Companies Lacks 3D Software to be Uncompetitive - Daratech
Research study commissioned by Bentley
 CAMBRIDGE, MA,
May 14, 2008 - According to a soon-to-be-released Daratech study, 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% of
participants say their companies have, from time to time, chosen not to bid
on projects because of their lack of 3D system capability.
Unlike other much-heralded software, 3D plant design systems largely
fulfill or exceed user expectations, say 83% of participants. Project
productivity is up 30% or more for 45% of participants and has increased by
at least 15% for more than 70% of participants. In addition, personal
productivity has increased at least 50% for more than half of participants
and is up more than 25% for almost 80% of participants.
Fully 73% of participants who lack the ability to use 3D plant design
systems believe their job options may become limited in the future if they
fail to become proficient users of 3D software. However, transitioning from
2D to 3D software will be within reach of all but a few: 74% of study
participants believe half or more of their 2D users will be able to do so,
while only 5% feel that very few will be able to do so.
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, Incorporated, 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.
The most-often cited reasons for not using 3D plant design systems were
overall cost, lack of experience, and “no time to learn.” According to
Daratech, cost factors have mainly to do with the loss of productivity
experienced while transitioning to 3D and the higher cost of 3D-proficient
personnel. However, these costs appear to be minor considering the benefits
of 3D systems that the study revealed.
Dissatisfaction with 3D systems centered on poor interoperation with
other systems, difficulty of use, and lack of support from providers.
Deciding which 3D system to purchase took six months or less for 43% of
participants while 23% took between six months and a year.
The study, which will be released today, will be summarized on Daratech’s
Web site at www.daratech.com.
Daratech received over 482 responses for this study from around the
world. Participation was solicited by e-mail using a list provided by Access
Intelligence and other sources. The 32,000-name Access Intelligence list
consisted of Daratech’s plant show prospect and attendee lists as well as
process and power industry subscribers to Access Intelligence’s publications
targeted at the process and power industries. Plant design engineers and
engineering managers made up 58% of the participants. The others were
engineering IT professionals, company executives, and maintenance managers
and engineers.
About Daratech
Daratech, Inc. is a leading provider of information technology market
research. Established in 1979, Daratech specializes in PLM, CAD/CAM, digital
product simulation (CAE), PDM/EDM, document/enterprise content management,
AECO PLM (architecture, engineering, construction, operations, plant
lifecycle management), and GIS market dynamics. Daratech founded the premier
AECO PLM conference daratechPLANT, which is now owned and operated by Access
Intelligence. For more information, visit
www.daratech.com.
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