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    • Parkin Architects Limited

    Posted on by SolidCAD
    Success Stories

    Parkin Architects Limited

    Parkin Architects Limited is an employee-owned, award-winning architectural practice with over 60 years experience serving both Canadian and international clients out of their offices in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver with the same immediacy and attention that would be provided by a local firm. Parkin Architects Limited specializes in architectural services for institutional clients including: healthcare, recreational, research, justice, correctional, and education some of which are now recognized as some of the most notable buildings in Canada.

    Project Profile

    Challenge

    Parkin Architects Limited has been using Revit for many years and has participated in multiple BIM projects with consultants and trades. Being a firm that transitioned from AutoCAD to Revit, their BIM Management Team had put together a Revit Standards Manual. This Revit Standards Manual was made up of an array of documents which needed to be reorganized and edited. This made managing Revit projects with existing and new staff problematic because a consistent method of setting up and developing Revit models was required, which was often time consuming. The highly demanded Management Team at Parkin Architects Limited. had limited time to properly edit the Revit Standards Manual and knew a solution was needed to revamp the process and make it more efficient.

    Solution

    In need of a solution, the Parkin Architects Limited management team turned to SolidCAD. After analyzing the needs and desired outcomes of Parkin Architects Limited, the SolidCAD team of Application Consultants used their knowledge and expertise to edit, simplify and re-organize the information in the Revit Standards Manual generated. Information including: refining the existing structure, enhancing their BIM Execution Plan, define end-user skills development and add required workflows based on industry best-practices were all added to the Revit Standards Manual developed by SolidCAD.

    Results

    The Revit Standards Manual developed by SolidCAD’s team of Application Consultants is now used for the internal training of new staff, as well as a reference on how new projects are to be setup and managed. This new structure also allows for future modification and additions as Parkin continues to expand the technology they use to design, manage and share their designs with related BIM data.

    SolidCAD and Parkin Architects Limited continue to work closely together, helping the firm in their continued expansion of the technology used for their projects.

    Testimonial

    The SolidCAD team was able to fulfill a need we had in compiling and completing our Revit Standards Manual.

    They were able to work within our Revit Manager’s busy schedule and completed the task within a very limited time frame. The final document was well organized, well written and is used daily by our Revit staff.

    – David Brown, Senior Associate of Parkin Architects Limited

    Products & Services Used

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    Civil 3D 2019.1 Update

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Autodesk has released the first update for Civil 3D 2019. It is called the Civil 3D 2019.1 Update. As is the new norm, updates contain fixes and also feature enhancements. You can discover all of the details in the official Autodesk ReadMe; I’ve outlined some of the highlights below.

    Not everyone reads the readme before installing, so to avoid the likely error message that 2019.1 will not install…The AutoCAD 2019.1 Update is a prerequisite of the Civil 3D 2019.1 Update and must be applied prior to installing the update.

    New Features
    • Rail tools and content.
    • Rail alignment offsets and cant support.
    • Sample line groups can now be data referenced.
    • Multiple connection points for pipe structures.
    • Publish a surface to BIM 360 for consumption in Revit.
    Fixes
    • Data shortcut performance improvements.
    • Pipe rules are no longer automatically applied. (See this article.)
    • Vault fixes.
    • Many other defects have been addressed.

    Civil 3D 2019 Pipe Networks

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Please note, this issue seems to have been fixed with the release of Civil 3D 2019.1.

    ————

    If you are still having issues with Civil 3D 2019 installed and you’re using pipe networks, please read this message.

    I have fielded two recent technical support cases exhibiting behavior that may not be immediately obvious, but is quite serious.  Edits to a surface can cause pipe rules to be automatically applied, changing pipe invert elevation when doing so.  Pipe rules should never be applied like this, they should only be applied when first creating pipes and then when manually invoking the Apply Pipe Rules tool.

    My customer edits a feature line elevation and his pipes all change invert elevations.  When the feature lines are edited, the surface updates, the rules are applied, and the inverts change.  Imagine this is a relatively minor edit on a Friday after which you print the construction documents without first looking at the pipes in profile.  Why would you?  The rules aren’t supposed to apply when a surface is edited.

    Other users are experiencing this issue and Autodesk is aware is the problem.  Let’s hope that this is fixed in the next Civil 3D update.

    Here are your workarounds:

    • Use 2018.  This may be a feasible workaround because the two are compatible.
    • Delete all of your pipe rules in any drawing that contains pipes.  Not the rule set, just the rules within the set.  There are no rules, so none can be applied when your surface changes.  Be careful though, if you have any reference styles and they are reloaded, the rules may get applied.  This does not work with surfaces that are DREFd into a pipe drawing.  Imagine that you edit your surface and save the file.  Then you open the pipes drawing, the surface updates instantly and the pipe rules get applied instantly as well.

     

    Autodesk Multi-User (Network) Licensing

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Infraworks 

    Attention Autodesk multi-user customers!  Excellent news follow.

    The 2019 license manager provides additional functionality which resolves two issues present in previous versions:

    1. In previous versions, if you have multiple versions of the same software installed (AutoCAD 2018 and 2016) and you launched both 2018 and 2016 simultaneously, 2 seats were consumed from the license manager.  With 2019, only a single seat is consumed.
    2. In previous versions, one could run only up to 2 products within a Collection simultaneously (AutoCAD 2018 and Revit 2018 for example).  If you attempted to run a 3rd product, say Navisworks, it would not run.  This restriction has been lifted for 2019.

    To reap the benefits:

    • The 2019 license manager must be installed.
    • A new 2019 LIC file must be obtained.

    Autodesk’s official documentation can be found at this link.

    SolidCAD continues to solidify its presence in Québec with the acquisition of Le Groupe A&A’s Autodesk Division (SIM)

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, June 4, 2018 – SolidCAD, a leading Autodesk Platinum Partner and Canada’s premier technology solution and professional service provider, has announced today the strategic acquisition of Le Groupe A&A’s Autodesk Division (SIM).

    Headquartered in Montréal (Anjou), Québec, Le Groupe A&A (SIM) has been serving design and data management professionals in the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries for over nine years. Now a renowned Autodesk Partner, Le Groupe A&A (SIM) analyzes, recommends, and implements the best design (CAD) and data management processes available. This acquisition is an exciting step for SolidCAD as they actively pursue the growth of their team of professionals and increase their presence not only across Canada, but particularly in Québec to better cater the local market needs.

    “We are extremely pleased to welcome Le Groupe A&A’s Autodesk Division (SIM) to the SolidCAD team. This acquisition opens up a great opportunity to support and serve our entire Autodesk customer base throughout Québec,” said Michael Kugan, President of SolidCAD. “As a national leader in the field of professional services, it’s imperative for us to continue providing our clients with a higher level of support from our experts, as well as a broader range of customized services and product expertise. This addition to our extensive Autodesk solutions will give SolidCAD the ability to further develop our professional services team and position ourselves as a leader in the Canadian market.”

    Le Groupe A&A will continue to leverage its strong presence in the small and wide format industry, as well as in the 3D printing equipment and electronic document management solutions markets in Québec. “This announcement is part of a strategic decision to realign the company with a business model focused primarily on the technological integration of 2D/3D printing systems and electronic document management,” said Roch Contant, President and Chief Executive of Le Groupe A&A. “We chose Cansel/SolidCAD based on their significant national presence and their ability to solve the challenges pertaining to Autodesk’s new business model. Our clients will be able to work with a partner who benefits from a rich experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. As for Le Groupe A&A’s employees currently assigned to its Autodesk Division, they will join SolidCAD’s family and maintain the same great level of professionalism that has enabled them to serve the customer base we have built over the last nine years as an Autodesk Partner.”

    About Le Groupe A&A

    Established in 1975, Le Groupe A&A ranks among Canada’s largest distributors of office equipment, including Konica Minolta multifunction copiers, KIP and HP wide format printers, as well as 3D printing systems. For over 20 years, Le Groupe A&A has developed through its EDM Division a team of professionals specialized in electronic document management. Strongly rooted in Québec, the company’s offices are located in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières. www.groupeaa.ca/en

    InfraWorks

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    InfraWorks 

    There has been a significant change to Infraworks’ services.

    1. It will no longer be possible to create new analyses such as Watershed, Traffic, Line Girder, Profile, and Corridor in 2018.2 and earlier versions of Infraworks.  In addition, web and mobile views will need to be recreated.

    Upgrading to Infraworks 2019 when it becomes available is required to use these features.  This step was taken to improve the security of your data by meeting SOC2 standards, and to conform to new EU data protection regulations.

    Click this link to learn more.

    2. The following services will be retired.

    a. Create Civil 3D drawings from InfraWorks models.

    b. Some cloud-based data translation. Additional software may be required to be installed onto your workstations.

    Click this link to learn more.

     

     

    AutoCAD 2019

    Posted on by SolidCAD

     AutoCAD 2019 

    Autodesk has released the latest iteration of its flagship drafting application AutoCAD.  Here are some of the highlights.

     

    • AutoCAD 2019 remains on the 2018 format. Files saved with 2019 can be opened in 2018.

    DWG Compare

    AutoCAD will highlight the differences between two selected drawings.

    Shared Views

    Share a view of your AutoCAD drawing online with others. Those users are not required to have AutoCAD installed since the AutoCAD file is viewed online in their web browser.  The DWG is not uploaded to the cloud, only the shared view.  Invited participants can view, print, measure, and mark up the view.

    Apps

    Autodesk has two apps for viewing and editing online; The Web app and the Mobile app.

    Industry-Specific Toolsets

    AutoCAD subscribers now receive the following Autodesk applications in addition to AutoCAD:

    • Architecture
    • Electrical design
    • Map 3D
    • Mechanical design
    • MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing)
    • Plant 3D, including P&ID functionality
    • Raster design

     

    SolidCAD announces its new partnership with dRofus, a software company offering data management tools for the global building industry

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, March 21, 2018—SolidCAD, Canada’s premier technology solution and professional service provider has announced its recent partnership with dRofus, a software company offering planning, data management and BIM collaboration tools that help provide comprehensive workflow support and access to building information throughout the entire building lifecycle. SolidCAD and dRofus will work together to provide their clients with high-quality services, training and support across Canada.

    “We are excited to establish this partnership with dRofus and add another software solution to our extensive product offerings,” said Michael Rotolo, National Team Lead for the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) industry at SolidCAD. “Many of our clients are looking for an end-to-end data management solution that will help support the full building lifecycle. With dRofus, SolidCAD will offer training and services that will help clients better plan, manage and maintain data for any building project. For years, SolidCAD has been dedicated to researching and partnering with technology innovators within the industry and we are pleased to become the newest associate partner with dRofus. Our goal is to put our clients first and help them achieve their goals and enhance their entire BIM workflow.”

    “We are pleased to announce our new partnership with SolidCAD to help expand our client base in Canada,” said David Patera, Managing Director for the Americas at dRofus.  “We’re excited to work with SolidCAD to build on our proven track record of being a single source of truth for managing project data on multiple P3 projects across the country.  Through this partnership we will increase awareness of how dRofus can help teams realize tangible benefits on not just P3’s but any BIM project, all with the local expertise of SolidCAD.”

    If you are interested in learning more about dRofus and SolidCAD, please visit:

    https://www.solidcad.ca/products/drofus 

    About dRofus

    dRofus was founded in 2011 in Oslo, Norway. Today we have expanded with subsidiaries in the USA, Australia, Sweden, and France. Our international customer base includes public and private building owners, designers, engineers, and contractors. The software has established a dominant position in the construction of healthcare facilities and airports.  We have an expanding portfolio of project types including, but not limited to, professional stadiums, high-speed rail systems, high rises, power plants, defense, correctional facilities and higher education.

    We are committed to Open BIM and as part of the Nemetschek Group, our aim is to deliver the best possible, most innovative and most successful AECO software solutions. www.drofus.no/en/

    Autodesk has announced the discontinuation of their product, Infrastructure Map Server

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, March 12, 2018 — As of January 7, 2018, Autodesk has discontinued the sale of new subscriptions of Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server (AIMS). The product will officially discontinue as an individual product and new subscriptions, renewals for maintenance plans or subscriptions will no longer be available.

    At SolidCAD, our goal is to help your team in managing this change, including sustainment of your current Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server (AIMS) planning the migration to Autodesk MapGuide Open Source, ESRI ArcGIS or explore available options.’

    Cooperatively, Esri is providing no-cost ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Desktop software and access to free training including Living Atlas of the World content to get you started with ArcGIS. For more information, please visit: http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/autodesk-esri-strategic-alliance-aims

    And read the official Press Release from Autodesk, please visit: https://www.autodesk.com/products/infrastructure-map-server/overview

    Autodesk is committed to continuing to provide AutoCAD Map 3D as a 3D platform, drafting, design and data management solution. AutoCAD Map 3D continues to be the spatially enabled solution for customers who want broad access to CAD and GIS data to support planning, design, and data management workflows.

    SolidCAD is committed to supporting you and your team through this technology transition.

    Infraworks 2018.2

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Infraworks 2018.2

    Autodesk has released the latest update for its Infraworks application.  You will find information about the update in the team webcast found here.  The update is not yet available as of January 2, 2018, but check your Desktop App or Autodesk Account for it in the very near future.

     

    A brief look at the new features…

    Reality Capture

    • Linear breakline extraction improvements.
    • Linear breakline editing tools.
    • Camera image lookup from point cloud scans.

    Road Modeling

    • PI and Element based modeling.
    • Element editing improvements.

    Quantities

    • Calculate drainage quantities by up to 4 depth ranges.
    • Utility and generic quantities by style.
    • QTO visualization.

    Bridge Modeling

    • Manage parametric content.
    • Use inventor assemblies.
    • Export template for use in other models.
    • Automatic bridge creation over water has been removed.