DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland, Mar 20, 2019 – Cortona3D releases RapidAuthor 11.1, the latest version of the leading authoring suite that enables enterprises to import a wide range of 3D assets and other PLM/ERP data creating 2D/3D technical documentation and automatically update it to reflect changes to source data. The latest version of RapidAuthor leverages the authoring and publishing solution for S1000D documentation. A new ‘S1000D 4.1 SRM’ specification component is added for authoring of Structural Repair Manual data modules. When editing an S1000D data module, RapidAuthor for Teamcenter 11.1 provides access for the Common Information Repository (CIR) allowing authors to insert CIR references. The Repository is used as a single source of reusable data such as zones, suppliers for all S1000D 4.x modules. Using references to the repository reduces the probability of errors and data conflicts in publications.

Pic.1 RapidAuthor for Teamcenter 11.1 enables authors to create customer-specific Common Information Repository, defining the configuration rules on how to use CIR data for authoring and update of an S1000D data module. Image courtesy of ParallelGraphics Limited t/a Cortona3D.

“The major improvements in RapidAuthor 11.1 are related to new authoring features for S1000D documentation. Our solution reduces duplication of efforts while creating technical publications and increases the accuracy and consistency of content,” said George Pachikov, CEO of Cortona3D. “RapidAuthor suite provides technical authors and technical illustrators everything that they need to create highly-effective interactive technical documentation.”

Pic. 2 The interactive 2D/3D learning course publication is created by RapidAuthor for use in an LMS. Image courtesy of ParallelGraphics Limited t/a Cortona3D.

RapidAuthor 11.1 upgrades the functionality announced in the previous release that is intended to manage effectively S1000D content within the single application. While compiling learning courses, authors can create references to illustrations, document fragments, and other data modules and easily update all related publications when CIR, design or other data changes arise. The enhanced ‘S1000D 4.1 SCPM’ specification enables authors to include in a learning course many assessment data modules and references to SCORM packages created in RapidLearning. With extended RapidPublisher functionality, customers can generate a learning course compliant with SCORM that includes plugin-free publications of different types: catalogs, manuals, lessons, other SCORM packages, text documents.

Pic.3 Surface edges information imported from CAD can be used to improve the 3D visualization and the quality of generated 2D images. Image courtesy of ParallelGraphics Limited t/a Cortona3D.

Other essential and user-requested improvements are aimed to create faster spare parts catalogs that are accurate up-to-date and with great visualization. The out-of-the-box Generic IPC specification is enhanced with parts ordering functionality and supported revision marks.  RapidAuthor 11.1 enables authors to import surface edges from CAD assets for better visualization in 3D graphics and to improve the quality of generated 2D images. The viewpoint, which is used for generation of a 2D image, is saved for the further image update when the 3D model changes. The new release offers a wide range of new editing features for 2D CGM images in Cortona2D Editor Pro and provides significant improvements in 2D images generation.

Pic.4 The out-of-the-box RapidAuthor solution enables authors to create spare parts catalogs with shopping cart. The generated order list can be saved as a CSV file or integrated with an ordering system. Image courtesy of ParallelGraphics Limited t/a Cortona3D.

Other important changes:

• Support of new CAD formats: Solid Edge 2019, SOLIDWORKS 2019, Parasolid V31, Autodesk Inventor 2019, JT Import 10.2 and others;
• New type of publications is packed into a single HTML file and can be viewed in all major browsers without browser plug-ins.
• Generated 2D graphic now reflects 3D items trimmed by clipping planes.
• ‘S1000D 4.1 SCO’ and ‘S1000D 4.1 SCPM’ specifications support  3D graphics in preview and publications of the learning courses;
• Private Java Runtime Environment is being installed with the product package;
• The RapidAuthor for Teamcenter help is available in German, French, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
• Rapid JT Component supports import of ULP geometry and better processing of PMI text;

About Cortona3D

Cortona3D is a leading provider of technical documentation software, enabling companies to create and update professional 2D & 3D technical publications from their product design data. With an unparalleled track record of sector leadership and continuous product improvement, Cortona3D serves as a trusted partner for companies seeking to streamline their documentation processes, reduce time to market, and provide their customers with up-to-date and easy-to-use documentation. Leading manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, and energy industries, among others, rely on Cortona3D for their technical documentation needs. Cortona3D is a long-term technological partner of Siemens Digital Industries Software, so customers can benefit from the integration of documentation authoring software with a powerful product life-cycle management system.

For more information, please visit the company website at Cortona3D.com.