Welcome to AECWeekly! So much has been written in recent years about the transition from 2D to 3D. It may be easy for software providers to create 3D CAD programs, but the adoption rate of 3D CAD among those who are diehard 2D CAD users has not been as impressive as most vendors would like it to be. Read about version 12 of TurboCAD, a low-cost, AutoCAD compatible architectural software that an easy way to access 3D from 2D - just one click away.
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Industry News
From 2D to 3D in One Click with TurboCAD
by Susan Smith
So much has been written in recent years about the transition from 2D to 3D. It may be easy for software providers to create 3D CAD programs, but the adoption rate of 3D CAD among those who are diehard 2D CAD users has not been as impressive as most vendors would like it to be.
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This move is most likely comforting for customers, since IMSI has branched in many directions over the past years. Although they haven't left CAD behind, it has become one of many assets for a company that has included an online focus that may be sold off in time.
Meanwhile, however, in version 12, architectural objects such as walls, doors and windows have been made fully parametric. “You're able to drag and drop a number of window and door styles and shapes and sizes into your drawing and use them either in a 2D view or 3D view -- it's the same intelligent object.”
“This is just the first step we're taking toward fully parameterizing the architecture elements, so over the course of the next year you'll see things like parametric stairs,” explained Mayer. “We are doing this using Autodesk Architectural Desktop as a model. We're able to recognize ADT objects and bring those into TurboCAD.”
“Our goal is to have a product that we can offer in that professional AEC sector as opposed to the middle of the road CAD where TurboCAD has been traditionally positioned,” Mayer predicted. “We hope to have a professional architectural version with in about a year.”
This is the separate product Mayer is talking about, which will focuses entirely on architectural and will not include any of the mechanical features. IMSI will offer a professional mechanical version as well. This will allow the company to address the two distinct professional markets more directly.
Among the other architectural enhancements for version 12 are: automated point marker tools for drawing a layout and numbering your windows and doors in a drawing in an automated way. There are some additional 2D constraints that enable the drafting of certain objects to be easier to do. There are a lot of visualization enhancements as well. Version 12 supports the LightWorks archives, so you can now download or import the different material libraries that exist on Lightworks and existing flooring, rugs, wall coverings and siding. “From a visualization perspective, it makes the product more robust in terms of what types of materials you can apply to your designs. and obviously this has more relevance in the 3D design world than in 2D plans.”
Like many AutoCAD knockoff products, TurboCAD version 12 is in DWG format and completely interoperable with any Autodesk DWG products. IMSI has enhanced PDF output so they are now supporting output via both paper space and model space. Users will have the ability to import SketchUp files in the next year.
Some integrators have said that their users have difficulty moving from AutoCAD to Architectural Desktop (ADT), which TurboCAD version 12 is patterned after. Mayer said that although IMSI borrows the metaphor and the interface from ADT, IMSI has redone the interface so that depending upon your level of expertise, you can choose either an icon driven program or a combination of text and icon. Someone new to TurboCAD can, for example, choose a novice interface which will have detailed explanations of each of the drawing tools. As they become more familiar with the product, they can move to an interface that only displays the icons themselves.
“The interface is also very customizable as far as where you want your toolbars, and what you want on your toolbars,” Mayer noted. “I think that transitioning from the mainstream CAD product to the more architectural professional product is not a big deal. We keep our architectural tools grouped in one menu anyway. You can put a toolbar anywhere on the screen and have it active.”
What has been the main deterrent to moving from 2D to 3D, according to experts, has been going from a 2D mindset to a 3D mindset. “[With TurboCAD for AEC], you can sketch everything out in a 2D mode and have 3D just by changing the isometric view. It's already in 3D - it's not that big a deal, it's one click to go from 2D to 3D. You can do just about all you need to do from a 2D perspective. From a planned view, you can lay out your drawing, put whatever objects you want on different layers, you can drop a roof on it. All the parametric windows and doors have a 2D view to them so they operate as a parametric object in a 2D view as well as in 3D. You can click on them and change the properties of them.”
IMSI has sold nearly two million copies of the product. Mayer said there are about 50,000-75,000 active users, who are largely those who bought the lower cost versions of the product through retail as opposed to strictly professional users and architects. The company originally was geared to the consumer marketplace. Mayer pointed out that many of their users use CAD in a professional sense, and a lot of them are using TurboCAD for a second seat for use at home, as it's a low cost, AutoCAD-compatible software.
The professional TurboCAD version 12 is still priced at $895. The additional architectural package is offered for $70 extra. The architectural package includes a serial code that turns on additional architectural tools, which are window and door shapes and styles, plus a 3-CD tutorial that takes you through the execution of a full set of architectural plans and leaves you with a set of plans when you're finished designing.
Acquisitions/Alliances/Agreements
Interwoven, Inc., provider of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions for business, announced that it has entered into an OEM agreement with Data Builder Inc., document management software and services provider for general contractors and building owners, under which Data Builder is leveraging Interwoven WorkSite Document Management as the foundation for a new electronic project control system (e-PCS) for the construction industry. Built leveraging Interwoven Document Management as the foundation, Data Builder e-PCS empowers general contractors to manage documents and workflow from pre-construction through post construction, delivering an optimized client experience, improving productivity, and facilitating risk management. The OEM agreement is the latest example of an Interwoven partner leveraging the company's industry-leading document management software to deliver targeted solutions that solve specific business process challenges for vertical industries.
The ACE Mentor Program of America announced a partnership with Bentley Systems, Incorporated that gives high school students easy access to free CAD software. The ACE Mentor Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to high school educational outreach in architecture, construction, and engineering. The program has added a link on its Web site to the free download of MicroStation PowerDraft CAD software offered at Bentley's BE Careers Network.
Autodesk, Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of Constructware, a privately held company based in Alpharetta, Georgia that provides on-demand communication and collaboration solutions that streamline design, construction and facility management. The acquisition, announced on February 7, 2006, closed for cash consideration of US $46 million. This acquisition enables Autodesk to rapidly expand its Autodesk Buzzsaw collaborative project management solution with Constructware software's industry leading cost, bid and risk management capabilities. The acquisition allows Autodesk to more completely meet the needs of its customers as they realize their ideas through the use of on-demand collaborative project management solutions.
Announcements
Primavera Systems, Inc., announced that Thales, a global electronics company serving aerospace, defense, security and services markets, is deploying Primavera across all six of its global divisions. The rollout, which is ongoing across the Aerospace, Air Systems, Land & Joint Systems, Naval, Security and Services divisions, will provide the technology framework to create standard processes for management, viewing, and delivery of all programs and projects across the organization worldwide.
Oce announced financial results for Q1 Financial Year 2006, reporting total revenues are up 21% thanks to the acquisition of Imagistics and exchange rate effects. Operating income increases by 69%; compared to 2005 this result has been influenced by a number of special items. On a like-for-like basis, operating income increases by 40%.
Oce introduces a number of major new printing systems which will contribute to further improvements.
Autodesk, Inc. announced the latest milestone in its support for open data exchange mechanisms in Autodesk Revit Building 9, Autodesk's architectural design solution built specifically for building information modeling (BIM). Export of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data from Revit Building has achieved full certification by the Industry Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) including both the IFC2x2 Code Checking View and IFC 2x2 Coordination View certifications. Fully certified IFC Export from Revit Building will expand the ability of architects and designers to create, manage and share building data with other team members in the building design process, including The Integrated Plan Checking Systems from Singapore's Building and Construction Authority, and will also enable compliance with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) IFC delivery requirements.
Autodesk, Inc. also reiterated its financial guidance for the first quarter, second quarter and full year of fiscal 2007, in conjunction with its Annual Investor Meeting in New York City. With nearly four weeks remaining in its fiscal first quarter, the company indicated that it is experiencing growth across divisions and all geographies. In addition, the company introduced a compound annual revenue growth rate target of approximately 15 percent for fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2012.
Professionals from the government contracting and nonprofit industries are invited to join Deltek, provider of enterprise management software for project-focused organizations, for an exciting evening of sports entertainment and networking, during Washington Capitols Fan Appreciation Night at the Verizon Center on April 17, 2006. Invited guests include more than 1,000 Deltek clients, friends and staff who will be cheering on the Capitols in their last home game of the season.
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
When: Monday, April 17, 2006
7:00 to 10:30 p.m.
For more information or to register, please email Caroline Proctor,
Email Contact .
Awards
ContactCenterWorld.com, the leading global support organization for the contact center industry around the world, has named Epicor Software Corporation, provider of enterprise business software solutions for the global midmarket, as winner of the award for Best After Sales Support in Americas in the fourth annual Members' Choice Awards.
New Products
Solibri, Inc. announced a new version 4 of Solibri Model Checker (SMC), the market leading software for automated design review and analysis of Building Information Models (BIM).
The version 4 takes the BIM analysis to a new level. Now architectural design can be cross-checked with structural design, building services with structural elements, or all at once. SMC version 4 finds the places where building services components collide with load bearing structural elements or suspended ceilings. SMC version 4 also finds the locations where structural and architectural models differ, for example, architect's columns and those of structural engineer's don't share the same location, or architect's doors and windows don't fit the openings in the structural model.
Sage Software announced that development partner Innovaya is offering a new Visual Estimating product that integrates with the company's award-winning Sage Timberline Office business management system for the construction and real estate industries.
This breakthrough product is one of the first in the industry to use Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and 3D capability to help solve real world estimating problems - allowing intelligent change management with design objects, quantities and cost items all linked together.
Axium, a developer of innovative accounting and project management software for the architectural and engineering industry (A/E), launched a newly designed and updated corporate website, www.axiumae.com. The new website offers Axium clients, current and prospective, the product and industry information they need in a quick and easy format.
Autodesk, Inc. launched Autodesk Toxik 2007, the latest version of its collaborative digital compositing software for feature film production. The software's robust creative toolset helps film studios and post-production facilities deliver vivid, high-resolution imagery with ease. Autodesk Toxik 2007 will be showcased at the National Association of Broadcasters tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 24-27 at Autodesk Booth #SL3719.
Oce unveiled the Oce TCS500 large format integrated print/copy/scan system for color CAD and GIS users in the AEC, government, utilities, manufacturing and reprographic industries. Its revolutionary, new Dynamic Switching Technology automatically optimizes print speed and print quality when printing lines, text, and images in the same document. The Oce TCS500 harnesses the power of concurrent processing, printing, copying and scanning to make it the most productive large format, color CAD print system on the market and a top choice for producing quantities of large format technical documents such as detailed CAD line drawings and complex GIS files.
Oce also announced the availability of ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles for Oce solvent media for use with the HP Designjet 9000s Series printers.
Around the Web
Project Management Software Review, by Roger Beall, Information Week, March 13, 2006.
Upcoming Events
| Facilities for Emerging Sciences | |
| Date: | April 10 - 11, 2006 |
| Place: | St. Petersburg, FL USA |
Conference sessions will focus on facilities and fit-ups for:
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| How The Weitz Company Limits Project Risk and Improves Business Processes / What is Your ROI? | |
| Date: | April 18, 2006 |
| Place: | Webinar from Data Builder, Inc.
500 SW 7th Street, Suite 104, Des Moines, IA USA |
| Join special guest Mark Federle, Chief Information Officer of The Weitz Company, for this Webinar and live e-PCS demonstration by Data Builder
According to a recent Iowa State University Study, "Since documentation is a critical factor in managing risk, technology that improves a company's ability to create, distribute, archive and retrieve documents will necessarily lead to better risk management protocols." Join Mark Federle, Chief Information Officer of The Weitz Company, and Scott Lombard, Vice President of Data Builder Inc.'s Sales and Marketing department, for this one-hour Webinar to learn:
One Day Only on April 18, 2006 from 3:00 PM through 4:00 PM CST To register for this complimentary webcast, please navegate on the above link or call 515-471-1608 if you have any questions. *If you are busy that day, sign up anyway! You can play back the scheduled broadcast any time you like. Sincerely, The Team at Data Builder, Inc. |
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| Dexter & Chaney 10th Annual User Conference | |
| Date: | April 27 - 28, 2006 |
| Place: | Seattle, WA USA |
| Our 2006 Conference will begin with our signature kick-off event on Wednesday, April 26, 2006. The Conference sessions will commence bright and early on Thursday, April 27th and will end at approximately 5:00 p.m. on April 28th. |
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You can find the full AECCafe.com event calendar here.
To read more news, click here.
-- Susan Smith, AECCafe.com Managing Editor.