3D Plant Design Systems Let Smaller Firms Compete for Large Projects

By DE Editors

According to a soon-to-be-released study from Daratech (Cambridge, MA), 3D plant design systems have fundamentally transformed the plant creation and operations business by enabling a greater number of smaller businesses to undertake large projects that previously were the purview of mega-firms.

Almost two-thirds of the study participants whose companies do not use 3D plant design software believe their companies will not be competitive three years from now unless they become 3D enabled. Indeed, almost 40 percent of participants say their companies have, from time to time, chosen not to bid on projects because of their lack of 3D system capability.

According to the release, 3D plant design systems largely fulfill or exceed user expectations, say 83 percent of participants. Project productivity is up 30 percent or more for 45 percent of participants and has increased by at least 15 percent for more than 70 percent of participants. In addition, personal productivity has increased.

Top-rated 3D software requirements were ease-of-use, data management, and the time it takes to become proficient using the software.

The study, which was commissioned by Bentley Systems, Inc., found that the average time to become a proficient 3D system user was between 140 and 240 days. The fastest average learning time was for Bentley's AutoPLANT software, which participants indicate has an average learning time of 140 days. For their ability to handle small projects, AutoPLANT and Bentley's MicroStation also received the highest user satisfaction scores.

For further details, contact Daratech, Inc.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.