively exploring its potential and providing valuable feedback on its impact on creativity and intellectual property. Autodesk’s sessions to identify gaps and mitigate risks emphasize the importance of community and collaboration in AI development. Your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the future of AI solutions.

    Data Privacy and Security in AI

    Data privacy remains a top priority. Autodesk is cautious about using customer data, with no commercial use occurring without thorough discussion and consent. They’ve implemented an architecture for GDPR compliance, ensuring that all data is securely deleted upon request, addressing one of the top customer concerns.

    Transitioning from BIM 360 to ACC Unified

    The transition from BIM 360 to ACC Unified poses challenges, particularly for ongoing projects. Autodesk focuses on regionalization and centralizing permissions rather than developing migration tools. ACC is poised to distinguish itself from BIM 360, offering unique features and enhancements.

    Security Settings

    ACC’s standout features include multi-factor authentication. Ongoing developments aim to enforce Single Sign-On (SSO) and 2FA policies, enhancing security measures to stay ahead of potential threats. These advancements ensure that your data and projects are protected with the highest standards.

    Seamless Integration with Other Tools and Platforms

    Integration is key to a cohesive project management experience. Autodesk is diligently working to integrate the Construction Cloud with other tools and platforms. We see some of our customers being enthusiastic about these developments, despite challenges like managing email notifications for project invitations.

    High Availability and Data Replication

    Autodesk’s commitment to high availability and data replication means your data is always within reach. Customer data is replicated between data centers in different locations, ensuring no data loss or delay in service if a failover occurs. This replication process is swift, typically within 15 minutes, with daily database backups for added security.

    Securing Physical Infrastructure

    Autodesk Construction Cloud applications operate in secure data centers powered by Amazon AWS. These centers are fortified against unauthorized access and environmental hazards with a range of security measures. From facilities access control to video surveillance, fire prevention, and climate controls, every measure is taken to ensure the safety of your data.

    Investing in People

    Security starts with people. Autodesk provides comprehensive information security policy and awareness training to all employees and contingent workers. New hires sign confidentiality agreements and undergo specialized training. Regular mock phishing exercises keep the team alert and vigilant against potential threats.

    Through our partnership with Autodesk, we at SolidCAD aim to bring these advancements to our clients, providing a secure and collaborative environment for all. By continuously enhancing products and services, Autodesk ensures that trust and privacy remain at the forefront of their innovations. Join us as we build a future where your projects are not just successful but secure and reliable.

    Key Takeaways

    • Autodesk Construction Cloud Security: Elevating project management with multi-factor authentication, role management, and seamless data syncing.
    • Data Security and Privacy: Autodesk’s commitment to safeguarding data with over 150 global experts.
    • Recent ACC Improvements: Approving information between linked projects and launching the Bridge feature for efficient collaboration.
    • Upcoming Features: Secure service accounts, project audit logs, activity tracking, and centralized role management.
    • Generative AI and Customer Feedback: Exploring AI’s potential while addressing data privacy and security.
    • Transitioning from BIM 360 to ACC Unified: Focusing on regionalization and centralizing permissions.
    • High Availability and Data Replication: Ensuring data safety with replication and daily backups.
    • Physical Infrastructure Security: Operating in secure AWS data centers with advanced protective measures.
    • Employee Training: Comprehensive security policy and awareness training for all employees.

    By incorporating these key elements, we at SolidCAD ensure that your projects are not just successful but secure and reliable, leveraging our partnership with Autodesk to bring you the best in construction technology.

    Revolutionizing Contract Administration with Digital Transformation

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    In the ever-evolving AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) landscape, effective contract administration is paramount. At SolidCAD, we recognize that while many of our clients use multiple tools, these tools, though digital, might not be properly tailored for the nuances of contract administration. The opportunity for digital transformation is ripe, and we champion the adoption of Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and Bluebeam to lead this change.

    Embrace Purpose-Built Tools

    For executives and decision-makers in the construction industry, the goals are clear: save time, cut costs, and mitigate litigation risks. Current tools, though familiar, often miss the mark due to their generic design. It’s time to embrace tools specifically crafted for construction projects.

    Transformative Solutions: Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam

    1. Save Time and Cut Costs: Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) centralizes storage for all project-related data, including emails, photos, Revit or AutoCAD files, specifications, and meeting minutes. This streamlined access to information not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with managing both physical and digital storage. Achieve efficient construction management effortlessly

    ACC’s mobile app boosts efficiency by enabling on-site access and updates to project data. Capture photos, record meeting minutes, and review files directly from mobile devices, ensuring seamless real-time data flow and decision-making.

    2. Mitigate Litigation Risks: ACC stands out with its robust version control and unlimited storage capacity. By maintaining a comprehensive record of document histories and project communications, ACC ensures a transparent and verifiable audit trail. This thorough documentation is invaluable in defending against potential litigation, providing clear evidence of project progress and decision-making processes.

     

    2. Enhance Collaboration: Bluebeam and other applications complement ACC with top-tier markup, measuring, and estimation tools. Its Studio Sessions feature allows multiple stakeholders to collaboratively review and mark up PDF files in real-time. This capability reduces the need for extensive email exchanges, consolidating all comments into a single, comprehensive report, thus enhancing collaboration in construction.

    The SolidCAD Edge

    At SolidCAD, we partner with Autodesk and Bluebeam to deliver cutting-edge solutions, guiding our clients through their digital transformation journey. As trusted consultants, we offer tailored strategies leveraging ACC and Bluebeam, ensuring our clients utilize the best tools for their unique needs. By adopting these purpose-built technologies, executives and decision-makers in the AECO industry can elevate efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration in their construction and contract administration processes.

    Conclusion

    Transitioning from generic digital tools to specialized solutions like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam marks a significant advancement in contract administration. These tools not only address the immediate needs of saving time, reducing costs, and mitigating litigation risks but also pave the way for long-term operational excellence. SolidCAD is here to navigate this transformation with you, ensuring you unlock the full potential of these innovative technologies for your contract administration needs.

    Optimizing Contract Administration in AECO: Utilizing CTC Model Dashboard for Revit

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    Effective contract administration is vital for project success in the AECO industry. By leveraging CTC’s powerful plug-ins for Revit, such as the Model Dashboard, you can enhance project visibility and streamline workflows for project leads, senior architects, designers, and BIM managers.

    The Problem: Navigating Revit’s Complexity

    Revit users often grapple with identifying critical project metrics due to several challenges:

    Lack of Visibility: In Revit, project metrics such as the number of in-place families, line style counts, and total warnings are dispersed across the project, making it difficult to obtain a clear overview. Users may remain unaware of numerous instances in the model that require attention.

    Limited Reporting Tools: Revit does not offer built-in tools for comprehensive error reporting on metrics like in-place families, line style counts, and many others.

    Manual Inspection: Identifying project metrics usually involves manual inspection, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. This process makes it challenging to spot every instance that needs correction.

    No Warning System: Revit lacks real-time warnings or notifications regarding project metrics, their impact on performance, or compliance with best practices. Users often do not receive alerts until issues have escalated.

    Limited Documentation: Many Revit projects suffer from insufficient documentation and standards related to project metrics, complicating the enforcement of consistency and error identification.

    Growing Impact: Failure to adhere to project standards and improper modeling workflows, such as the excessive use of in-place families, can lead to performance issues, increased file sizes, and longer load times. These issues accumulate gradually, making them less noticeable initially.

    To overcome these obstacles, Revit users must resort to a mix of manual checks, custom scripts, and third-party tools. Implementing best practices and standards for family usage is crucial in preventing such issues. This is where the CTC Model Dashboard steps in as a comprehensive solution.

    The Solution: CTC Model Dashboard

    The CTC Model Dashboard is an innovative Revit feature designed to enhance project oversight by populating custom parameters within a Revit model with specific metrics. This tool provides a visual presentation of over 30 metrics, offering users a clear snapshot of their project’s health.

    Key Features:

    • Visibility of Metrics: Place the CTC Model Dashboard titleblock on your Revit “Starting Page” to display project metrics upon opening a model.
    • Customizable: Use the titleblock as-is or customize it to meet your specific needs.
    • Comprehensive Data Collection: Gather 30+ project metrics, including:
      • Open and save times
      • Quantities of placed and unplaced/unused Revit objects
      • Total warnings
      • File sizes
      • Linked elements
      • Worksets
      • Text types, line styles, dimension types
    • Real-Time Updates: Metrics are updated every time a user saves or syncs the Revit model.
    • Proactive Issue Identification: Helps you spot problems early and address them before they escalate.

    To utilize the CTC Model Dashboard, a license for the CTC BIM Project Suite is required. This suite includes over 19 premium Revit add-ons, enabling users to streamline repetitive tasks, analyze modeling scenarios, extract model data, and much more efficiently within the Revit environment.

    Partnering with SolidCAD

    At SolidCAD, we are more than just software providers; we are your partners in achieving excellence in contract administration. Our team of experts is here to guide you in effectively deploying the CTC Model Dashboard and other CTC plug-ins, ensuring you gain the maximum benefit from these tools. We offer tailored consulting services to help you integrate these solutions seamlessly into your workflows, enhancing your project’s performance and efficiency.

    For any inquiries, reach out to your sales representative or contact us at info@solidcad.ca. Together, let’s transform how you manage contract administration in Revit and elevate your projects to new heights of success.

    Énergir

    Posted on by Daniella Delgado
    Success Stories

    Énergir

    The digital shift: Énergir's journey towards better collaboration, greater data accuracy and greater security.

    Who is Énergir?

    In addition to being the main distributor of natural gas in Québec, Énergir is active in the northeastern United States, where it produces electricity from hydro, wind and solar sources, and is the only distributor of natural gas in the state of Vermont.  As a diversified energy company, its mission is to meet the energy needs of its more than 535,000 customers and the communities it serves in an increasingly sustainable manner. Its vision includes concrete measures – energy efficiency, renewable natural gas, innovative energy complementarity – to remain a key player in the face of climate, economic and social issues for its customers and Québec. Énergir has two objectives: to decarbonize its natural gas network and to be present where and when it is valuable.

    The challenges of collaboration and security in the field

    Énergir’s move to DWG (AutoCAD Map 3D) is a leap forward in better collaboration and greater security in the field, which is essential for companies in the energy sector. This transition allows for seamless interaction between services such as mapping, construction, and instrumentation, facilitating better data sharing and decision-making where accurate, real-time information can prevent accidents and keep workers safe.

    Énergir faced the challenge of switching from MicroStation DGN to AutoCAD DWG to improve positioning accuracy, data accuracy, and safety in the field. This transition required the standardization of internal processes within the CAD environment. The widespread use of MicroStation’s DGN across the organization complicated the transition, as DGNs were still needed for downstream dependent departments. Converting one department at a time was a significant challenge.

    In addition, Énergir’s departments had to adapt to working with DWGs to replace existing workflows that relied on DGNs. External consultants and municipalities also had to work with DWGs provided by Énergir. In addition, it was essential to improve safety in the workplace by providing more accurate and up-to-date information to workers in the field.

    The birth of the digital strategy: “Bullseye”

    Énergir’s digital transformation journey began with a close collaboration between the SolidCAD team and the specific needs of the company. This partnership led to the discovery of the “Bullseye” approach, a strategic plan highlighting Énergir’s main objectives and SolidCAD’s targeted solutions. (see: Figure 1 “Bullseye” discovery).

    Figure 1: The “Bullseye” focus of the discovery

    The diagram above vividly illustrates the complexity of this project, highlighting the different components and processes involved, including the interconnected process and data management between the various stages such as the preliminary design, the tagging and modification of documents as well as the integration of this data seamlessly into multiple systems.

    A complete transformation plan solution: Consulting and cutting-edge technology

    The consultation

    Although SolidCAD presented Énergir with a digital strategy, the importance of adopting this change was vital to ensure success and overall efficiency.

    Implementing and customizing the recommended technology was key to ensuring a smooth transition for the entire organization and its stakeholders. We understand that this change has resulted in significant changes to the entire process of their design and field departments.

    To ensure that SolidCAD would support this significant change, we provided comprehensive change management services, which included customized training for 175 users, comprehensive project management, and ongoing mentoring and support. This strategy was designed not only to overhaul Énergir’s design and development processes, but also to ensure the adoption of the new workflow. SolidCAD collaborated with Énergir to revolutionize its entire CAD infrastructure, to allow it to remain on the cutting edge of progress in the digital world facing companies in the energy sector.

    Technology

    SolidCAD recommended two technologies that would better align Énergir’s ideal processes with their sole goals of improving collaboration, data accuracy, and security in the field:

    AutoCAD Map 3D: the game-changer

    AutoCAD Map 3D was recommended for its superior spatial accuracy and GIS integration capabilities. This tool assured to improve the way Énergir managed and accessed spatial data, making it more up-to-date and available in all departments, an essential factor in ensuring the safety of field operations. This integration has streamlined processes and improved data flow across the company, promoting a safer and more efficient work environment.

    Efficiency with AutoCAD Electrical

    AutoCAD Electrical was the ideal solution for Énergir’s Instrumentation group, as it offers an extensive library of symbols and advanced design tools for electrical control systems and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). This comprehensive suite of features facilitates the creation of detailed & accurate electrical schematics and system schematics, which are essential for infrastructure planning and maintenance.

    The recommendation to adopt AutoCAD Electrical was driven by its ability to improve the accuracy of data sharing between different departments. With its advanced design tools, the software ensures that all electrical data remains accurate and consistent, minimizing the risk of miscommunications or data errors that could potentially lead to operational risks. In addition, AutoCAD Electrical supports real-time updates and synchronization of information, which is essential for keeping workflows up to date across departments.

    Roadmap to Success: The Phased Approach

    While we had developed an ideal strategy covering their processes, goals, and motivations, the next step was to determine the “how” of implementation. A comprehensive roadmap emerged, outlining a strategic plan filled with personalized recommendations and a well-defined plan that would turn their goals into tangible successes.

    This roadmap not only justifies each suggestion but deepens the reasoning behind it and presents a step-by-step guide to help Énergir in its transformation. More than a plan, it was a vision for Énergir’s innovative future, encompassing all facets of its digital redesign, from the integration of CAD to GIS, to data conversion, the development of web applications for future DGN to DWG conversions, to the implementation of AutoCAD Map 3D and AutoCAD Electrical, to personalized training, assistance and project management.

    Transformative results

    With this successful transformation, Énergir is setting the tone for future projects, maximizing its ability to efficiently convert data from DGN to DWG format. This important milestone in its digital journey sets a new standard for project efficiency and interdepartmental collaboration, aligning perfectly with Énergir’s vision for innovative and efficient solutions.

    A partnership beyond consultation

    Thanks to its comprehensive consulting services, SolidCAD and Énergir have entered into a partnership that goes beyond simple consultation. Together, they created a digital ecosystem that addressed the immediate challenges of collaboration, data accuracy, and security, but also set the stage for sustainable innovation and efficiency.

    This holistic approach to consultation has allowed Énergir to be not only prepared for the digital present, but also ready to become a leader in the digital future of energy.

    Testimonial

    "With a large number of stakeholders and continuous operations to be maintained throughout the process, this digital transformation was not to be taken lightly.

    SolidCAD adapted to our reality and facilitated this digital transition by ensuring an efficient deployment. This was greatly appreciated by the whole organization and the benefits from this are numerous, enabling us to look forward to a bright future with technology.

    With a large number of stakeholders and continuous operations to be maintained throughout the process, this digital transformation was not to be taken lightly. SolidCAD adapted to our reality and facilitated this digital transition by ensuring an efficient deployment. This was greatly appreciated by the whole organization and the benefits from this project are numerous, enabling us to look forward to a bright future with technology.

    - Bruno David, Geomatics Manager at Énergir

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    One Click LCA partners with SolidCAD to accelerate decarbonization in Canadian construction

    Posted on by Daniella Delgado

    TORONTO, ON – JULY 3, 2024 – One Click LCA, a global leader in life-cycle assessment (LCA) and decarbonization software, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with SolidCAD, a leading technology consulting and technology provider of CAD, BIM, CAM, cloud-based, data and asset management software solutions in Canada. This collaboration aims to support the rapid decarbonization of the construction industry in Canada, promote educational initiatives, and assist architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals in scaling their decarbonization efforts.

    One Click LCA has established a reputation as the leading platform for building and infrastructure LCA, offering architects, engineers, consultants, and building material manufacturers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to evaluate and minimize the carbon impact of their projects. With a cloud-based software solution, One Click LCA automates LCA from building models (BIM) and cost calculation tables, supporting customers in over 170 countries, including industry leaders such as Skanska, WSP, Turner, and Canam.

    SolidCAD, known for its expertise in Autodesk software solutions and its extensive network within the Canadian AEC industry, will play a crucial role in integrating One Click LCA into the planning and execution processes of construction projects across the country. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing digital transformation and sustainable development in the construction sector.

    “The partnership with One Click LCA enhances our portfolio with an essential tool for promoting sustainable construction projects and demonstrates our commitment to digital transformation in the construction industry. We are excited to support our customers in effectively reducing the CO2 emissions of their plans,” said Michael Rotolo , National Director of AECO division of SolidCAD.

    “We are delighted to partner with SolidCAD to support the decarbonization of Canada’s construction sector. This collaboration will enable AEC professionals to leverage top-notch engineering capabilities while minimizing their carbon footprints,” said Simon Slater, North American Business Development Manager, One Click LCA.

    Through this partnership, Canadian customers will have immediate access to One Click LCA’s decarbonization platform, backed by SolidCAD’s proven support and expertise in proper modeling, facilitating sustainable development in the construction sector.

    For more information on our resellers and partners, visit our website.

    About One Click LCA

    One Click LCA is the world-leading end-to-end sustainability platform for construction and manufacturing. The software platform decarbonizes and drives sustainability across the construction value chain with scientific, easy-to-use, automated life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to calculate and reduce the environmental impacts of building, infrastructure, and renovation projects and products. The platform also allows assessment of circularity, life-cycle cost, and biodiversity. One Click LCA is used in 170+ countries, including by blue-chip enterprises like Skanska, WSP, Foster+Partners, LafargeHolcim, ArcelorMittal, Arcadis, ARUP, Geberit, and Saint-Gobain, among others. It offers a unique global database with +250,000 LCA datasets; supports +80 standards and certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, GRESB and other national regulations; and seamlessly integrates with +20 of the most widely used BIM software tools, including Autodesk Revit®, Tekla Structures® and Bentley iTwin®. One Click LCA was founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2001, with a team of +200 people on all continents. Learn more at: www.oneclicklca.com

    Autodesk Desktop Connector

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    Version 16.9 of the ADC is now available to download. You can find information about it and download it from this link.

    If you’re upgrading from 15.x, it would be best that you read this document as there have been significant changes.

    In addition to the usual performance and defect fixes, probably the most important new feature is this:

    Administrators now have the ability to set the local workspace location during install/deployment of Desktop Connector. This capability allows admins to enforce a company standard workspace. (CDX-24152)

    For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca