Rapiscan Uses Autodesk Vault to Effectively Collaborate on Security Products

Rapiscan Systems — a world leader in security screening and the official supplier of security systems for the London 2012 Olympics — is using Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) software to enable its engineers to collaborate more efficiently in the creation of the company’s innovative and powerful security products.

With 14 major locations around the world, Rapiscan’s highly sophisticated security offerings are renowned for meeting the most demanding threat detection requirements. Autodesk Inventor Digital Prototyping software and Autodesk Vault product data management software help Rapiscan drive innovation and foster teamwork among a globally distributed group of engineers working together on the Rapiscan Real Time Tomography (RTT) scanner.

Unlike conventional scanners, the RTT80 is a high-speed security scanner providing detailed 3D images capable of being rotated and viewed from virtually any angle, making it easier for screeners to detect threats. Because the RTT80 contains thousands of parts and requires collaboration from multiple teams in multiple locations, Autodesk Vault product data management software provides an ideal way for the Rapiscan team to track and manage data.

Simplifying Data Management Across Team Members

Rapiscan used to rely on FTP and email to exchange designs created with Autodesk Inventor Digital Prototyping software, but the firm experienced version control difficulties and inefficient tracking and communication.

“Autodesk Vault helps us be more systematized with file location, file control and file sharing without risking damage to them,” said Bally Panesar, Global Director, Mechanical Engineering at Rapiscan. “Since we now use Autodesk Vault as a central hub for all our data, we no longer have to worry about accidentally overwriting files or wonder whether or not our manufacturing team is receiving the most up-to-date versions.”

Having this kind of control over product data helps prevent costly errors both upstream and downstream, enabling Rapiscan to better meet tight deadlines and keep up with customer demand for its products.

“For global companies with distributed engineering teams, effective collaboration is more important than ever,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “By using Autodesk Vault to manage their product data, industry leaders like Rapiscan are better able to reduce errors and, ultimately, speed time to market.”