New Autodesk Factory Design Suite Accelerates the Factory Design Process

Software Suite Extends the Benefits of Digital Prototyping to the Factory Floor.

Autodesk announced that the Autodesk Factory Design Suite — a comprehensive new 2D and 3D solution that simplifies layout of manufacturing facilities and production machine lines — is now available. Autodesk Factory Design Suite enables manufacturers to create accurate digital factory models, enabling better decisions before factory build-out and helping to save time and money.

Core products in the suite include AutoCAD Architecture, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk Vault software. In addition, new Autodesk Factory Design Utilities offer a factory-specific work environment that helps factory designers spend more time innovating rather than drafting.

By integrating 2D layout data with 3D models of factory equipment, the Autodesk Factory Design Suite helps manufacturers create digital prototypes of their factory, predict problems, and reduce risks early on in their factory plans to help improve profitability.

Key features of the Autodesk Factory Design Suite include:

* Integrated 2D/3D Visual Layout — Users can reuse existing 2D layout data in a 3D visual layout environment to try different what-if scenarios by dropping 3D factory models on top of a 2D floor plan.
* Extensive Library of Factory Assets — The suite includes a library of parametric, factory-specific content such as conveyors, material handling equipment, safety fences and other objects. Users can also create factory assets or easily import factory assets from suppliers to include in the factory layout.
* Virtual Exploration with 3D Visualization and Analysis — The software enables users to explore factory layouts with 3D virtual “walk-throughs” and “fly-throughs” and to analyze the digital factory model for clashes and space constraints.
* Design Efficiency with Laser Scan Workflows — Modern laser scan workflows replace manual tape measures to help speed the layout process.

Autodesk Factory Design Suite will be available in Premium and Advanced editions:

* Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2011: Includes AutoCAD Architecture, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Navisworks Simulate, Autodesk Vault and Autodesk Factory Design Utilities software.
* Autodesk Factory Design Suite Advanced 2011: Includes AutoCAD Architecture, Autodesk Inventor Professional, Autodesk Navisworks Manage, Autodesk Vault and Autodesk Factory Design Utilities software.