Category Archives: Building Information Modeling

AutoCAD, AutoDesk, Autodesk 360, Building Information Modeling, Tools

Autodesk Liberates Designers with Cloud-Based Pay-As-You-Go Simulation

Autodesk, Inc. today unveiled Autodesk Simulation 360—a comprehensive set of tools delivered securely in the cloud with a pay-as-you-go pricing model that enables any company to make simulation part of their everyday design and engineering processes.

With Autodesk Simulation 360, designers, engineers and analysts can more easily predict, optimize and validate the performance of things in the world around us. The virtually infinite power of the cloud allows complex engineering tests that were once limited to simulation specialists to be performed by mainstream designers. For example:

  • Product designers can test how various ergonomic designs of furniture,
    such as chairs, will accommodate and adapt to differing body types and
    levels of use well before the piece is ever manufactured.
  • Manufacturers can understand the heat generated by electronics devices
    enabling them to design-in proper cooling, avoid overheating and help
    prevent costly consumer recalls.
  • Architects and engineers can gain deeper insight into how buildings,
    including plants, will perform by simulating air flow to help ensure
    thermal comfort; analyze environmental effects on bridges and
    buildings; and test the behavior of structural materials including
    concrete — all before anything is ever built.

Autodesk Simulation 360 is the latest offering to build upon the Autodesk 360 cloud-based platform. By performing computationally intensive simulation tasks in the cloud, designers, engineers and analysts can test multiple “what if?” design scenarios in parallel. The computational power of the cloud also eliminates the need for specialized hardware, thereby removing previous limitations and helping to increase productivity.

“The ability to run multiple simulation studies in the cloud, in the same time as a typical singular simulation study with single variables, really opens up the game for us by helping us understand much more of the system in a shorter amount of time,” said Matt Nowicki, senior product engineer at BioLite, Inc. “It’s impressive how easy, valuable and seamless simulating in the cloud can be for a company such as ours.”

“Our customers can now visualize building comfort before the project is constructed. This enables them to make more informed decisions pertaining to project costs and lets them evaluate system and energy trade-offs as well. Providing this type of service helps distinguish us from our competition,” said Darryl McClelland, BIM and Virtual Design manager at Heapy Engineering, which provides Mechanical-Electrical-Technology Systems Design Services, LEED and Energy Consulting Services, Building Commissioning Services, and Planning Services.

The Autodesk Simulation 360 software portfolio includes a wide range of cloud-based mechanical, fluid flow, thermal and plastic injection molding tools at an affordable price. Additional benefits include direct geometry exchange; robust meshing tools; extensive material libraries; and proven solver technology to improve simulation accuracy in the areas of greatest concern.

“Businesses simply can’t afford not to understand how their designs will perform before anything gets built,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Design, Lifecycle and Simulation at Autodesk. “Autodesk Simulation 360 puts powerful simulation capabilities within reach for designers and engineers at virtually every company, giving them the tools they need to better predict, optimize and validate their designs early in the design process.”

In contrast to traditional perpetual licensing, Autodesk Simulation 360’s easy and affordable, pay-as-you-go model simplifies access and offers unparalleled flexibility. Autodesk Simulation 360 is now available in English, and is planned to be available in other languages in the near future. For additional information on how to access Autodesk Simulation 360 and take part in the Simulation Liberation event, visit www.autodesk.com/simulationliberation. Additional resources such as simulation experts, on-demand videos and tutorials are available at www.autodesk.com/simulation-360.


AutoDesk, BIM, Building Information Modeling, Construction, M&A Activity, Project management, Vela Systems

Autodesk Acquires Vela Systems for Construction Management

Image representing Vela Systems as depicted in...

Autodesk, Inc. has acquired Vela Systems, a provider of cloud and mobile field management software for the construction industry. The addition of Vela Systems field management products to Autodesk’s growing portfolio of cloud and mobile products is helping to extend the value of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project data to construction customers in the field. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“BIM has tremendous value in the planning and design aspects of construction projects, but if you can’t get that rich data into the field, at the point of construction, you are leaving out the critical ‘last 100 yards’ in the process. Integrating Vela Systems and its cloud and mobile products with the Autodesk BIM portfolio transforms the business of construction, delivering valuable information to job sites anywhere in the world,” said Amar Hanspal, Senior Vice President, Information Modeling and Platform Products Group.

Based in Burlington, Massachusetts, Vela Systems extends the power of BIM with cloud and mobile technologies that enable project and company-wide programs for streamlined management of quality, safety, commissioning and field construction. The powerful reporting tools provide immediate visibility into issues in the field, allowing for proactive management and resolution, rather than time consuming and expensive overruns caused by a reactive approach. Vela Systems software and services are integrated with current Autodesk integrated project management software including Autodesk Navisworks, the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry’s standard comprehensive set of integration, analysis, and communication tools for project review.

“Vela Systems has been a longstanding partner of Autodesk, and has been leading the charge in the field. The confluence of cloud computing, iOS mobile devices like the iPad and BIM has enabled a new way to deliver and manage construction projects of all types. With the acquisition, we will accelerate this revolution in field management through a broader solution and greatly enhanced distribution,” said Josh Kanner, co-founder, of Vela Systems.

Combined with the Autodesk BIM portfolio, the Vela Systems software has already helped contractors, owners, architects and engineers accelerate project schedules, reduce project risk, and improve the flow of information, including key data and project photos, between project stakeholders. Autodesk users can now reduce reliance on manual processes to track progress, document work activities and resolve issues. With the Vela Systems integration, users can also visualize the as-designed building in the field to improve quality and fidelity to design intent; streamline reviews; save money with more efficient workflows by linking physical tasks to a virtual model; and capture critical data on materials, systems, and equipment.