AUGIWORLD February 2025 Issue

Standards and Strategies

Everyone has standards, and that is no different for this industry, they provide a guideline that is key to helping things run smoothly.

This month in AUGIWORLD our authors will discuss specific standards and how to apply them to certain situations in life and projects you might be working on.
 
In the February 2025 issue:

• Setting the Standards: 3ds Max Strategies for Success in 3D Design and Visualization — Brian Chapman explains how success in 3D design and visualization with 3ds Max hinges on optimizing workflows through strategies like building reusable asset libraries, leveraging procedural modeling tools, mastering photorealistic rendering techniques, and automating tasks with scripting. Companies that embrace these strategies, integrate real-time engines, and utilize AI-powered tools can increase efficiency, enhance client experiences, and ultimately achieve greater success in the competitive 3D market.

• Taking Action — Mark Kiker emphasizes the importance of taking action and moving forward with projects. He encourages readers to prioritize action over excessive planning, focus on tasks that motivate them, strive for effective solutions rather than perfection, and ensure that actions are sustainable in the long term. Defining milestones and minimizing procrastination are crucial for maintaining momentum and achieving project goals. By embracing a proactive mindset and focusing on effective action, individuals can successfully navigate projects and achieve desired outcomes.

• Technology Manager’s Coin — In this article Gil Cordle emphasizes that successful Technology Managers must master both technical skills and leadership qualities. Just as a coin has two sides, so too does this role. The “Tails” side focuses on technical proficiency, such as troubleshooting software issues and developing processes. The “Heads” side emphasizes leadership and interpersonal skills, such as building relationships with staff, effectively communicating change, and fostering a collaborative environment. Gil explains that while technical expertise is crucial, effective leadership is equally important for building trust, motivating teams, and driving overall success within the organization.

• Clash Detection in Civil 3D — Basheer Al Hamdan talks about how Pipeline Crossings Check (PCC) is a useful add-in for Autodesk Civil 3D that simplifies and accelerates the process of checking for clashes between pipes. It can detect both soft clashes (clearance issues) and hard clashes (physical overlaps) in gravity, pressure, or mixed networks. PCC offers features like customizable clash labels, clash reports, and the ability to zoom to clash locations for easy identification. Overall, PCC can save Civil 3D users time and effort by streamlining the clash detection process.

• BricsCAD moves the Business Needle (Part 1): Standards — Mr. Craig Swearingen emphasizes the importance of drafting standards in ensuring consistency and efficiency in design workflows. By establishing clear standards for layers, dimensions, and text styles, companies can improve project quality, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration. BricsCAD provides a suite of tools, including Drawing Explorer, Standards Checking, and Sheet Set Manager, to help implement and maintain these standards. Features like templates, parametric blocks, and LISP scripting further enhance efficiency and automation. By embracing drafting standards and leveraging BricsCAD’s capabilities, businesses can streamline their processes, improve project outcomes, and achieve greater success.

• AutoCAD Architecture 2025 standards in ACA — Melinda Heavrin emphasizes the importance of defining and implementing CAD Standards in AutoCAD Architecture, especially when multiple users contribute to a project. By creating a standards file with specific layer, text, dimension, and multileader styles, and associating it with drawings, you can ensure consistency and improve productivity. She discusses tools like the Standards Audit and Batch Standards Checker to help identify and correct violations.

• Tips for a successful training program in Civil 3D — Jeff Frye outlines a strategy for successful Civil 3D training programs, emphasizing several key steps. Pre-class preparation is crucial, involving a pre-session assessment to tailor the curriculum, creating concise reference materials and a simple dataset, and developing a flexible course outline. During training, use ice breakers, adapt to different learning styles, avoid certain leading questions, and make it engaging with incentives and practical exercises that start simple and gradually incorporate more detail. After training offer additional support for anyone who may need it.

• Building Excellence: The Role of Revit Standards — Jason Peckovitch discusses the critical role of Revit Standards in ensuring project success within the AEC industry. By establishing clear guidelines for modeling, documentation, and collaboration, Revit Standards provide a common language for project teams, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors. These standards, which encompass aspects like file naming conventions, modeling techniques, annotation styles, and collaboration protocols, contribute to improved project quality, client satisfaction, and overall project success. As technology evolves, Revit Standards must adapt to incorporate AI, cloud computing, and data-driven design, while also addressing global collaboration and sustainability considerations.

• Inside Track: Walking through the Autodesk App Store Wonderland — In this article Rina Sahay explores free Revit add-ins available on the Autodesk App Store, starting with the introduction of a native Add-Ins Manager in Revit 2025. She then highlights several free tools, including ARKANCE’s Smart Browser Free for family management, Cut Opening Free for automatic hole creation, and Smart Select Free for advanced selection options. Rina also examines the Views Synchronizer and Worksets Management add-ins from KEO, discussing their functionalities and potential use cases. She concludes by encouraging users to explore the App Store further to discover tools that can enhance their Revit productivity.