Item: AutoCAD
Rating: 8
Author: Abdul Rehman Ayub

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

AutoCAD is being used in our engineering department at Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the largest gas transmission and distribution company in Pakistan.
We prepare 3D models of gas installations and fittings for upgrading and modification assessment. With the help of AutoCAD and its built-in 3D models library time is being saved and we also get the bill of material as per international acceptable codes. For presentation purposes this software also offers animations and rendering.

Pros and Cons

Versatility of 3D modeling features available in a single modeling software.
With the help of cloud rendering we can get the renders quickly even though we don't have high-quality hardware resources for computer.
It has many output formats which can be exported and used with other software.
Its animation facility and easy to use functions.

For oil and gas industry its built-in library misses salient fittings and equipment which I think should be added.
It requires very high-level hardware resources for big models which I think must be optimized.
Its cost the is same for a large corporation or small business. I recommend that there should be price slabs for the purpose for which it is being purchased.

Return on Investment

Quality of operations have been improved, after we have prepared 3D models of specific valve assemblies and equipments with the help of AutoCAD.
Up gradations and future planning is taking less time by avoiding site visits. Nowadays we can plan from the 3D model.
To represent our safety ideas and knowing the best way to emergency exit in case of emergency is now very convenient.

Alternatives Considered

SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp

Basically AutoCAD has the highest number of pre-modeled 3D models and library. When we are preparing models of our process diagrams and installations we just assemble them, as compared to the other modeling software where every time you have to make and model for each equipment.

Support Rating

Sometimes we get stuck preparing a detailed model of our job, then we communicate with the AutoCAD online help, email and even community helps us and provides the solution. It's very easy to learn.

Key Insights

Do you think AutoCAD delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with AutoCAD's feature set?

Yes

Did AutoCAD live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of AutoCAD go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy AutoCAD again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Oracle Access Management, Google Drive, Microsoft Powerpoint, Microsoft Visio, WPS Office

Likelihood to Recommend

For engineering services, operations and research & development it is highly suitable. For human resources, accounts and other administrative services it is not required.

Users and Roles

50 - Operations
Future planning
Troubleshooting
Safety concerns
Modifications jobs

Support Headcount Required

10 - One must have a basic concept of isometric drawings. Different sets of units and dimensions.
Basics of engineering.

Business Processes Supported

3D modeling of valve assemblies.
Animated overviews of processing installation.
Large scale printing of 3D Drawings.

Innovative Uses

Calculations of bill of material for news development.
Customizable specification materials.
User selected camera and light placement in any 3D area.

Future Planned Uses

Health and safety issues will be directly addressed with availability of 3D models of sites.
Optimization of process.
Stress analysis during pressure variations.

Product Features
Product Usability
Prior Experience with the Product

Versatility of features, ease of use and our experience, all were focusing towards Autocad.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

It would be the same.

Most versatile in features and easy to use 3D modeling software

Overall Satisfaction with AutoCAD