DEXION Australia has launched a three-dimensional modelling system designed to give customers quick turnaround for costs and drawings, and provide an accurate 3D view of the finished project.
Its new 3D modelling system is AutoCad-compatible and uses the latest AutoDesk Inventor software to produce highly realistic 3D walkarounds of projects, from small office storage solutions, to large distribution centres.
For example, Dexion can now output the complete design of a 20,000 to 30,000 pallet warehouse into Inventor and generate drawings in less than ten minutes.
With the integration of Inventor into its in-house design program, Dexion has streamlined a number of processes, allowing it to better interpret a customer's needs and provide far quicker turnaround.
In addition, customers now have the tools needed for internal communication about their projects, allowing staff to get a genuine feel as to what the project will look like.
Once the design is finalised it is converted into a 3D drawing, including all the internals such as offices and other areas.
According to Graham Eastick, Dexion Australia's Key Accounts Director, the company felt it was getting behind industry best practice in terms of its use of 3D modelling and design tools - and so opted to go for the very best systems available, "leapfrogging" what was on offer from other suppliers.
After a survey of competitive offerings and client requirements, Dexion established an internal working group to create a modelling program with the best design tools.
Representatives were chosen from the sales department to drive the project, and from the engineering and IT departments to turn the vision into a reality.
The group found it already had a powerful tool in Dexion's own design program, a flexible database that is able to be infinitely moulded and adjusted to suit any needs.
With the addition of the 3D modelling program, the functionality and features of the program have increased dramatically, providing a platform capable of costing a job, putting the job into the plant, commissioning the job, and providing detailed 3D site drawings.
Dexion chose AutoDesk to implement the integration of Dexion's existing design program with a 3D modelling program.
This system allows Dexion to provide a 360° view of the warehouse, including a snapshot or cross-section in still format.
It can also take a "virtual camera" in, and view any area, or can provide "fly-through" simulations from any view in almost real-time.
Dexion can then convert these drawings into a format that customers can use, supplying stills in either JPG or bitmap format or as PowerPoint slides.
In addition, the service won't just be used for major projects, with the interface now written, a drawing can be generated every time for any sized project.