Challenges
Today we see customers, falling into 2 main categories.
- The majority use AutoCAD and layout their manufacturing facilities in 2D.
- The rest use CAD systems to create 3D factory layouts, as they clearly understand the importance of 3D.
However, current software is extremely expensive and not affordable by most companies. Customers using these current systems to do factory layouts run into a number of issues.
Key Points:
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Problems can be overlooked and difficult to interpret in 2D
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Difficult to generate Service Manuals
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Spend a lot of time drawing Elevation Views
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Wasted time doing manual tape measurements
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Inability to detect clashes easily in 2D
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Clearance requirements for energised electrical work
- Working with large assemblies.
- Being able to visualize large complex models.
- Working with data from differnt packages.
Results
Conveyor Lines
From initial concept design to final testing and production, a Northampton-based manufacturer of conveyors has deployed Autodesk… read more
27.04.2011
SDI Greenstone
Rugby-based logistics systems integrator, SDI Greenstone provides materials handling solutions to clients working in the… read more
27.04.2011
Stream Foods
Stream Foods was founded in 2000 by two friends who wanted to develop new sorts of healthy eating snacks – their motto… read more
27.04.2011
Polar Systems
Polar Systems has been supplying specialist processing equipment from its manufacturing base in King’s Lynn Norfolk… read more
27.04.2011
Why Us?
Built on the foundation of Autodesk's core competencies in both Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Manufacturing, The Autodesk Factory Design Suite offers anyone involved in planning, systems integration, maintaining workspaces in factories, production lines, or even workshops the best software toolset to get the job done efficiently.
Micro Concepts have extensive experience in helping customers leverage this technology by providing pre-sales consultancy combined with focused aftersales service specifically aimed at this industry.
We have helped Food, Process manufacturers & systems Integrators realise huge gains in efficiency within their factories by introducing Autodesk's Factory Design Suite.
Traditionally a place for 2D layouts, 3D Factories with detailed production lines are now the new paradigm.
With the ability able to show how some of the factory line should be shut down for cleaning whilst operating the remainder of a line at full capacity is difficult to explain and time consuming to generate in a text document with photographs but an Digital Model showing exactly what needs to be dis-assembled is now even more compelling.
The Autodesk Factory Design Suite includes a number of purpose built assets such as conveyors, Material Handling Equipment, Safety Equipment, Process, Electrical, Piping & Robotics. Each edition of the Factory Design Suite builds upon the Value of the previous version, with additional functionality and specialised workflows.

We start with the Standard Edition that is For layout designers, drafters, and detailers who need a foundational set of tools to efficiently design, document, and share drawings in the DWG file format in a single economical and convenient package.
Next we have the Premium Edition which builds upon the Standard Edition and adds capabilities for For Manufacturers, system integrators, and equipment builders who need an optimised set of tools for 3D visual layout and visualisation including Inventor to build accurate factory models, Autodesk 3ds Max Design and Navisworks Simulate software for compelling visualisations in a single economical and convenient package.
Then we have the Ultimate Edition which builds upon the Value of both the Standard and Premium Edition and adds capabilities that are Ideally suited Machine builders and system integrators who need advanced tools to design, visualise, and simulate factory lines and factory equipment in a single economical and convenient package.

| Autodesk Factory Design Suite | ||
| Standard 2012 | Premium 2012 | Ultimate 2012 |
| Factory Layout Design for AutoCAD | 3D Visual Layout & Visualisation | Advanced Factory & Equipment Design |
| AutoCAD Architecture | Contains everything in Standard plus: | Contains everything in Premium plus: |
| AutoCAD Mechanical | Autodesk Inventor | Autodesk Inventor Professional |
| Autodesk Showcase | Autodesk 3ds Max Design | Autodesk Navisworks Manage |
| Autodesk Vault | Autodesk Navisworks Simulate | |
| Autodesk Factory Design Utilities | ||
If you are a systems and controls engineer & you are engaged in providing Process Instrumentation diagrams P&ID or PLC Control Schematics then Autodesk has leading schematic packages built on the defacto DWG platform AutoCAD P&ID & AutoCAD Electrical.