Transitioning your AutoCAD/Civil 3D projects to the Autodesk Forma platform can seem overwhelming, especially for small to mid-sized companies. In this case study, we’ll explore how Crozier Consultant Engineers successfully migrated both new and existing projects to Autodesk Forma (Forma Data Management, Forma Design Collaboration). For many companies, shifting from a Windows-based file system to Forma Data Management is a relatively new experience. We'll examine the benefits of working in a cloud environment, and the challenges of moving existing projects to the cloud. Additionally, we'll explore best practices for this transition and the tools that can facilitate the process.

AutoCAD (& verticals) Plant 3D, and Revit all have different workflows with ACC/BIM 360 projects and the Desktop Connector. After many challenging hours I believe I have finally found a way to explain the various ACC/BIM 360 workflows and would like to share this knowledge with everyone else who's also dealing with all these various workflows and collaboration options. Specifically, I'm going to cover working with Revit, Plant 3D, and Civil 3D (same workflows for AutoCAD) with ACC and/or BIM 360 projects. I'll also cover the Desktop Connector 15 and 16 and the differences we've encountered, good and bad.

Learn how to implement Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) processes through the use of iConstruct. This class will develop the skills required to process the model from the desktop to the cloud utilizing the iConstruct Forge AWP application. Learn about the opportunities to create efficient workflows through the use of the iConstruct tool suite and how this will enable efficient Work Package management in the Forge Viewer. Learn strategies on how to optimize the model, such as changing the hierarchy of the model, data integration, status visualization, work hours, and the addition of further Work Pack attributes. Plus, see how this may integrate with BIM 360 Docs software and other project systems.

Make manual site coordination a thing of the past. In this class you'll learn how to consistently and accurately transfer information between Revit software and Civil 3D software. Using the Shared Reference Point tool, we'll walk through the setup so that your Revit model comes accurately into Civil 3D. If you're looking to send information the other way, BIM 360 software and the Desktop Connector are your friend. By the end of this class, you'll understand why these tools work the way they do, and how to send information back and forth between Revit and Civil 3D.

Last year we did a class (“How to Use Fusion 360 and Inventor for Effective Designs”) where we linked Fusion 360 files with Inventor using Desktop Connector. The most requested addition to that was to link those files into Vault software, so this year we’ll go through some of the different configurations for how we can load and manage these Fusion 360 files in Vault. Some of the things we will look at include creating the connection and adding the files, as well as managing the files; and we’ll also discuss version and revisions of the files in Vault.

Choosing which software tool to use isn't always easy. Understanding which tool is best for the job is critical when developing new designs. Additionally, not understanding how tools work together can cause unnecessary rework, project delays, and unsatisfactory design performance. This instructional demonstration will help you understand how Inventor software, Fusion 360 software, and AutoCAD software work as independent design tools as well as in connected workflows.

How to use the isometric configuration files for your needs - with a main focus on the isoconfig.xml.

AutoCAD software offers a variety of features that let you automate workflows and reduce repetitive tasks. In this lab, you will create action macros, develop simple AutoLISP programs, learn the basics to deploy AutoLISP files, and manage settings with user profiles. After this lab, you will have a broad understanding of how to implement automation and improve productivity when you return to your office. This session features AutoCAD software; AutoCAD LT software doesn't support AutoLISP programming.

Looking for even more tips and tricks? There's always more to learn, and you're sure learn something new from this fast-paced sequel that will highlight even more 60 Inventor tips in 60 minutes. We'll showcase some of the less obvious commands or features and their locations within the Inventor environment. Along the way we'll look at how some of the tips work and how they might help you in your daily designing. So, strap back in! Buckle up and hang on tight—because we're taking another lap around. We've got a lot to cover and only 60 minutes to get it done.

Customizing the AutoCAD software or AutoCAD LT software is a great way to increase productivity, but many users are unsure of how to get started. In this lab, you’ll learn about several of the basic customization features that you can use to simplify workflows and reduce repetitive tasks. You can customize features such as command aliases and the ribbon to improve access to frequently used commands, and you can create tool palettes and script files to reduce the number of steps required to complete a task.

Have you ever wanted to automate complicated or time-consuming design processes? Maybe you've been intimidated at the idea of learning how to program, or even where to start? In this class, you'll learn how to write your first plug-in for AutoCAD software, using the C# language. If you've already started your programming journey, you'll benefit from learning some coding best practices. Join a two-time Autodesk University Top Speaker for this exciting introduction to programming in AutoCAD.

This award-winning panel is back this year with a new list of topics to discuss. Learn from the experiences of this panel of diverse CAD Managers that are widely respected as leaders in their field. Hear their unique perspective and solutions to challenges faced by CAD Managers from organizations of all sizes and backgrounds. Topics include CAD standards, keeping up with rapidly changing technology, managing users, communicating with management and other non-technical people, budgeting and much more. There will also be time for Q&A where you can ask these experts the questions you’ve always wanted to find answers to. Join us for a panel discussion that has become an anticipated AU tradition. Bring your questions and get answers from four CAD Managers who have been there and done that.

If you took Part 1 of this class (today or during a previous year at Autodesk University) and you’re ready to learn even more, this class takes the next step as we look at the geographic information system (GIS) capability in AutoCAD Civil 3D software and how it can benefit civil engineers and surveyors. GIS data can be created directly in AutoCAD Civil 3D or imported from other programs. Once you have access to that data, the real fun begins. This class will explore ways to analyze, display, and use this information to answer questions and automate common tasks. The request to provide design data to GIS departments is becoming more common every day. This class will explore the details of why just sending them a drawing is often not an adequate way to satisfy that request. You’ll learn ways to export AutoCAD Civil 3D objects to GIS formats that can be used easily and consistently by your GIS department.

Are you a CAD manager where AutoCAD Civil 3D software is only one of the many software applications you are responsible for maintaining and managing, even though you might not consider yourself an AutoCAD Civil 3D power user? Even if you have an extensive background with AutoCAD Civil 3D software but you just want to learn more from a CAD management perspective, you won't want to miss this class. AutoCAD Civil 3D software is much more than just AutoCAD software for civil/survey users. It has many traits and features that make it powerful, and it can also bring unique needs and challenges to the CAD manager. The great news is that these challenges are not hard to overcome once you understand the reasons behind them. In this class we will discuss managing templates, styles, and settings—which can be the biggest obstacles to success with AutoCAD Civil 3D software. The class will also explore data compatibility and translation, output options, and different approaches to training. Don't miss this chance to learn ways to more effectively manage AutoCAD Civil 3D software within your CAD system.

Managing the metadata associated with your designs can be a confusing task. If you are using Vault software, the first step in the process is realizing that Vault Properties and Inventor software’s iProperties are actually different. Also, you have to understand the difference between a Vault system property and a Vault user-defined property. Once you understand all the different types of properties involved, how do you get them to work together? This class will guide you through the journey, from understanding the difference between iProperties versus Vault properties and Vault system properties and Vault user-defined properties. Then we will demonstrate how to create the proper mappings that will enable them to work seamlessly together. We will discuss different ways to use this data, from searching Vault for these properties to how to use those properties on drawing title blocks and parts lists.

Has your design firm worked hard to get to your current level of success? Is everything firing on all cylinders, with clients coming in and great designs going out? Is the IT barrier the only thing preventing you from successfully scaling further? IT doesn't have to be a mystery any longer. Don't miss out on the session that will pull back the curtains and reveal the secrets of success IT in the design firm. Learn the basics of networks and file management. Get tips on servers, backups, and more. Find out why investing dimes today in prevention and good hardware will return dollars in production uptime. If you want your tech to work for you, then this is the session to attend! Never feel like a stranger in the server room again.

Learn how to increase efficiency in your development process by implementing Vault software and Fusion Lifecycle software. In this class, you will hear about the journey Reynaers Aluminium took to move from its old product data management (PDM) system to a fully integrated solution: CAD, PDM, PLM (product lifecycle management), and enterprise resource planning (ERP). You will learn about the how and why behind our architecture and the lessons learned during implementation. Get insight into the place PDM and PLM have in our organization today, how they are connected with other core databases, and what our further digitalization road map looks like. Also discover how Fusion Lifecycle offers article lifecycle management as well as full project management by streamlining our NPI (new product introduction) flow. All project phases are implemented into Fusion Lifecyle, including a customized project management tab to enable real project planning. Integrating Fusion Lifecycle with Vault creates one common platform, resulting in an efficient way of collaboration as well as a single source of truth across the company.

The Fusion 360 platform is an extremely powerful tool for design and manufacturing, and with the inclusion of an easily accessible API, it can become even more powerful to automate user workflows. This class is NOT an introduction to the API. Rather, this class will focus on a number of powerful techniques the presenters have developed throughout the years to significantly enhance developer workflows and increase what you may think is possible with the Fusion 360 Client API. The class will focus on a number of specific problems and use cases commonly encountered when building automations and application integrations. Come learn how to do things you may never have thought possible.

If you are an AutoCAD Civil 3D user being asked to provide data to your Geographic Information System (GIS) department, if you are being asked to use GIS data as background data for your designs, or if you think GIS is a 4-letter word, this class will answer this all-too-common question: "Why should I care about GIS?" You will learn to import GIS data not only as AutoCAD objects, but also directly as AutoCAD Civil 3D objects like Surfaces and Pipe Networks that use the existing database information. Once that data is in AutoCAD Civil 3D software, we'll explore ways to use it with labeling tools and other display techniques. This popular class has won the award for Best Hands-on Lab at Autodesk University. Don't miss your chance to learn how the GIS tools in AutoCAD Civil 3D can make you more productive by automating common everyday tasks.