Autodesk Building Systems

Autodesk Building Systems

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Autodesk Building Systems?
Autodesk® Building Systems software provides integrated AutoCAD®-based building systems design and analysis for improved productivity, accuracy, and coordination─from conceptual design through construction documentation. Built on AutoCAD and using the ObjectARX® technology in Autodesk® Architectural Desktop, Autodesk Building Systems enables you to work in an intuitive design environment with intelligent engineering objects that know their form, fit, and function and behave according to their real-world properties. This technology improves workflow efficiencies for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering designs.

2. What are the main benefits of Autodesk Building Systems software? How are these improved in Building Systems 2006?

Productivity
Get the best of both worlds: the familiar AutoCAD interface and a data-rich model in a software environment organized for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design workflows. Flexibly implement Autodesk Building Systems, adapting it to existing workflows to improve the design process. Move from schematic design to documentation faster through automated production of construction documents with an object-based systems model. Spend more time designing and less time drafting by working in an intuitive design environment with intelligent engineering objects. And work in a familiar AutoCAD environment to implement new design tools at your own pace.

With improvements to HVAC layout and modify tools in Autodesk® Building Systems 2006, you can be even more productive. Lay out HVAC systems easier with enhanced connectivity between objects. Now, in Building Systems 2006 you can connect systems through external reference files (xrefs) and make modifications while maintaining the integrity of the system by keeping components connected.

Accuracy
With Autodesk Building Systems your designs are coordinated with your construction documents. Reduce requests for information (RFIs) and costly design changes in the field with construction documents that are dynamically linked to the design model. Incorporate industry-based parts and equipment into design layouts for more efficient design development and construction documentation. Get instant feedback directly from the object-based systems model to maximize coordination with architectural and structural designs. And streamline design through the automated exchange of engineering data between the model and third-party applications for design analysis, fabrication, and cost estimating.

Autodesk Building Systems 2006 helps improve the accuracy of your designs with easy access to the engineering design data in your model. Export the engineering data to third-party applications that now include fabrication and estimating in addition to analysis applications. And access engineering data and calculations through the scheduling tools to generate more accurate schedules, minimizing the amount of manual editing.

Coordination
Help ensure coordination with the extended design team, including architectural and structural designs, before construction begins. Clearly communicate design intent with a realistic representation of building systems directly from the model. Collaborate smoothly with the extended team using the industry-leading DWG file format. Collaborate by taking advantage of architectural base plans developed using AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop software. And because Autodesk Building Systems is interoperable with other Autodesk building design solutions─such as AutoCAD software and the Autodesk® Buzzsaw® online project collaboration service─data sharing among the extended design team has never been easier, resulting in better coordination between engineers, architects, and builders.

With Autodesk Building Systems 2006 you can collaborate even more smoothly by publishing your data to the web or to 3D Autodesk® DWF™ (Design Web Format™) file format. With the click of a button you can publish part catalogs to the web, making it easier to share parts while maintaining consistency across your projects. Publish all or part of your design in 3D complete with object data, enabling your clients or other design team members to view your drawings using Autodesk® DWF™ Viewer while protecting your designs from unwanted changes. And to simplify review cycles, use Autodesk® DWF™ Composer to mark up and redline drawings fast and efficiently.

3. Do I need to purchase Autodesk Architectural Desktop or AutoCAD in order to run Autodesk Building Systems?
No. Autodesk® Building Systems 2006 is built on the same technology as Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006─which includes all AutoCAD 2006 functionality─providing an all-in-one building systems engineering solution. You do not need to purchase separate licenses of those products to use Building Systems. Of course, in the context of your organization’s overall needs, some combination of these products, as well as Autodesk® Revit® Building, may be the best solution. Your local
Autodesk Authorized Reseller Computec can help you find the optimal solution.

4. What is the significance of 3D in Autodesk Building Systems?

Because the objects in Autodesk Building Systems describe real-world building components, you can automatically create both 2D and 3D representations and use either one to view or edit the model. This capability conveniently and smoothly integrates 2D and 3D functionality and allows for the visualization of design intent with accurate models that help reduce errors and accelerate the design process.

For example, you can quickly and easily create one-line design layouts in the initial phases of the design process to explore multiple design scenarios. And then quickly convert the one-line layout to 3D components when moving into design development. You can even use 3D to visually check for any type of interference in your design.

The software’s 3D capability also provides exportable geometric information─as well as engineering design data─that can be used for other applications, including engineering analysis, fabrication, and cost estimating.

You don’t have to use the 3D functionality in Autodesk Building Systems to see improvements in productivity and accuracy. Object technology increases productivity and accuracy without the need to leave the 2D view. With Autodesk Building Systems software you can incorporate 3D into your design process at your own pace.

5. Can I perform engineering design calculations and analysis with Autodesk Building Systems?

Yes. Autodesk Building Systems supports engineering calculation and analysis through the connectivity between objects and the engineering data stored in the objects.

Size duct automatically while laying out ductwork based on traditional duct design methods, including equal friction and static regain. Use circuit tools to automatically total circuit and power loads; generate circuit reports that can be exported directly to a bidirectional Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet, where you can quickly size wires, panels, and main service lines; and use the Circuit Manager to automatically flag overloads based on calculated loads and wire sizes. Size supply piping (hot and cold domestic water) and sanitary waste with automated tools based on customizable plumbing code and fixture unit pipe-sizing tables.

Autodesk also has been working closely with industry-leading analysis, fabrication, and cost-estimating applications to improve the design process. Through exporting to standard file formats, such as gbXML (green building extensible markup language) and ddXML (duct design extensible markup language), and taking advantage of the application programming interface (API), you can extract crucial engineering design data from Autodesk Building Systems models for interoperability with third-party applications. For more information see question 6.

6. Is Autodesk Building Systems compatible with third-party engineering applications? Which partners are working with Autodesk to provide this functionality?

Yes. By exporting to standard file formats, such as gbXML and ddXML, and taking advantage of the API available for Autodesk Building Systems, you can extract crucial engineering design data from Building Systems 2006 for interoperability with third-party applications from industry leaders.

Autodesk is working with industry leaders, including Trane, GeoPraxis, Elite, Wendes, and EastCoast CAD, to provide this functionality for engineering design analysis, cost estimating, and fabrication (some of these applications may not yet be available). Your existing third-party applications may be compatible with the current release of Autodesk Building Systems. Contact your independent software supplier for details.

7. Is there an easy way to “flatten” designs so I can share them with project team members who are not using Autodesk Building Systems?
Yes. The Export to AutoCAD feature “flattens” the design to basic AutoCAD entities, making it easy to collaborate with members of your extended design team who may not be using Autodesk Building Systems software. This release supports Export to AutoCAD 2004/2005/2006 and AutoCAD 2000 DWG and DXF™ formats, making it possible for users of AutoCAD 2000, 2000i, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 to open Autodesk Building Systems 2006 files without using object enablers.

8. Can I rely on my AutoCAD knowledge to use Autodesk Building Systems? How quickly can I learn the new features in Autodesk Building Systems 2006?

Although Autodesk Building Systems incorporates your knowledge of AutoCAD software, training is recommended. Training improves productivity, increases return on investment, and enhances your Autodesk Building Systems knowledge.

Autodesk Building Systems builds on the speed, performance, and familiarity of AutoCAD, so AutoCAD users have a strong foundation from which to learn Autodesk Building Systems. Building Systems introduces object-based technology through the use of engineering objects and provides additional features and functionality that specifically meet the needs of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering professionals for design development.

As always, training improves your productivity and speed of learning. Self-paced e-Learning options are available to subscription members. For more information, contact your Autodesk Authorized ResellerComputec.

9. My organization has recently implemented Autodesk Building Systems 2004 or 2005. How much training or retraining is required to effectively use Autodesk Building Systems 2006?

Autodesk Building Systems 2006 builds on the concepts introduced in Autodesk® Building Systems 2004 and 2005. As a result, you can start using Autodesk Building Systems 2006 with little to no retraining. Users proficient in Building Systems 2004 or 2005 can use Building Systems 2006 in the same way they use 2004 or 2005. However, you may want to consider some training to take full advantage of new features.

You can learn about all support options from your local Autodesk Authorized Reseller Computec

Visit www.autodesk.com/buildingsystems-support to find a knowledge base of commonly asked support questions. Also, Autodesk software manuals and documentation are a great source of answers to your support questions. Autodesk hosts topical discussion groups and webcasts about specific products, including Autodesk Building Systems, and about general topics, such as drafting techniques and customization. You can ask questions and read information about the use of Building Systems in these peer-to-peer discussion groups on www.autodesk.com/buildingsystems-discussion.

10. Where can I purchase Autodesk Building Systems?

Autodesk Building Systems is available worldwide. A U.K. version is available that includes specific U.K. metric content and additional features unique for the Commonwealth market. Contact your local Autodesk Authorized Reseller for more information. To locate one near you,

Autodesk Building Systems is also available through the Autodesk online store at www.autodesk.com/store.

Read a full list of Autodesk Building Systems 2006 questions and answers.

 

Autodesk Building Systems 2006 Questions and Answers (pdf - 101 Kb)

 

 

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