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  • Énergir

    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

    TORONTO, ON – JULY 3, 2024One 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

    SolidCAD Partners with Addwize to Transform Digital Document Management across Canada.

    Toronto, ON May 9, 2024– SolidCAD, a prominent leader in technology consulting and thought leadership, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Addwize, experts in digital solutions for Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). This alliance brings together SolidCAD’s expertise in PLM consulting and Addwize’s advanced document management tools, aiming to transform digital transformation strategies for businesses across industries. Committed to innovation, this partnership promises to equip SolidCAD’s clients with the tools necessary for staying ahead in the rapidly changing digital landscape, driving growth and success for their organizations.

    “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Addwize, a prominent leader in the digitization of PDM, PLM, and ERP systems” states Shaya Ghanbar, Manager of Enterprise Solutions at SolidCAD. “Through this collaboration, SolidCAD and Addwize will join forces to assist our clients in accelerating their digital transformation journey. Leveraging SolidCAD’s consultancy proficiency in PLM alongside Addwize’s automation tools for document and quality management, will provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering innovative and efficient solutions that drive organizational growth and success.”

    This initiative is driven by the growing need for improved digital document management within PLM frameworks. Organizations across Canada are seeking ways to enhance document control and quality assurance, and this partnership directly addresses these needs. The Addwize Microsoft Office add-in, renowned for its capabilities in automating document creation and management, provides essential features such as check-in and check-out, streamlining the entire document lifecycle.

    “We are excited to join forces with SolidCAD to empower Canadian businesses with the tools they need to succeed in their digital transformation efforts,” said a Markus Gundersen, CEO and Cofounder at Addwize. “Our shared goal is to deliver innovative and efficient solutions that not only drive organizational growth but also pave the way for a more digitally adept future.”

    SolidCAD and Addwize are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that foster organizational success and growth. Clients can look forward to benefiting from a comprehensive suite of services tailored to enhance digital document management and quality control and help lead to more streamlined operations and improved business outcomes.

    For more information about Addwize, visit the link and learn more.

    SolidCAD Unveils a New Strategic Direction, Integrating Decades of Tech Expertise with a Future Focused on Consultancy

    TORONTO, ON – April 30 – SolidCAD, a renowned technology company celebrated for its proficiency in CAD, BIM, CAM, cloud-based platforms, and data and asset management systems, proudly announces a strategic evolution of its business model with a renewed emphasis on consulting services. Leveraging its 28-year legacy of industry leadership, SolidCAD aims to empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.

    “The foundation of this transformative journey is SolidCAD’s dedication to client success,” affirms Marcus Tateishi, President at SolidCAD. “We pledge to remain vigilant, actively listening to our clients’ aspirations and objectives. This ensures that every project undertaken not only meets deadlines and budgetary constraints but also surpasses expectations by delivering strategic value to our clients.”

    SolidCAD introduces a fresh brand identity, marked by a dynamic logo symbolizing innovation and adaptability. This rebranding honours SolidCAD’s illustrious history as a trusted advisor and software provider to architects, engineers, and manufacturers, signifying a new chapter in its quest to confront the challenges of digital era.

    Reaffirming its position as a premier partner for leading software and technology innovators such as Autodesk, Bluebeam, Chaos, Matterport, and others, SolidCAD ensures clients receive cutting-edge technological solutions that seamlessly integrate with their operations, thereby facilitating strategic success.

    Embarking on this transformative journey, SolidCAD introduces an enriched suite of services tailored to catalyze digital transformation across all facets of operations. With a focus on driving efficiency, growth, and innovation, SolidCAD remains committed to ensuring its clients retain their competitive edge in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

    SolidCAD extends an open invitation to organizations spanning the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, and beyond to explore its expanded service offerings at www.solidcad.ca/consulting/. These services are designed to optimize infrastructure, streamline processes, enhance data analytics, and optimize workflows, laying a robust technological foundation for sustained client success.

    Lessons for the Future: Insights from Our Digital Transformation

    At SolidCAD, we’ve been on a transformative journey that’s turned us into leaders in digital transformation consultancy. This shift was much more than just a change—it meant fully embracing a digital-first approach that has transformed how we operate. As experts in CAD, BIM, CAM, data/asset management, and cloud-based solutions we were challenged by the global pandemic (as many others were) to adapt and excel in unexpected ways. But we’re excited to share how these changes have changed our perspective.

    Why We Changed: Adapting to New Market Realities

    Our evolution was driven by the shift in communication and how we engaged with our clients, and the need to adapt to these changes quickly and efficiently. Upon extensive research many studies have proven a huge shift, that continues to evolve as new technologies are introduced, like AI.

    So, what does the research tell us?

    1. Interactions tend to be digital over traditional: A massive 76% of B2B buyers and sellers now favor digital interactions over traditional face-to-face meetings. This isn’t just a temporary adjustment but a permanent shift towards enjoying the speed and simplicity of digital dealings​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
    2. Video is taking the lead: The leap in using video to connect with businesses is staggering—there’s been a 300% increase since the start of 2020. It’s clear that video isn’t just for catching up with friends anymore; it’s a key player in professional communications too​ (Vonage Business)​.
    3. Big money goes digital too: Think big transactions can’t happen over a screen? Think again. Around 70% of decision-makers are now making high-stake purchases north of $50,000 digitally, proving that trust in digital platforms is stronger than ever​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
    4. Tech is your ultimate game changer: Post-pandemic, technology isn’t just supporting business; it’s defining it. Top companies are using tech not just to keep up but to stand out, viewing their digital expertise crucial to their competitive edge​ (McKinsey & Company)​.

    It’s one thing to have data, but it’s another to really know what to do with it. So, how did SolidCAD turn insights into action? Let’s dive into how we adapted.

    We Changed our Approach.

    Our traditional focus on face-to-face interactions has always been a key part of our client relationships. But when the pandemic hit, it pushed us to rethink our approach. It was a real eye-opener, showing us the crucial need to connect digitally and serve our clients on a global scale.

    As we navigated our own digital transformation, we began weaving digital solutions into all areas of our operations. This strategic shift was about setting new standards for how we engage with clients, but more importantly how we engage amongst each other. We wanted to ensure the same level and delivery of our top-notch services were always provided without the constraints of physical location. Now, whether our clients are across the street or on the other side of the country, we’re equipped to meet their needs with the same level of expertise and personal attention they’ve come to expect from us.

    This adaptation is how we stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

    We approached change with three key elements:

    1. Embracing Change with Purpose and Apply it across the Board: The journey began in our marketing department with the adoption of digital tools, setting the stage for a company-wide transformation. This was about more than new technology; it was about cultivating a culture proactive to change. We ensured that any technology we implemented in one department, easily integrated into all other facets of our business especially into existing workflows and systems.
    2. Learning Through Challenges: Our journey has been filled with its fair share of hurdles, from outdated tech to resistance to change. Each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons about resilience and the need to align our technology with our team’s workflows. Plus, it’s also worth noting the risks involved with digital transformation is extremely high. A Harvard Business Review survey revealed that 68% of tech implementations fail to meet at least one major goal—whether it’s budget, timeline, or outcomes—with 34% missing the mark on all three. This highlights the critical importance of carefully planning and executing digital changes effectively.
    3. Achieving Tangible Outcomes: Our dive into digital transformation has really paid off—our operations are more flexible, customer satisfaction is up, and our team feels more unified than ever. These improvements show just how key it is to continuously aim for better and keep ourselves on track. Plus, using data-driven insights meant we could make informed decisions every step of the way, ensuring our strategies were spot-on and effectively driving us toward our overall goals.

    Our Key Takeaways

    We have five key takeaways we are happy to share with others that are either advancing or even beginning their transformation journey, and that is:

    1. Look beyond Technology: It is not just about the technology or the tool itself, but how it is implemented into all processes of your business.
    2. Holistic Approach: Successful digital transformation integrates technology with strategic vision and effective change management.
    3. Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing data effectively involves more than just its collection; it’s about interpreting and applying data to make informed business decisions.
    4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative culture is vital, as transformation affects every level of the organization.
    5. Choosing the Right Partners: Working with knowledgeable partners can provide customized solutions that enhance the speed and effectiveness of your transformation.

    Explore Our Transformation Journey

    We invite you to dive deeper into our transformation journey through our story.

    Or view our infographic of what we learned down below.

    View the Infographic

    Interested in Transforming for the Future?

    Discover how SolidCAD can assist your digital transformation by visiting our consulting. Let us help you turn challenges into opportunities and lead in the digital age.

    SolidCAD expands partnership with Chaos, now offering Enscape – a leading visualization tool for design firms worldwide.

    TORONTO, ON – June 27, 2023 – SolidCAD, a prominent Autodesk Platinum partner and professional services firm based in Canada, is delighted to announce its expansion of the Chaos product line with Enscape, which provides industry-leading real-time visualization workflows for architects. In 2022, Enscape merged with Chaos, forming a powerhouse in 3D visualization and design workflow technology. Together, the combined entity focuses on developing cutting-edge 3D visualization solutions for clients in diverse industries such as architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and media and entertainment.

    By joining forces, Chaos and Enscape are committed to bolstering their product lineup, aiming to offer customers a comprehensive end-to-end visualization solution worldwide. SolidCAD is thrilled to incorporate another visualization tool into their offerings, alongside Chaos’ existing portfolio of V-Ray products and Corona. This expansion will greatly benefit SolidCAD’s customers in North America, empowering them to elevate and reimagine the way they bring their designs to life, from concept to construction.

    “SolidCAD has always put the goals and needs of our customers first,” Marcus Tateishi, President at SolidCAD states. “We want to help our clients overcome visualization challenges and deliver exceptional outcomes. By adding Enscape to our portfolio, we can help our clients translate their design concepts into captivating visualizations, and drive success in the AECO space. We are particularly excited to announce that we will be able to support customers across North America, in primarily Canada and the U.S. This will be an advantage to firms with offices in both countries, enabling quality professional services and customer success experiences.”

    “SolidCAD has been an exceptional Chaos partner for over a decade, helping us bring the best 3D visualization software to North America” Kalin Vasilev, Channel Manager for Chaos states. “With the merger of Enscape and Chaos, we are excited to collaborate with SolidCAD on this new chapter of our partnership. Together, we are committed to offering the most comprehensive end-to-end 3D visualization ecosystem to design professionals in Canada and the United States.”

    Join SolidCAD for an overview webinar on July 25 at 10:30 am PT/1:30 pm ET to learn more about the capabilities of Enscape. Register here.

    About Enscape

    Enscape is a high-quality real-time rendering, visualization, and virtual reality software that integrates design and visualization workflows into one. Enscape gives designers the power to create realistic renderings based on their existing planning data and easily produce videos, panoramic images, and VR simulations. Enscape software is compatible with Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks and is used by renowned architecture firms in over 150 countries.

    www.enscape3d.com

    About Chaos

    In 2022 Enscape merged with Chaos to create a global leader in 3D visualization and design workflow technology.

    The newly-combined company, which retains the name Chaos, develops 3D visualization technology for architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. Creating intuitive and powerful workflows for participants across the entire design spectrum, Chaos aims to develop and strengthen its product portfolio to create a comprehensive end-to-end visualization ecosystem designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

    The company’s product portfolio includes V-Ray, a physically based renderer honored with an Academy Award and an Engineering Emmy; Enscape, a high-quality real-time rendering, and virtual reality plugin; Corona, a high-performance photorealistic rendering engine; and Cylindo, a 3D furniture product visualization platform for commerce.

    Headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, Chaos is the largest global 3D visualization company with more than 700 employees and offices worldwide.

    www.chaos.com

    The City of Barrie

    Success Stories

    The City of Barrie

    The City of Barrie (“the City”) is a municipality located in Central Ontario, just over 100 kilometres north of Toronto. Barrie is in Simcoe County, on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, which is the western arm of Lake Simcoe. In 2020, Barrie was home to 151,000 residents, a population that has more than doubled in the past 35 years and is projected to grow to 298,000 people by 2051. As the largest urban center in Simcoe County, Barrie is the economic and employment hub of Central Ontario. As a single-tier municipality, the City is exclusively responsible for providing critical infrastructure and hundreds of services to its residents including roads, water, wastewater, parks, recreation, culture, and many more.

    The City of Barrie’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) branch, within the Information Technology department, is responsible for the management of digital spatial and attribute data, GIS/CAD applications, and useful tools for the City.  GIS provides the corporation, and the public, with an efficient way to access, maintain, analyze, map, and develop the City’s spatial and related data through interactive maps, mobile applications, dashboards and more.

    Within the IT Department, there is also a Project Planning and Delivery team that manages the City’s technology-based projects and is responsible for bringing all teams together during a project’s lifecycle. They are specifically in control of helping manage and improve the current workflow and evaluate the organization’s digital transformation.

    Improving Efficiencies by updating Digital Information on CAD Standards & Templates

    Current Workflow

    The City of Barrie has been a long-time user of Autodesk products and has worked with SolidCAD over the years as their software solutions provider. As the City continues to grow, they are looking to further improve the process of digital information submissions and more specifically their CAD Standards & Templates. Each infrastructure or development project undergoes a design process before construction. When a new project is submitted, the Infrastructure team, or external design consultant, designs within a CAD template and uploads the digital drawing to a repository. The GIS department is then responsible for taking those designs, importing them into a GIS format, and updating a centralized enterprise database. This data is then disseminated to a variety of corporate applications for the City to access, visualize, and then use to make informed decisions.

    The Challenge

    The current CAD template was not being leveraged by external consultants and information was not easily extracted into the City’s GIS database, causing delays and inconsistencies on many projects.  The City realized that these delays were often due to the drawings being created without the use of a proper set of templates. Due to a lack of use of the template standards, incompliant drawings required much clarification by the GIS team, causing re-work and re-submissions until standards were finally achieved. This back and forth proved inefficient.

    After fully understanding how this challenge impacted their business and the speed at which data was accessible by end users, the City identified that they needed to revisit the current digital information standard. Through an RFP process, SolidCAD won the bid for the project and would further assist the City in understanding their current workflow and solving these challenges quickly.

    The Solution

    Through various interviews and discoveries, SolidCAD’s technical team reviewed the City’s current Digital Information Standards (DIS) and completed a detailed review of the existing CAD templates they had in place. After this deep analysis, SolidCAD divided the solution into three phases:

    • Create and update the DIS document with associated CAD templates, and more specifically, the addition of Object Data Tables to that template to ensure all design files would be standardized to the requirements of other departments and consultants.
    • Develop a technology recommendation that would automate their submission process and validate their designs to adhere to the template standards and provide a recommendation report to correct the design before being submitted to other departments.
    • And lastly, produce a high-level roadmap that defined the strategies and steps required to ensure a successful implementation of an end-to-end digital drawings’ submission process, which included onboarding and training on best practices for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and the CAD template.

    After presenting the strategy to the City of Barrie, SolidCAD got to work quickly and implemented the first phase of the project by their deadline of February 2023, after receiving the project in September 2022.

    The Results

    After the launch of phase one, the City of Barrie saw three immediate improvements to their current workflow:

    1. Widely accepted across the organization: SolidCAD’s discoveries were extremely impactful, where each impacted department had the opportunity to meet with SolidCAD’s technical team, highlight what was important to them, how they use the current template in their processes and how specific change to the CAD template would affect their workflow. This type of information helped all impacted departments understand the new template since they played an integral part in its development.
    2. Improved communication and speed of projects: The implementation of the new Civil 3D template and internal workflows will streamline the processes of importing and validating digital data from infrastructure projects to the GIS department. Specifically, the GIS Team will spend less time working back and forth with engineers, overall improving communication, and being able to import these design files quicker due to the Object Data Fields that now provide information that can be easily disseminated to the rest of the organization.
    3. Reduced rework through implementation and training: SolidCAD provided training to City of Barrie staff upon the implementation of the new CAD Standards & Templates and provided users with the knowledge and best practices on how to use the template within Civil 3D. This will help improve the project workflows, ultimately reducing the amount of rework that often occurred during the design and as-constructed phases of projects.

    As phase one has been completed, the recommendations in the Road Map report have been approved, and SolidCAD will be leading the development and implementation of the next phase to further automate and validate digital submissions received by the City in the upcoming year.

    Testimonial

    The City required a consultant with the ability to understand our corporate requirements, bridge the CAD and GIS worlds together,

    and create a solution that met a variety of stakeholders needs, all while meeting our stringent timelines. We are very pleased with the guidance, experience, and expertise SolidCAD delivered on all aspects of the project within our timeline.

    – Brent Harlow, Manager of Data, Analytics & GIS at the City of Barrie

    Products & Services Used

    • AutoCAD Civil 3D
    • AutoCAD MAP 3D
    • FME Server from Safe Software
    • ArcGIS Pro – tool on the GIS
    • Python Scripting and Custom ArcPy Toolboxes
    • SolidCAD services to update the City of Barrie Civil 3D template and training of Infrastructure and GIS staff with a local pilot project to confirm that all functional requirements for this Phase have been achieved.
    • Automation Services

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    Mega Mold International Inc.

    Success Stories

    Mega Mold International Inc.

    Mega Mold produces the best world class tooling for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets.  For over 28 years, their team of specialists deliver tooling that is superior in class for cycle time and part quality in all aspects of plastic injection mold designs.

    Mega Mold provides their customers quality services including:

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    • Multi-shot Rotary
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    Mega Mold and members of the SolidCAD team have had a long-lasting partnership that predates SolidCAD and began over 20 years ago.  As a loyal and legacy customer, SolidCAD’s advanced manufacturing team has always provided the knowledge and assistance throughout Mega Mold’s growth.

    Improving efficiency with Fusion 360 Probing

    The Challenge

    As a leader in the tooling industry, Mega Mold needed an advanced solution with powerful capabilities that could check features during the machining process, automate tedious tasks and make decisions.  More specifically, they were looking for an easy way to help verify workpiece accuracy and help make their machining process more efficient.  Mega Mold knew that they needed a solution that would reduce machine time, rework, and unnecessary setup time.

    The Solution

    Mega Mold always looked to have a partner with a localized team, that could easily support them on-site during any implementation and provide continued education to their employees. Knowing that SolidCAD could provide them just that, they offered an analysis of their current machining workflow and identified that Autodesk’s Fusion 360 with the Machining Extension was needed to eliminate their challenge and speed up machine times.

    SolidCAD provided implementation services, including ongoing support and training for the software so that all members of the team understood Fusion 360’s functionalities.

    The Results

    Understanding that Mega Mold needed a quick solution, SolidCAD worked promptly with Mega Mold’s Managers and Operators to fulfill their requirement and introduce Fusion 360 into their process in only 5-6 hours.

    Fusion 360’s capabilities allowed them to check their workpiece accuracy using their current machine probe and easily access advanced on-machine verification.

    This implementation reduced hours that were often spent on unnecessary set-up times. They quickly realized that since the job was automatically verified within tolerance before removing it from the machine table, they could produce high quality finished molds and mold components without the need for a post machine inspection, removing any inaccuracies, and allowing them to meet client deadlines faster.

    SolidCAD continues to support Mega Mold during the introduction of their process and provide on-going training for their employees.

    Testimonial

    “We choose SolidCAD because they are a partner who understands our business. They always made sure to be responsive to our time, budget and needs. Whenever we needed on-site support, even during a pandemic, they were there to assist us and guarantee we could get the job done. We continue to have a great relationship with their team and trust them to provide the support and expertise for our machining processes.”
    – David Thibert,
    President at Mega Mold International Inc.

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    New Product Alert: SolidCAD launches their newest tool MAKE Productivity for Autodesk PowerMill®

    TORONTO, ON August 23, 2021 – Today, SolidCAD, Canada’s largest professional services company and Autodesk Platinum Partner, announces the launch of their newest product, MAKE Productivity. MAKE Productivity for PowerMill® is a best-in-class tool to boost CAM programming productivity, provide incredible staffing flexibility to overcome skilled labour shortages, and optimize machine scheduling and utilization by programming well ahead of run-time.

    Equipped with a suite of calculators and tools for daily programming, MAKE Productivity provides endless capabilities for automating simple and complex multi-axis manufacturing processes, along with “on-demand” digital learning modules and training content for the user’s self-directed learning plans.

    MAKE Productivity can allow users to automate 90-100% of their complex finish programming by using the guided workflow. Paired with Autodesk’s PowerMill® Ultimate, this product allows for simultaneous 5-axis programming automation and enhanced machine simulation of NC programs, tool changes, and laser cycles. Users can now optimize after-hours license use by creating a batch calculation queue for “lights-out” calculation of multiple projects.

    “SolidCAD is responding to our customer’s needs for a robust and customizable solution to automate their complex CAM programming processes.” says Robert Kobielski, Sales Manager of Advanced Manufacturing at SolidCAD. “MAKE Productivity is providing the enhancements and value-added tools for which our customers have been requesting, and we are pleased to have developed this collaboratively to suit these needs.”

    SolidCAD offers two versions of the product that work with Autodesk’s Standard or Ultimate versions of PowerMill®. With MAKE Productivity and PowerMill® Standard, users will have the ability to rapidly create NC code for high-speed 3-axis machining, 3+2 programming, 2.5D milling, turning, and toolpath safety verification. While MAKE Productivity and PowerMill® Ultimate will have all the standard features plus machine simulation, tool change and laser cycle validation, and access to full 5-axis programming with automatic collision avoidance, robot programming, electrode programming, hybrid manufacturing, and more.

    To learn more about this product, visit SolidCAD’s website at https://www.solidcad.ca/products/solidcad-products/make-productivity/ or join SolidCAD for a webinar that will showcase MAKE Productivity  on Tuesday, September 21 at 3:00 pm ET, by clicking here.

    SolidCAD will also be attending this year’s Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) from October 4-7, 2021, in Toronto at the International Centre. Stop by to get a first look in-person of MAKE productivity at Booth #2631.

    E-mail us at make@solidcad.ca to learn more.

    Grimco acquires Cansel Company, COBALT Graphics Distribution

    Dear Valued Customer,

    The Cansel Group of Companies is announcing today that Grimco, a national wholesale sign supply manufacturer and distributor with close to 60 locations throughout North America has acquired our COBALT Graphics Distribution division effective May 1, 2021.

    What does this mean to you?

    There will be no change to your relationship with us.  We are committed to partnering with you and continuing to serve all your wide format technical needs.  This change strengthens the Cansel Group of Companies allowing us to focus on improved customer service and product offerings while providing the best customer experience possible.

    Thank you for being a valued customer.  We hope you will remain safe and healthy.

    Sincerely,

    Lovett Lewis
    CEO, Cansel Group of Companies