Autodesk Solution to Integrate AutoCAD Platform with GIS Data for
Leading Texas Utility Company
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sep 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Autodesk,
Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a world leader in 3D
design, engineering and entertainment software, today announced that
Austin Energy has selected Autodesk
Utility Design (AUD) as their distribution design solution. The
Autodesk Utility Design solution will interface with the utility's
Geographic Information System (GIS) software, enabling Austin to
optimize its CAD-based facility and network design using more accurate
data and smoother processes.
"Austin Energy sought to replace their existing distribution design
software with a CAD-based solution that will enable them to leverage
existing AutoCAD
software investment and skills," said Alan Saunders, senior industry
manager, utilities, at Autodesk. "Selecting AUD will help their 40
distribution designers to standardize designs, control costs, and
enhance productivity."
Austin Energy
The nation's ninth-largest community-owned electric utility, Austin
Energy serves approximately 400,000 customers in the Texas capital and
surrounding county. Austin Energy is noted for its industry-leading
renewable-energy, smart grid, and green building programs, and generates
up to 2,600 megawatts of electricity through a diverse mix of energy
sources. As a publicly-owned power company and a city department, Austin
Energy returns profits to the community annually, funding city services
and amenities.
Smart Grids Require Smart Design
One of the challenges Austin Energy faced in choosing a design solution
arose from them being a department of the City of Austin. Austin Energy
had been using GE Smallworld GIS software, while the City of Austin was
using ESRI GIS software. Since AUD can more easily and accurately
integrate data from both of those systems, Austin Energy chose AUD so
its designers could have better access to the relevant information they
need in order to create smart designs.
Autodesk Utility Design replaces a system that was disconnected from GIS
and other key systems within Austin Energy. With AUD, Austin Energy will
be able to bridge its multiple GIS platforms while leveraging its
existing AutoCAD footprint and talent-- making it a more economical,
safe and flexible choice.
Uniting Design Inputs and Processes
Autodesk Utility Design software was also chosen for tools that help
speed and simplify layout, sizing, documentation and analysis. "AUD
supports standard engineering rules and calculations as well as Austin
Energy's specific utility standards," said Saunders.
In addition to providing direct access to GIS data, AUD enables
developer drawings and other external inputs to be imported more easily.
AUD also automatically generates cost estimates and bills of material,
so designers have information they need connected to a foundation of
rules and standards.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D
design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the
manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and
entertainment industries - including the last 15 Academy Award winners
for Best Visual Effects - use Autodesk software to design, visualize,
and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in
1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of
state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information
about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA
and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or
trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the
right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and
pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for
typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.
Autodesk
Brett Smith, 415-547-2405
brett.smith@autodesk.com
