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Building and Site Management
News Release from: Autodesk | Subject: AutoCAD and Autodesk DWF Composer
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 August 2005
AutoCAD and Autodesk speed design review
Engineering firm depends on AutoCAD and Autodesk DWF Composer Software to speed design review process.
From California's wine country to Maui, Hawaii, and from elementary schools to senior assisted-care facilities, structural engineering firm MKM and Associates (MKM) works on as many as 50 projects at any given time Using solutions from Autodesk, MKM has turned its idea for business expansion into reality, by accelerating the design and review process
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 29 May 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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"We've seen significant improvements in our efficiency and cost effectiveness as a direct result of using Autodesk technology," said Mark Douglas, structural technician, MKM and Associates.
"Our savings on printing and delivery costs alone have more than recouped our investment".
"Perhaps more importantly, we've also accelerated our review process by two- to three-days per cycle compared to paper-based reviews".
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Autodesk solutions, including AutoCAD 2006 and Autodesk DWF Composer software, enable MKM professionals to create, manage and share accurate, up-to-date design files with minimal paper, far less drafting work - and at a fraction of former printing and shipping costs.
DWF is an open, standards-based specification for securely sharing rich, digital data design files.
With DWF Composer, the files can be reviewed, marked up and revised through an integrated design review process spanning all team members.
AutoCAD 2006 is the world-leading customisable and extendable software for drafting, detailing and design.
MKM has also deployed Autodesk Architectural Desktop, the market-leading AutoCAD-based design and documentation productivity solution for architects.
Saving Time and Money Founded in 1983, MKM and Associates provides structural engineering expertise ranging from residential and commercial projects to public works and institutional assignments.
The company has automated the most time-consuming aspects of the design review process by making what were paper-based actions entirely digital.
Using DWF Composer to review and mark up 2D and 3D files, MKM professionals have drastically reduced the amount of paper and the costly courier services they were using to send files to their clients - owners, developers, contractors and city planning departments.
And because DWF does not require use of the originating design software to view files, the recipients find it easier to take an active part in the design review process.
In the field, engineers are able to mark up DWF versions of files, eliminating time-consuming, error-prone transfer of redlines on paper drawings prior to submission for review.
DWF Composer's tracking function and drag-and-drop capabilities make it easier to provide detailed information to drafters, who can incorporate the changes directly into the original AutoCAD files.
Drafting teams also take advantage of AutoCAD 2006 features to speed the design process.
MKM staff depends on the software's capabilities for creation and reuse of design elements - called Dynamic Blocks - rather than creating these objects from scratch with each project.
As a result, MKM has measured a dramatic 75 per cent reduction in time spent on this task alone.
In addition, users rely on Sheet Set Manager features to create, print and distribute DWF design files in just minutes, rather than the hours once required for paper plans.
They also leverage the AutoCAD Markup Set Manager feature to review and incorporate redlines made with DWF Composer software.
"Companies like MKM and Associates are realising the advantages that AutoCAD and Autodesk DWF Composer offer in concert," said Jonathan Knowles, director of worldwide market development for Autodesk Collaboration Services.
"DWF Composer makes it easy to review, mark up and revise high-fidelity versions of drawings and models connecting team members inside and outside the office".
"AutoCAD 2006 streamlines everyday drafting tasks". Request a free brochure from Autodesk ...
"Together, they're a powerful combination for greater productivity.".
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