Plant Design White Paper (Cadworx vs. Autoplant)

This white paper was written based upon a comparison of CADWorx version 2002 and AutoPLANT version 2.01. It was compiled from research done by COADE employees in association with current CADWorx/former AutoPLANT users. Therefore, it is not unusual that it would appear to be written from a position of bias towards CADWorx. We do not expect that anyone should evaluate software solely based upon a white paper such as this, but rather might use this as a guideline toward developing an evaluation process that addresses the issues that are important to them.

Introduction

1Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Section 1 Ease of Use/Performance 3 Program Architecture .....................................................................................................................4 Drawing Size ..................................................................................................................................9

Section 2 Program Reliability 11 Installation and Configuration.......................................................................................................12 Upward Compatibility ...................................................................................................................12 Application Reliability ...................................................................................................................13 Data Integrity ................................................................................................................................13

Section 3 AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability 15 Vertical AutoCAD Applications.....................................................................................................16 MDI Compliance...........................................................................................................................16 External Reference Editing ..........................................................................................................16 Double Click Editing .....................................................................................................................17 Tool Tips.......................................................................................................................................18 Basic AutoCAD Commands .........................................................................................................19 Native AutoCAD entities...............................................................................................................19

Section 4 Learning Curve 21 Level of Complexity ......................................................................................................................22 AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability..........................................................................................22 Training Requirements .................................................................................................................22

Section 5 Flexibility 23 2D Capabilities .............................................................................................................................24 2D to 3D .......................................................................................................................................24 3D Routing Capabilities................................................................................................................24 Drawing Production ......................................................................................................................25 Database Integrity ........................................................................................................................26 Database Structure ......................................................................................................................27 Integration with Other Disciplines.................................................................................................28

Section 6 Scalability 29 Upfront Configuration ...................................................................................................................30 Support Infrastructure...................................................................................................................30

2 Contents

Model Limits .................................................................................................................................30 Database Limits............................................................................................................................31

Section 7 Application Features 33 Customization and Configuration .................................................................................................34 Part Numbers and Material Requisition .......................................................................................37 Piping Specifications ....................................................................................................................38 Other Productivity Tools ...............................................................................................................43 Drawing Production/Distribution...................................................................................................43 Engineering Application Links ......................................................................................................46 Import From Other Modeling Systems With Intelligence..............................................................47 Cost of Ownership........................................................................................................................47

Index 53

3Ease of use is frequently reported as the number one desired characteristic of a CAD system, based on user feedback. In order to improve ease of use it is important that an application uses industry terminology rather than programming terminology. It is also important that an application utilizes well-known functions and commands that already exist in AutoCAD rather than "re-inventing the wheel". This will greatly improve ease of use and shorten the learning curve.

"I was impressed with the fact that I was able to quickly draw a 3D model after minutes into the program. I found that my past experience in AutoCAD enabled me to get around easily in CADWorx. It uses the AutoCAD environment seamlessly, and the placement of components is intuitive." - Robert Richie, Texas Systems and Controls

In This Section Program Architecture ......................................................... 4 Drawing Size...................................................................... 9

S E C T I O N 1

Ease of Use/Performance

4 Plant Design White Paper

Program Architecture CADWorx has a configuration file that can be accessed and edited from the Setup and various other dialogs. This file contains numerous CADWorx configuration settings that can be modified to meet project/client requirements. These configurations can be saved to any name desired, stored by client or project and restored when a user needs to work on a given project or for a particular client. A user can define and save as many configurations as they desire. Along with start-up settings, the configuration file includes line and instrument number formatting, layer conventions, project database information, and Bill of Material scheme. The entire project team can share these configurations. The simple dialog interfaces are easy to understand, and designed with the typical piping/draftsman in mind:

Section 1 Ease of Use/Performance 5

AutoPLANT has an open architecture for the user to customize and configure. There are four separate editors used for setup, configuration and customization. These are the Configuration Editor, the Class Editor, the Script Editor and the Dialog Editor. These editors are not intuitive for a piping designer and each of the 4 basic editors use different user interfaces which require a great deal of user knowledge and training to utilize properly. The Configuration Editor consists of 5 separate configuration areas including System, Modeling, Piping, Isometrics and Equipment:


The Class Editor allows the user "to modify the information in the configuration files that define the PIPING/ISOMETRICS modules and the individual components available in each module. It also provides direct access to the method script files, port definition, and specification search criteria that are used by each component class. ", as explained in the AutoPLANT help files.


The Script Editor allows editing of AutoPLANT basic scripts. This requires a programmer level of knowledge combined with an in depth knowledge of how AutoPLANT works. There are 1368 script files that ship with AutoPLANT. These script files range from 2 lines to almost 8000 lines, the average being approximately 1200 lines. Here is a small part of one script:


As you can see the typical piping designer would have difficulty editing these files.

The Dialog Editor is graphical editor that allows a user to edit DCL files within AutoPLANT via the above mentioned script files. The user must open a script file, (.EBS), which contains a dialog box definition:

It is interesting to note that the .EBS file type is not one of the file types listed when selecting File/Open from the Dialog Editor Menu.

In comparison, these examples clearly show that in order to configure and customize AutoPLANT one must possess programming knowledge to make the environment work. Within AutoPLANT, changes cannot be simply set or changed by modifying some variable but only through a complex series of dialogs and/or VB programming. Most pipe designers or engineering personal do not have this type of programming knowledge. Therefore, a company using AutoPLANT must employ non-billable overhead personnel in addition to the normal pipe designers required.


Drawing Size A test was run to compare the drawing size of the AutoPLANT Reboids (AutoPLANT's custom object based components) versus CADWorx which, uses native AutoCAD objects. Not only will the results show that the CADWorx drawing size is smaller but what was a real shock was the amount of time it took to create the AutoPLANT drawings. Where CADWorx only took a few seconds, AutoPLANT took several minutes to create the 5000 count drawing. The drawings were created by basically drawing 5 components and then arraying them to create the 50, 500, and 5000 component count drawings. This is not necessarily a normal procedure in piping design but gives an indication of how much hard drive, time and memory consumption is used on the computer. Here are the results of hard drive usage.

Components 50 500 5000 CADWorx Drawing 165 kb 1354 kb 13248 kb Database 244 kb 428 kb 2724 kb AutoPLANT Drawing 218 kb 1839 kb 18128 kb Database 324 kb 700 kb 6156 kb

11

Difficult setup and implementation, program crashes, loss of data, loss of customization, and lack of upward compatibility reduce productivity resulting in loss of time and money.

"I'd estimate that we are working 50% faster thanks to AutoCAD-based CADWorx software. It has shortened the cycle time and reduced engineering design time." - Michael Chiao, Project Engineer, Honeywell International Inc.

In This Section Installation and Configuration ............................................ 12 Upward Compatibility ......................................................... 12 Application Reliability ......................................................... 13 Data Integrity...................................................................... 13

S E C T I O N 2

Program Reliability


Installation and Configuration Both programs use a modern type of Windows installation. A CADWorx installation automatically manages any previous version's data files, specifications and configuration files. CADWorx will not overwrite any data file or specification, which has been modified by the user since the previous installation. CADWorx will then modify the file to work accordingly with the new version of the program using the default settings.

AutoPLANT cannot claim this type of user friendliness. If configuration files have been modified or script file have been changed, then the new installation will entirely overwrite these with new files unless they are stored outside of the normal program folder structure. Even then the user must re-implement the changes and often the customization process must be repeated in order for the changes to work.

Upward Compatibility CADWorx has always been upward compatible. The current version of CADWorx can read and process the very first and all successive drawings, specifications and data files supplied with CADWorx. There are no migration tools available or required. CADWorx reads the drawing, determines the version and automatically upgrades it to the current version. Specifications are also automatically converted. Since its inception, CADWorx users have never had to convert any specification to a newer version.

AutoPLANT does not provide such a seamless conversion. With each new release of AutoPLANT, conversion utilities are supplied to convert previous version's specifications and drawings to newer ones. Whether converted correctly or not, this is a nuisance to the user.

Section 2 Program Reliability 13

Application Reliability Simple, streamlined and easy to support is how CADWorx has been described. Due to its simplicity, CADWorx is more manageable and stable. Its simple architecture allows it to perform well compared to other systems while still providing a robust environment to work in. Maintenance of such a program is much easier. CADWorx's basic system is much simpler to maintain, therefore providing a much more stable product.

AutoPLANT is not a simple program so it requires more training. Complex programming takes over even the simplest AutoCAD tasks such as the UCS (user coordinate system). During the design process the user is bombarded with dialogs which seem to never allow the user to run plain AutoCAD. Even after picking two points which might define a pipe location, command line prompts then query the user for rotations or other positions. Why not just pick two points as the simple AutoCAD line command?

AutoPLANT has over 1300 scripts, which are required to draw the basic piping components within the program. This type of complexity is not easy to support or maintain. Because of such complexity, the program can become un-stable. Crashes can leave the user searching for the last backup and recreating hours of lost work.

Data Integrity Loss of a drawing or a database is costly and inexcusable if caused by the application itself. With CADWorx, a model can be regenerated from the database or vice versa, assuring that a system crash will not have catastrophic consequences.

To be productive database connections must be accurate and fast. CADWorx is fast. With over 1200 drawings all linked to a single database, CADWorx performs without hesitation or error. The database structure is highly relational and tight. The tables are setup as a relational database should be. For example the single project database has separate tables for drawings, links, equipment, valves, etc. Properly designed databases are the key to success of accurate database management and drawing integrity.

AutoPLANT is not fast even on the fastest machine. It hesitates when writing to its database. Database structure is clumsy and is not truly relational. For example each drawing has its own database instead of having a single database with a table which lists each drawing within a project.

15

Millions of users worldwide are proficient with AutoCAD and the various vertical applications that exist. It stands to reason that the more an application looks and feels like AutoCAD and the more basic and advanced AutoCAD functions supported the more productive a new user will be with that application in a shorter period of time.

"CADWorx uses straight AutoCAD. It's unlike other packages out there that have proprietary commands you have to learn. So our engineers can pick it up in a day or two." - Joe Dixon, Drafting Manager, Toromont Process Systems Inc.

In This Section Vertical AutoCAD Applications .......................................... 16 MDI Compliance ................................................................ 16 External Reference Editing ................................................ 16 Double Click Editing........................................................... 17 Tool Tips ............................................................................ 18 Basic AutoCAD Commands............................................... 19 Native AutoCAD entities .................................................... 19

S E C T I O N 3

AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability


Vertical AutoCAD Applications CADWorx will run on every vertical AutoCAD application including Architectural Desktop, Mechanical Desktop, Land Development Desktop and Map. Since all CADWorx components are native AutoCAD entities each user can be certain of CADWorx' stability regardless of which vertical application of AutoCAD they are running.

AutoPLANT has had problems running with other vertical AutoCAD applications and the special object technology prevents AutoPLANT for taking advantage of some of the tools provided by those vertical flavors of AutoCAD.

MDI Compliance This is an incredibly productive tool that AutoCAD implemented 3 versions ago!

CADWorx is MDI compliant and has been since it was first introduced in AutoCAD 2000. This extends to working with or without a live external database. MDI allows productivity features such as copy and paste from one drawing to another.

AutoPLANT is still not MDI compliant. The first AutoCAD message greeting a user upon starting an AutoPLANT session is, ":-( ARX application: C:\rebis\net\bin\r15\at_pipe.arx is NOT MDI aware. :-("

External Reference Editing Another incredibly productive tool which AutoCAD implemented 3 versions ago!

CADWorx fully supports the use of external reference editing in AutoCAD 2000 and up. Changes can be made to reference drawings and can then be transferred to the database when the external referenced drawing is open later.

AutoPLANT does not support external reference editing.

Section 3 AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability 17

Double Click Editing CADWorx has taken advantage of double click editing to access the component data for review and editing. This feature allows the user to edit component information without executing any command.

AutoPLANT does not utilize double click editing at this time. To view and edit component data you must select the Edit Component Icon or execute Cat_Comp_displayData from the command line.


Tool Tips CADWorx has also taken advantage of tool tips in AutoCAD 2000 and above so the user can pre-select piping information that they want to appear when the cursor is held over a piping component. This eliminates the need for the user to execute a command or invoke a dialog box to query component data for important information.

AutoPLANT does not utilize tool tip capabilities. Users must execute a command or invoke a dialog box to find out any information about a component.

Section 3 AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability 19

Basic AutoCAD Commands CADWorx components can be manipulated using basic AutoCAD commands and functions such as move, copy, erase, stretch, etc. AutoCAD grips can be used to change the length of a piece of pipe in CADWorx. CADWorx graphics for components are grouped using standard AutoCAD grouping so they can be manipulated together as one entity with grouping turned on or as separate entities with grouping turned off.

AutoPLANT has several special editing functions which must be used and many AutoCAD base functions are redefined in order to work properly with AutoPLANT objects. For example a section of pipe that is too long or too short cannot be edited using AutoCAD grips. This lengthens the learning curve, reduces productivity and increases the opportunity for program conflicts with user customized installations of AutoCAD.

Native AutoCAD entities CADWorx components are native AutoCAD entities and can be viewed, plotted and edited in a native AutoCAD session. Viewing and plotting can also be done from any utility that works with native AutoCAD drawings such as Volo View Express. Therefore CADWorx drawings can be delivered to users without CADWorx and they can work with the drawings without having to load another ARX application. Since CADWorx 3D components are AutoCAD ACIS solid entities the AutoCAD Solid Profile command can be used to generate flat 2D hidden line drawings of the model. Some of the drawing production tools of AutoCAD products such as Mechanical Desktop can be used to help automate plan, section and elevation views of a CADWorx model.

AutoPLANT components are special ARX objects requiring the AutoPLANT object enabler to be loaded in a native AutoCAD session in order for the user to view and plot the components. These custom ARX objects cannot be modified without having the complete AutoPLANT application loaded. Since these are non-AutoCAD entities commands such as the Solid Profile command in AutoCAD will not work with AutoPLANT.

Quotes:

"Anyone with a good working knowledge of AutoCAD can learn CADWorx with minimal ramp up and training since CADWorx utilizes basic AutoCAD commands for things like move, copy, stretch and erase rather than our users having to learn an entire new set of commands to manipulate components. Also, CADWorx does not require a great deal of management overhead because of its simplicity." - Mark Bross, CAD Manager, Western Gas Resources

21

Several factors effect how long it will take the average user to become proficient with a new application. Since many companies that depend on productivity tools for piping are project driven they frequently have high turnover rate with regard to design/drafting personnel. Having an application which shortens the learning curve of new users can easily be the difference between profit and loss on any project.

"I was able to learn this package and was piping with it the same day! It offers a much more user-friendly interface. You can tell that CADWorx was designed for a piper, by a piper." - Jerry Hearn, Piping Designer, Ref-Chem Corporation

In This Section Level of Complexity............................................................ 22 AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability ............................... 22 Training Requirements....................................................... 22

S E C T I O N 4

Learning Curve


Level of Complexity CADWorx applications are simple and easy to use. This doesn't mean CADWorx cannot perform complex tasks, it does mean that CADWorx makes complex tasks simple to perform and intuitive to the user.

The AutoPLANT application is not easy to use. It is the most complicated third party plant design solution on the market.

AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability It stands to reason that all points made in section 3 above regarding AutoCAD compliance and interoperability aid in reducing the learning curve for any AutoCAD based application.

CADWorx is the clear winner in the category of AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability based on immediate implementation of the latest tools AutoCAD has to offer. AutoPLANT has yet to implement many advanced AutoCAD functions 3 versions after they were originally introduced.

Training Requirements CADWorx training duration is 3 days for 2D and 3D piping, 2D and 3D equipment, structural steel modeling, automatic/manual isometrics, custom component generation, specification and component data file generation and modification. CADWorx P&ID training duration is 2 days including P&ID generation with and without an external database, database customization, report generation and menu symbol editing and customization.

AutoPLANT 3D training is 4 Days for basic user training, 4 Days for advanced user training, 4 Days for advanced programming and customization training and 2 Days for specification generation. AutoPLANT P&ID training is 4 days for P&ID, Data Manager and Datasheets.

23

"We needed a solution that was flexible enough to allow our U.S. office to continue to work and model in 3D as much as possible, and yet still allow our office in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, to use the same software for a 2D solution when necessary." - Lee Anne Whitton, CAD Manager, Petrofac

In This Section 2D Capabilities................................................................... 24 2D to 3D............................................................................. 24 3D Routing Capabilities ..................................................... 24 Drawing Production............................................................ 25 Database Integrity.............................................................. 26 Database Structure ............................................................ 27 Integration with Other Disciplines ...................................... 28

S E C T I O N 5

Flexibility


2D Capabilities CADWorx includes 2D Single line and double line graphics as well as 3D representation for all components. Additionally any or all components can be converted from one graphic representation to another instantly. This gives great flexibility to the user since it is a common practice to represent smaller bore piping in a single line format for example and larger bore piping in double line.

AutoPLANT has a 2D mode but the graphics cannot be converted from one graphic mode to another once they are drawn. This means any data entered in a 2D mode must be re-entered into a model if a 3D model is desired for the downstream benefits such as automated Bill of Material and Automatic Isometrics.

2D to 3D CADWorx 2D piping can be elevated to real world elevations and then converted from 2D representation to 3D. Many piping projects begin with a flat 2D single line layout that is called a piping study. With this built in 2D to 3D flexibility in CADWorx, the 2D piping study data can be used to generate the 3D model rather than as simply a reference to build the model from. This means the work done up to that point does not have to be repeated in the 3D model.

AutoPLANT cannot convert 2D graphics to 3D so any work done in a 2D piping study must be re-input in the 3D model.

3D Routing Capabilities CADWorx has the ability to insert piping components into a pipe line and cut back the piping to the correct length upon insertion. This ability coupled with a utility to automatically populate a polyline with pipe and elbows from the selected specification enables the user to generate the 3D piping extremely fast with high accuracy. CADWorx again works well with built in AutoCAD functionality for component location and placement such as point filters, temporary track points, etc.

AutoPLANT has some special routing utilities for component placement that work well but must be used in lieu of basic AutoCAD functions such as point filters and tracking points. AutoPLANT cannot automatically populate a routing line with pipe and elbows at the same time. Elbows must be individually located at each corner by picking the line near the corner, then the program will place that one elbow and orient it properly on the polyline, provided you are accurate when you pick the corner (object snaps are not used). The Autopipe function in AutoPLANT cannot be used until all in line components are located because the program does not break pipe upon component insertion. Therefore the user must individually place each elbow and other in line component such as valves, flanges, tees, etc. then the Autopipe function must be run to insure proper connectivity between components so they will go out to Automatic isometrics correctly.

Section 5 Flexibility 25

Drawing Production Deliverable drawings are still the primary focus of AutoCAD users. In the Plant Design arena many projects revolve around existing legacy drawings many of which are flat 2D model space drawings. Many of the owners of these drawings do not have users experienced in developing and maintaining paper space drawings.

CADWorx allows drawing generation in model space and paper space. It also allows the use of tools such as the Solid Profile command so a user can generate a flat 2D drawing from a CADWorx model. CADWorx components can be represented in any graphic mode and multiple graphic modes can be utilized in the same drawing. This allows the user to generate production drawings exactly as they desire. CADWorx has other drawing productivity tools such as automatic dimensioning, which dimensions the way a piping designer would, i.e. including gaskets with a valve when dimensioning across it.

AutoPLANT forces drawing production into the paper space environment, which is the only place any of the drawing productivity tools can be utilized. There is no automatic dimensioning tool in AutoPLANT.


Database Integrity Database integrity is vital to a successful project, loss or corruption of data can severely impact project schedule and cost by adding countless man hours.

CADWorx database linking utilizes the most advanced capabilities of AutoCAD and Microsoft. There has been no corruption of project data reported by any CADWorx user to date allowing users to be certain of the accuracy of their project data. Additionally CADWorx has unique capabilities that allow database creation from the drawings and CADWorx component generation from the database as outlined in the database structure section below. The combination of solid database linking and the ability to recreate database from drawings and drawings from database make this system infallible against data corruption in any form.

AutoPLANT database problems and errors are well documented. This is largely due to the way the application actually links to the database, relying heavily on AutoCAD handles. If an AutoCAD handle is corrupted for any reason the database link is lost. There are several database tools supplied with AutoPLANT in order for the user to help insure the integrity of the database. Sometimes users can restore the integrity of the database using these tools but often the user must refer back to the latest backup of the drawings and database and recreate any work performed after that backup copy was made. Either way valuable project time is wasted.

Section 5 Flexibility 27

Database Structure CADWorx has a uniquely flexible database structure. The user can select from 3 basic overall database options: 1. Without a database: With this option all component intelligence is stored internally in

the drawing in extended entity data, (xdata). This option is useful for users who do not want to utilize an external database or for those who want to externalize the data sometime later in the project.

2. With a static database: This option allows the user to export to a central project database from any number of project drawings creating a static database that can be appended to and synchronized on any schedule the user desires, hourly, daily, weekly, etc. Many users enjoy this feature since it allows them the freedom of working in a drawing centric environment without the overhead or concern of having a live dynamic database.

3. With a live dynamic external database: High end users prefer this option because it allows simultaneous design and engineering collaboration between designers, engineers and managers. This allows CAD designers to work in their native medium, AutoCAD, while project managers, engineers, etc. can concurrently input information they are responsible for directly through their preferred medium, the database. CADWorx will allow the user to output to any ODBC compliant external database. Microsoft Access, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server are the default database options. The CADWorx database is a single project database storing the database information for the entire project and every individual drawing that makes up the complete model.

This structure allows unique flexibility and capabilities for the user. Since CADWorx intelligence is always stored in xdata in the drawing, the external database, static or live, can be recreated from the drawing. Conversely, CADWorx has a built in utility that allows a user to recreate all CADWorx components directly from the database.

AutoPLANT utilizes a database structure that consists of a separate Microsoft Access database for each drawing that the complete model is comprised of. If the model is made up of 50 drawings, there are 50 corresponding databases. Aside from the obvious logistic and management problems this structure poses, these databases are not accessed via the database engine, but rather only through the database utilities built into the AutoPLANT CAD interface. This means the only way to access and modify project database information is through the CAD interface. So, the changes must be made by CAD users or engineers and project managers, etc. must learn to use the AutoPLANT CAD interface.


Integration with Other Disciplines It is important for a variety of different disciplines to collaborate and share information on a project. However, many organizations utilize a widely diverse group of applications from discipline to discipline. Many of these applications come from other 3rd party developers and many were developed internally.

CADWorx drawings and models consist of only native AutoCAD entities. This means CADWorx drawings and models will work well with any other systems that utilize native AutoCAD entities. Also the open nature of the ODBC compliant external database enables users to establish links and relationships with other ODBC databases that may be utilized by other disciplines. Since CADWorx utilizes no object enablers it has no problem interfacing with applications that do.

AutoPLANT models consist of non-AutoCAD objects, which depend upon special object enablers to be seen and plotted by other disciplines referencing the AutoPLANT model. For example, a company that has a non AutoPLANT structural modeling application which runs in AutoCAD will not be able to see the piping from an AutoPLANT model referenced into the structural model unless they load the object enabler along with the structural application. This may seem like a small issue but it is compounded when models are being transferred to clients or other contractors who don't have the AutoPLANT application. These object enablers can also conflict with other object enablers that may be used by other applications, even the enablers used in some core AutoCAD based products such as Architectural Desktop or Land Development Desktop.

29

Using CADWorx, we have designed over 100 projects of various sizes. Our sales estimates for engineering have reflected an improvement in both drafting time and engineering time. This has allowed us to secure low margin projects we would not have otherwise had. - Joseph Dixon, Drafting Manager, Toromont Process Systems Inc.

In This Section Upfront Configuration......................................................... 30 Support Infrastructure ........................................................ 30 Model Limits....................................................................... 30 Database Limits ................................................................. 31

S E C T I O N 6

Scalability


Upfront Configuration The amount of user input in order to begin using a product in a production environment can have a significant impact on the scalability of an application. Less input is desired on any size project but is crucial on small to medium size projects.

CADWorx has a complete but simple user interface for upfront configuration allowing users with basic knowledge of project requirements and simple CADWorx skills to easily configure CADWorx for a new project. This coupled with a large set of real world component data files and working specifications for all major industry segments makes CADWorx easy to start using on any size project.

AutoPLANT also has a complete set of user tools for configuration, but these are complex tools requiring users with broader skill sets to set up and configure AutoPLANT projects. These skills include but are not limited to: 1. Visual Basic programming 2. Database skills including developing queries and filters. 3. Script editing 4. Dialog box generation and editing

Support Infrastructure The items listed above have a direct impact on the number and level of personnel required to support these products from startup to completion of a project.

CADWorx will require a small infrastructure to support even the largest of projects.

AutoPLANT will require a substantial infrastructure to support even the smallest project.

Model Limits As far as graphical model size there is little difference between CADWorx and AutoPLANT since they each rely on AutoCAD external referencing to handle large models. The real difference in their capabilities lies with the external database structure and type as listed below.

Section 6 Scalability 31

Database Limits Since CADWorx allows the use of large database formats such as Oracle and SQL Server there is no known limitation to the size of model that can be created using CADWorx.

Since AutoPLANT utilizes Microsoft Access exclusively for the external database there is a chance a model could become large enough to push the limitations of the database. The individual database per drawing is an attempt to increase the model size AutoPLANT can handle. While Microsoft Access is an excellent tool for small to medium sized databases, other tools are more desirable when tackling projects that will ultimately contain hundreds of thousands or millions of database records.

33

We have used the CADWorx-CAESAR II bi-directional interface for five years. Savings range up to 80% on particularly difficult layouts. Within one day we have analyzed 26 different configurations of a complex fin fan outlet piping system. - Misa Jocic, Principal Piping Stress Analysis Engineer, Shedden-Uhde

In This Section Customization and Configuration....................................... 34 Part Numbers and Material Requisition ............................. 37 Piping Specifications.......................................................... 38 Other Productivity Tools..................................................... 43 Drawing Production/Distribution ........................................ 43 Engineering Application Links............................................ 46 Import From Other Modeling Systems With Intelligence ... 47 Cost of Ownership ............................................................. 47

S E C T I O N 7

Application Features


Customization and Configuration

Custom Component Generation CADWorx has a simple graphical interface to create a custom fully intelligent CADWorx component from any AutoCAD entity. There is no programming involved for the user to add these custom components into the library of data files and into the piping specification. There are no limitations to the shape and no limit to the number of user defined components.

AutoPLANT requires visual basic programming in order to create custom user components. This requirement alone places limits on what can be created. Additionally it greatly increases project overhead and lengthens project startup and configuration.

Line Numbering CADWorx has a simple user interface built into the application allowing concatenation of any database fields into a line numbering system. Once set this line numbering system is stored with the project configuration.

Section 7 Application Features 35

AutoPLANT requires editing the application with a visual basic script to alter the default line numbering system. Once modified this becomes the default line numbering system and remains such until modified with the visual basic script again. Users can add new scripts and dialogs to maintain a variety of line number schemes but each new addition requires reprogramming VB scripts. This makes changing from one project to another much less seamless than with CADWorx.

Bill of Materials CADWorx has a completely user configurable BOM from 2 dialogs. This utility allows a user to select any field in the database to be in the BOM in any order. The BOM column titles can be specified to user requirements as well as text height, justification, etc. The BOM setup utility works in conjunction with 7 user configurable BOM settings that are stored in the CADWorx configuration file.

With CADWorx, the BOM can be exported to a variety of formats including text, Excel, or Access. Project wide material reports can be created from the database using query, form, and report wizards inside of Microsoft Access:


AutoPLANT also has a user configurable BOM. Below are the various dialog boxes which a user must navigate through in order to customize the AutoPLANT BOM:

These BOM configurations can be saved once created but they cannot be used as templates for other configurations. This means each and every setting you see in the dialogs above must be entered when a new configuration is generated.


Part Numbers and Material Requisition Automating the purchase of materials required for fabrication is becoming increasingly important to anyone involved in design and construction. This is especially true in organizations that engineer, design and fabricate their designs such as modular fabricators. (Skid mounted units that are either self contained or are shipped in modules that "bolt together" once they arrive on site). Having an easy to generate and maintain system of applying fully customizable part numbers is paramount to this process.

CADWorx has a unique system for handling user customizable part numbers. Part numbers are stored in a simple external text file or group of text files as the user prefers. This file (or files) has a simple index code for each type of component which is followed by all of the sizes available for that component type. The individual part number is stored beside the size. When a component is placed from CADWorx the system looks for the index code in the specified part number file, then for the size that is currently set in CADWorx to draw the component, and finally the part number residing in the row next to the size. Once found the system plugs that part number into the component data and external database. A material list complete with part numbers can then be extracted in numerous formats such as comma or tab delimited ASCII text, Excel Spreadsheet, etc. and imported into any material requisition application desired. The ASCII text part number file is such a simple format that many companies have written simple utilities to create and update the part number file from their existing database of materials and part numbers.

AutoPLANT has a part number field in the specification. Once populated that information can be reported or exported from the drawing database. The problem with this scenario is that if a component is used in multiple specifications (virtually every component is used in multiple specifications), then the part number must be re-entered in each and every specification. If part numbers are entered into the master catalog prior to specification generation then they will be carried over into the specification when generated, but any maintenance done after specification generation will still require the change be made in each specification that contains that component.


Piping Specifications Piping specifications (specs) are the life blood of a plant design application. Therefore most piping design systems are typically driven by design specifications which identify items such as piping material, flange pressure rating, pipe schedule, branch connection types, etc. Even though certain aspects of specifications are somewhat "standard" in a given industry, specifications vary greatly from industry to industry and from company to company within an industry. Specifications are often modified frequently throughout the course of a project. Therefore a well structured specification system that simplifies generation and maintenance of specifications is highly valued over a more complex system.

CADWorx: Data files and specifications are simple to create and maintain requiring far less overhead and support than AutoPLANT specifications..

AutoPLANT: Component data and specifications are more complex with built in redundancy making them more difficult to generate and maintain requiring more overhead and support.

Specification Structure CADWorx specifications are simple text files which contain basic information about the specification such as weight factor, measure bore, nominal rating, temperature, pressure, flange face, piping material, forging material, fitting material, gasket material, stud material, bolt material and specification color. One beauty of a text based system is the files are very small so they can be easily and quickly read by the program. This also makes it simple for the users to transport the specifications from one location to another since the average specification file is under 40k. These files act as pointers to data files which contain actual component information such as the parametric values required by the program to draw the components. This makes specification maintenance much easier since a change to data which affects several specifications only has to be made in the one data file rather than in each individual spec.

AutoPLANT specifications are stored in a Microsoft Access database which carries more overhead than a text based system. The supplied carbon steel 150 lb. specification file in AutoPLANT is 6 MB. The specifications contain all component data including parametric information. The specification is a subset of a master catalog with no link back to the catalog. Therefore if a change is made to a component in the catalog which affects several specifications the change must be made separately in each individual spec. This greatly increases the amount of time required to modify and maintain component data and specifications.


Specification Generator The CADWorx specification generator can be run from within CADWorx or as a stand alone application requiring no license. The utility itself is very easy to comprehend for anyone with basic piping component knowledge. Component types available to add to a specification are listed on the left side of the dialog and the right side of the dialog displays the actual components and sizes which are currently in the specification. Notice the components listed on the right side of the dialog show a start and end size range instead of listing each and every size. This makes it much easier to see what is contained in the specification at a glance in a single window:


The AutoPLANT specification generator is a stand alone utility only, it cannot be run within an AutoPLANT drawing session. The utility allows the user to open 2 Microsoft Access Databases at the same time, a catalog and a specification. A catalog of available components is opened in the top window and the specification is opened in the bottom window. There are built in filters to help sort through the catalog and specification so the user can identify the items they want to copy from the catalog into the specification. Each individual component size is listed separately in each file with all the parametric information required by the program residing in each file. The user makes a selection set from the catalog and then copies those items into the specification. Notice the user has a very limited view of what is in the specification or catalog from this interface. Only one component type can be seen at a time and only a select few of those since each size has its own entry:

In order to effectively use this tool a user must have a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Access databases including building filters and queries.


Specification Generation CADWorx specifications and data files can be edited and modified even while users are pulling components from them.

AutoPLANT specifications cannot be edited if anyone running the application has that specification set as the current spec. AutoPLANT 3D locks the database when the specification is selected as current, whether components are being placed at that time or not.

Library of Components CADWorx ships with over 30,000 components and dozens of real world industry specifications. These are not simply example specifications but usable specifications that are easily modified, copied and renamed to meet customer requirements. This means a new user can actually begin using CADWorx right out of the box without being forced to modify and generate specifications beforehand.


AutoPLANT ships with a narrow set of "example" specifications requiring any user to modify and generate specifications before actually doing any production work with the application. The default descriptions in the component catalog as the product ships are not appropriate for production use. For example, the standard 90 degree elbow description in the AutoPLANT catalog is "LADISH 90 DEGREE LONG RADIUS BUTTWELD ELBOW STANDARD". Manufacturer information is rarely if ever used in the long description of standard components in a production environment. The only time manufacturer information is used is when an item has dimensional values that are specific to a particular manufacturer that do not conform to ANSI standards. This means the entire catalog of components must be modified with proper descriptions prior to generating a useable specification.

Quotes from former AutoPLANT users:

"(CADWorx) Specifications can be created in a fraction of the time than with Rebis and the time to maintain the specifications is less than half. If a component change is required that affects several specs the change only has to be made in one place, with Rebis a change affecting several specs has to be made in each and every spec affected." - Mark Bross, CAD Manager, Western Gas Resources

"With Rebis I had one person working full time 40 hours a week just maintaining specifications. Since we switched to CADWorx that person spends less than half as much time maintaining CADWorx specs." - Lee Anne Whitton, CAD Manager, Petrofac


Other Productivity Tools

Weights and Center of Gravity Complex piping systems are often very heavy. The weight of these systems is usually a critical factor to the engineering and design of the system. Piping systems are often fabricated in shops and shipped to the field partially assembled in order to reduce cost as it is far more cost effective to fabricate in the shop than it is to fabricate on site (better tools, conditions, higher volume, etc.). Being able to accurately and quickly identify the weight and center of gravity of fabricated piping can greatly aid in reducing mistakes, shipping costs and lifting.

CADWorx component data files ship with all weights and CADWorx has a built in center of gravity calculator to generate an itemized CG report with a summary of the weights and overall CG location. The CG generator will even place a CG marker in the model to graphically identify the CG for selected piping and equipment.

AutoPLANT components have a field for weight but very few of the weights are actually filled in. This means the user must fill in all the weights for all components prior to creating the specifications, otherwise they will have to repeat the work in each and every specification. If the weights are filled in the program can deliver a total weight summary but no center of gravity calculator exists in AutoPLANT.

Drawing Production/Distribution

Graphic Representations CADWorx can represent itself in 3D solids, 3D faces, 2D double line, 2D single line, and a special mode which places components in a way which can be used for isometrics. CADWorx isometrics uses model space for the model development and then displays the system in paperspace. This presents a unique and fast way of working on isometrics. Bill of Materials can be run in paperspace where tagging and any annotation can be placed. This keeps the isometric model clean for later modification if required. CADWorx can also convert a component from any of the modes above to any other mode. This allows the user to begin drawing in a 2D mode and then later elevate the model and convert it to 3D solids. CADWorx can also utilize paper space for clipping sections, plans, and elevations.

AutoPLANT's 3D product can generate in double line, single line plan view and 3D solids only. It cannot convert from one mode to another. The user must start in the desired mode.


Automatic Isometrics CADWorx has a built in automatic isometric included. Many users find this utility is excellent for producing the types of isometrics they need. For more sophisticated requirements CADWorx outputs to the industry standard isometric application called ISOGEN. CADWorx only outputs to the fully configurable version of ISOGEN called Full Personal ISOGEN.

AutoPLANT ships with a stripped down version of ISOGEN called IGEN but users only have a very limited set of configuration switches they can modify. Most users find this does not give enough flexibility to create the isometrics they desire. The user can also purchase Full Personal ISOGEN for AutoPLANT or they can purchase AutoPLANT Isometrics which has limited capabilities.

Automatic Dimensions CADWorx has a unique feature of being able to automatically dimension drawings which is not possible in AutoPLANT. This feature allows the user to select a group of components, pick a centroid location and have CADWorx automatically apply dimensions.


This feature dimensions as a pipe designer does, where gaskets are included with valve length dimensions.

Drawing Composition AutoPLANT can work in paperspace only where as CADWorx can work in model or paperspace. Many AutoCAD users still work in model space.

Native AutoCAD Entities CADWorx uses native AutoCAD entities. This is very important when drawings are passed around and delivered to customers who have only AutoCAD.

AutoPLANT uses custom objects. These custom objects require that any delivered drawing be passed along with an object enabler. This enabler must be used to properly view and plot the drawing in base AutoCAD.


Engineering Application Links

Links to Pipe Stress Applications COADE, Inc. designed and implemented the first and only true bi-directional between the CAD piping environment and a piping analysis program. CADWorx can export to CAESAR II, COADE's industry standard piping stress analysis application, with a single simple command. Once modifications are made in CAESAR II the entire system can be sent back to CADWorx with complete integrity. No other system offers this bi-directional capability. Some systems provide a one-way output interface to a stress analysis from the model but these often clutter the model with unnecessary nodes. It is difficult to maintain an interface between 2 different software applications from 2 different companies with different development schedules. Since COADE develops both applications in house the interface is always up to date. CADWorx also allows the pipe designer to generate stress isometrics automatically from the CAESAR II file. This includes annotation directly from the CAESAR II input and output files, eliminating the chance for drafting or typographical errors.

AutoPLANT provides a neutral file output to their pipe stress application, AutoPIPE, but it does not output a native AutoPIPE file. This means an export/import process is required. There is no provision in AutoPLANT to import AutoPIPE data back into the model or generate stress isometrics from the stress analysis input and output files.

Links to other Engineering Analysis Applications CADWorx Equipment will soon provide the first vessel modeling tool which will allow the import and export of pressure vessel models to COADE's widely used pressure vessel design and analysis application, PVElite. This will expedite the modeling and design of pressure vessels by single sourcing design.

AutoPLANT has no interface between their equipment modeler and any design analysis application.


Import From Other Modeling Systems With Intelligence Projects are often divided among 2 or more engineering or design firms utilizing different systems for modeling. The ability to import 3D models from other systems, with intelligence, can be very important in delivering the final design in a single format.

CADWorx has an import and export facility which utilizes a commonly used interface in the plant design industry. This common interface is from a company called Alias Limited. The file format is PCF (piping component file). It basically contains all the different components from a piping job. This format is used by or can be created from all major piping applications that output to ISOGEN. CADWorx is the only plant design application that has PCF import capabilities.

AutoPLANT exports PCF to ISOGEN but has no utility to import a PCF file.

Cost of Ownership

Infrastructure Requirements As previously mentioned, the additional levels of complexity required to configure, customize and maintain AutoPLANT demands a much larger infrastructure for setup and maintenance. CADWorx simply does not require this added project overhead, which will result in bottom line savings on any size project.

Seat Cost The tools necessary for a piping designer to create a plant design are built into CADWorx in one module at one price rather than being broken into separate modules as in the case of AutoPLANT. This results in a much lower per seat cost for CADWorx than for AutoPLANT. Here is a typical cost comparison for one seat of CADWorx versus one seat of AutoPLANT and a 10 seat comparison.

1 Seat Purchase: CADWorx* $4100

*Includes 2D and 3D piping, automatic and manual isometrics, 2D and 3D equipment, 3D structural modeling, automated bill of materials, bi-directional link with Caesar II for pipe stress analysis including automated stress isometric generation, design review application with walk through, data query, model publishing and 1st full year of upgrades, maintenance and support.


In order to most closely replicate the features provided above with AutoPLANT you must include the following:

AutoPLANT 3D Piping $ 4,995 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 999 Isometrics (automatic and manual) $ 1,495 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 299 3D Equipment $ 2,195 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 439 Structural Modeling $ 1,755 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 351 Design Review and Walkthrough Model Publisher $ 1,500 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 518 Total including 1st year of upgrades, support and maintenance $14,546

10 Seat Purchase: 10 Seats of CADWorx* $ 41,000 10 Seat Quantity Discount -$ 4,100 Total including 1st year of upgrades, support and maintenance $ 36,900

*10 Seats of Design Review and Walkthrough Model Publisher are included in this price.

In order to compare fairly, most AutoPLANT installations would not require 10 seats of every module. This is a typical purchase scenario for a 10 seat installation:

10 Seats of AutoPLANT 3D Piping $ 49,950 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 9,990 10 Seats of Isometrics (automatic and manual) $ 14,950 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 2,990 2 Seats of 3D Equipment $ 4,390 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 878 5 Seats of Structural Modeling $ 8,775 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 1,755 1 Seat of Design Review and Walkthrough Model Publisher $ 1,500 First year upgrades, support and maintenance not included $ 518 Total including 1st year of upgrades, support and maintenance $ 95,696


Maintenance Costs: 1 Seat 2nd Year Maintenance Costs:

CADWorx: 2nd Year of Upgrades, Maintenance and Support* $ 750

*Price is less for 2-5 and 6 or more copies.

AutoPLANT: AutoPLANT 3D Piping $ 999 Isometrics (automatic and manual) $ 299 3D Equipment $ 439 Structural Modeling $ 351 Design Review and Walkthrough $ 518 Total for 2nd year of upgrades, support and maintenance $ 2,606

10 Seat 2nd Year Maintenance Costs:

CADWorx: 10 Seats $ 5,000

AutoPLANT: 10 Seats of AutoPLANT 3D Piping $ 9,990 10 Seats of Isometrics (automatic and manual) $ 2,990 2 Seats of 3D Equipment $ 878 5 Seats of Structural Modeling $ 1,755 Design Review and Walkthrough $ 518 Total for 2nd year of upgrades, support and maintenance $ 16,131


Price Comparison Matrix:

Seat Comparison

CADWorx Price*

AutoPLANT Price*

Savings CADWorx vs. AutoPLANT

AutoPLANT Maintenance Only Price

CADWorx purchase Vs. AutoPLANT Maintenance Only**

1 year Comparison 1 Seat $4,100 $14,546 ($10,446) $2,606 $1,494 10 Seats $36,900 $95,696 ($58,796) $16,131 $20,769 2 year Comparison 1 Seat $4,850 $17,146 ($12,296) $5,212 ($362) 10 Seats $41,900 $111,827 ($69,927) $32,262 $9,638 3 year Comparison 1 Seat $5,600 $19,752 ($14,152) $7,818 ($2,218) 10 Seats $46,900 $127,958 ($81,058) $48,393 ($1,493) 4 year Comparison 1 Seat $6,350 $22,358 ($16,008) $10,424 ($4,074) 10 Seats $51,900 $144,089 ($92,189) $64,524 ($12,624) 5 year Comparison 1 Seat $7,100 $24,964 ($17,864) $13,030 ($5,930) 10 Seats $56,900 $160,220 ($103,320) $80,655 ($23,755)

* Price includes 1st year of upgrades, maintenance and support.

** Comparison between purchase and maintenance of CADWorx versus maintenance only for AutoPLANT.


Training Costs: The costs provided are based on a per person rate for training traveling to a training facility not including any travel expenses. On site training is available for CADWorx anywhere in the world, on site training information for AutoPLANT was not available to us at the time of this writing.

CADWorx:

3 Days of training total including all aspects of application use, configuration and customization

$ 900

AutoPLANT: 4 Days of basic user training $ 1595 4 Days of advanced user training $ 1595 4 Days of advanced programming and customization training $ 1595 2 Days of specification generation $ 995 Total Training cost for one user $ 5780

53

22D Capabilities 23 2D to 3D 23 33D Routing Capabilities 24 AApplication Features 31 Application Reliability 12 AutoCAD Compliance/Interoperability 15, 21 Automatic Dimensions 42 Automatic Isometrics 42 BBasic AutoCAD Commands 19 Bill of Materials 33 CCost of Ownership 45 Custom Component Generation 31 Customization and Configuration 31 DData Integrity 13 Database Integrity 25 Database Limits 30 Database Structure 26 Double Click Editing 17 Drawing Composition 43 Drawing Production 24 Drawing Production/Distribution 41 Drawing Size 9 EEase of Use/Performance 3 Engineering Application Links 44 External Reference Editing 16 FFlexibility 23 GGraphic Representations 41

IImport From Other Modeling Systems With

Intelligence 45 Infrastructure Requirements 45 Installation and Configuration 11 Integration with Other Disciplines 27 Introduction 1 LLearning Curve 21 Level of Complexity 21 Library of Components 39 Line Numbering 32 Links to other Engineering Analysis Applications

44 Links to Pipe Stress Applications 44 MMDI Compliance 16 Model Limits 30 NNative AutoCAD entities 19 Native AutoCAD Entities 43 OOther Productivity Tools 41 PPart Numbers and Material Requisition 35 Piping Specifications 36 Program Architecture 4 Program Reliability 11 SScalability 29 Seat Cost 45 Specification Generation 39 Specification Generator 37 Specification Structure 36 Support Infrastructure 30 TTool Tips 18

Index

54 Index

Training Requirements 22 UUpfront Configuration 29 Upward Compatibility 12 VVertical AutoCAD Applications 15 WWeights and Center of Gravity 41

Documents

Plant Design White Paper (Cadworx vs. Autoplant)