Design technology company Autodesk is celebrating 20 years in business. Back then, computer-aided design (CAD), simply automated drawing tasks, accelerating the generation of detailed drawings.

Today, the company is making making substantial gains as it reaps the benefits from the latest wave of design technology - model-based design. According to managing director of Autodesk Africa, Errol Ashwell, users across design markets are flocking to model-based industry-specific solutions. "In the manufacturing environment companies are turning to Autodesk's 3D specialist mechanical solution, Autodesk Inventor, because it delivers increased accuracy, greater ease of use, and broader functionality - all of which translate to increased productivity, reduced costs, and greater profitability."

Intelligence embedded in 3D models advances knowledge sharing in the built environment, where five or more professionals collaborate on every project. "The sharing of intelligent digital design data is particularly pertinent right now, as professionals reeling from the aftershock of the collapse of two local buildings in the last few months look for ways in which to boost safety," says Ashwell.

"While nothing can replace the ultimate responsibility that individuals carry, there are smart design tools to assist them in fulfilling their tasks. "Sharing of intelligent digital design data reduces inaccuracies that occur when project members use disparate design systems."

Autodesk Africa has partnered with local developers to deliver an entire range of local architectural, structural engineering and civil engineering applications. These applications are tailored to cater for local conditions and are built on the Autodesk global platform.

Ashwell says developers in the geographic information systems (GIS) environment are extending the value of location data by using Internet-enabled Autodesk MapGuide software to make it available to extended networks of users. Ashwell says Autodesk will spend the next 20 years helping users create and make the most of their digital design data.

Autodesk (Africa)

012 664 8115