Anark Corp. announced that :em engineering methods AG (:em) has entered a technology partnership with Anark to develop MBSE collaboration solutions on the Anark content collaboration platform for manufacturers. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) includes a variety of data that is typically inaccessible in specialized formats and data management systems. As part of this expanded partnership :em is developing MBSE solutions to make this data accessible and actionable for everyone. The result will further eliminate collaboration gaps and the invisible work that results in slow development cycle time, hidden manufacturing costs, poor supplier performance and low customer satisfaction.

:em intends to extend Anark’s collaboration platform to include their Digital Data Package (DDP) Manager support for engineering and manufacturing data types such as product requirements (e.g. ReqIF), system models (e.g. SysML), simulation data (e.g. FMI / FMU), quality inspection (e.g. QIF, I++), manufacturing automation (e.g. AutomationML) and more (e.g. AAS Asset Administration Shell). The new solution will take advantage of Anark’s recently released low-code template API that enables partners and customers to build forward compatible application experiences, addressing new use cases.

“There are so many links between digital thread data that are hidden in specialized applications, especially for companies embracing MBSE practices. Expanding our partnership with :em is another step forward in delivering a common application anyone can use to explore, visualize, and collaborate across the digital thread.” says Patrick Dunfey, VP of marketing at Anark.

:em has contributed to the development of the Digital Data Package (DDP) standard within the DDP project group in the Prostep iViP association. The goal of the DDP is to enable companies to create a digital thread and exchange technical data of a digital twin in a structured way. The DDP definition is on its way to being defined as the new industry standard for technical data exchange by the international standard organization OMG (Object Management Group).

“We are excited to bring the combined industry experience of the DDP project group to Anark’s content collaboration platform. Our partnership with Anark will deliver previously unattainable levels of value across domains and organizations from MBSE through MBD to Supply Chain and Digital Twins.” says Dr. Sven Kleiner, COO of :em engineering methods AG

“It’s great to see a great partner like :em extending the value of the Anark platform with their MBSE and digital thread expertise. This aligns with our strategy to build an ecosystem of collaboration solutions for our customers on our industry leading collaboration platform for manufacturers.” says Fred Waugh, CEO of Anark Corp.

About Anark Corp.

Anark Corp. is a leading provider of content collaboration software for manufacturers, empowering companies such as Lockheed Martin, General Electric, Schaeffler, Boeing, Ericsson, Cohu, Cisco, and the US Department of Defense to redefine the boundaries of collaboration so they can innovate faster. Anark’s content collaboration platform for manufacturers eliminates collaboration friction and hidden costs with product data, insights, and collaboration that meet people where they work. As a result, product data becomes accessible, actionable, and synchronized with version-controlled CAD, PDM, PLM and other product development “sources of truth.” When everyone can communicate and collaborate without compromise, manufacturers and their suppliers reduce errors, scrap, rework, and delivery risk while producing higher-quality products and services.

About :em engineering methods AG

:em AG develops innovative methods and software solutions for engineering. As an integrator of IT systems, :em AG has a comprehensive cross-industry portfolio. True to the vision “We deliver the digital future for engineering.” :em AG supports the practical implementation of the digital transformation at its customers with a broad range of services and software applications. For this purpose, :em’s team designs digitalization strategies and roadmaps and supports the realization of model-based, digital development. With its broad consulting portfolio :em AG supports customers from the industries mobility & transportation, industry & automation, aerospace & defense, E/E & High Tech as well as MedTech & Life Science.

Cortona3D has introduced the latest version of its technical documentation software suite, RapidAuthor 2312. This release includes several significant features, such as incremental import, automatic search and selection of invisible parts, dynamic cross-sectioning within publications, and an expanded range of operations that can be executed on the server, saving the author time for other tasks. These updates aim to improve user experience and efficiency in creating high-quality 3D animated and traditional 2D technical documentation for manufacturing and after-sales support.

Incremental import support in authoring tools

The new incremental import capability enables authors to selectively import CAD assemblies and parts, thereby improving efficiency and conserving memory resources. Authors can initially import only the hierarchical structure of the project, deferring the import of geometry until later stages. This approach saves considerable time, particularly when dealing with large datasets. Incremental import functionality is available for standalone data in CATIA, NX, Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and JT formats.

The new release introduces a wide range of enhancements in Teamcenter Integration. Authors can reuse DITA & S1000D content registered in Content Management, that was created in tools other than RapidAuthor. Previously, searches were limited to RapidAuthor project content, and now the search spans across all content management. This is beneficial for users with extensive documentation originating from various editors.

Dynamic cross-sectioning and viewing selected objects in a separate window in publications

RapidCompiler for Teamcenter, a tool designed for executing long and extensive operations on the server, brings a significant expansion of its capabilities in the 2312 release. Previously, only import and update operations were available. Now authors can seamlessly republish, publish S1000D publication modules and DITA map objects, distribute S1000D and DITA to Content Management, and export S1000D data modules. They can perform bulk operations to initiate tasks for multiple objects simultaneously. All these tasks run on the server so the authors can continue with other tasks while awaiting the results, reducing idle time and enhancing overall productivity.

The addition of import and export functionality for administrative objects in RapidAuthor for Teamcenter allows for seamless transfer of configured setups between environments, leading to time savings and error prevention.

Import and export of administrative objects in RapidAuthor for Teamcenter

Administrators can benefit from a single universal specification for each authoring tool across S1000D versions 4.1, 4.2, and 5.0. This enhancement makes it easier for administrators to manage content and migrate it to newer S1000D issues.

The new highlight selection modes in authoring tools, X-Ray and Translucent Shell, enable users to visualize hidden parts more effectively within complex 3D models. Additionally, authors now can perform automatic searches and select invisible parts, with the option to delete them. Together, these enhancements provide users with the capability to quickly identify and remove unnecessary components, facilitating publishing, reducing its size, and increasing its visualization speed.

Static items with rectangular sections can now be automatically transformed into flat cable parametric objects. Creating animations of parametric cables, such as shape adjustments and point movements, amongst others, takes significantly less time than animating static geometry.

Automatic generation of Flat Cable object from static geometry

Other significant improvements in the 2312 release pertain to 2D editing. These include the generation of 2D illustrations using Cortona2D Editor styles, support for raster illustrations in composite illustrations, and the ability to define the illustration type (3D, 2D, or both) for each page.

In publications, end users can benefit from the ability to cross-section 3D models on the fly, show selected objects in a separate 3D view, and measure the approximate distance between two 3D points. This functionality facilitates the analysis and better comprehension of complex 3D models across various scenarios.

For more detailed information, you can explore the full release notes and download the new version of RapidAuthor 2312.

About Cortona3D

Cortona3D, a global leader in providing innovative 3D visual communication and publishing software solutions. Their proven tools are designed to transform design data into highly effective 3D technical documentation for product maintenance, training, and customer support.

For more information about Cortona3D, visit website.

GHENT, Belgium, Mar 4, 2024 – Through a collaboration between Bricsys and Flanders Make, a ‘design for assembly inspection tool’ has been developed that makes it possible to test a product’s suitability for production as early as the design phase.

Traditionally, engineers tested a product’s suitability for production during the initial prototype phase, when they first physically assembled the product. This stage often resulted in the creation of several costly and time-consuming prototypes. Now, Bricsys sets a precedent by fully integrating the Assembly Inspect Tool into their BricsCAD Mechanical software.

The Assembly Inspect Tool provides an in-depth evaluation of assembly capabilities not previously available in Mechanical CAD packages. This tool makes the “Aided” in computer-aided design a reality: it supports the product design engineer in the design process, avoiding costly assembly design errors that often only come to light in the prototype phase.

Accessible for companies of all sizes

The Assembly Inspect Tool also enables small to medium-sized companies in the manufacturing industry to have these insights without the need for costly and specialized software.

The development of this technology came about through collaboration between Bricsys and Flanders Make, a strategic research center for the manufacturing industry. It results from a project in which Flanders Make and other mutually independent Flemish companies are developing new knowledge that can be practically applied, thus contributing to economic added value in Flanders.

Although researchers have not yet completed the study, they will use the coming year to gather valuable customer feedback to optimize the Assembly Inspect Tool further.

Watch this video for an in-depth explanation of the technology behind this pioneering step in the product design process. Thanks to Alberts Smoothies, whose crusher unit from their smoothie machine is shown in the demonstration.

About Flanders Make

Towards a digitally transformed, sustainable and competitive industry, Flanders Make is a fast-growing research center supporting companies from different sectors in their sustainable innovation trajectories. From their offices in Lommel, Leuven, Kortrijk, Sint-Truiden and labs at the 5 Flemish Universities, they stimulate open innovation through excellent research.

Through our unique position linking business and research, our teams combine their expertise at application and system level with technological and scientific knowledge. Academic partners and more than 150 companies are part of Flanders Make’s circular innovation ecosystem.

Sustainability, climate and workable work have a high priority in our research. We want to help companies develop green, smart and connected products and production systems with a special focus on humans and their interaction with machines. Towards a digitally transformed, sustainable and competitive industry, Flanders Make is a fast-growing research center supporting companies from different sectors in their sustainable innovation trajectories. From their offices in Lommel, Leuven, Kortrijk, Sint-Truiden and labs at the 5 Flemish Universities, they stimulate open innovation through excellent research.

About Bricsys

Bricsys, a global technology company and a part of Hexagon, develops the BricsCAD suite of CAD products and the Bricsys 24/7 project collaboration platform. They are committed to the success of our customers by offering cost-effective, professional CAD software with industry-leading product support. Learn more at www.bricsys.com.

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions. Learn more about Hexagon at https://hexagon.com/.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Mar 1, 2024 – Autodesk, Inc. reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2024. This quarter’s revenue stood at $1,469M, 3.9% up compared to $1,414M of third quarter of fiscal 2024, with a profit of $282M.

Comparative analysis based on Autodesk’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Autodesk website)

Comparative analysis based on Autodesk’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Autodesk website)

“We are undertaking a multi-year process to develop lifecycle solutions, powered by shared platform services, and with Autodesk’s Data Model at its core. Together, these will enable Autodesk, its customers, and partners, to create more valuable, data-driven, and connected products and services,” said Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk president and CEO. “Having led the industry in generative design, we are leading again in 3D generative AI. Our new multimodal foundation models will enable design and make customers to automate low-value and repetitive tasks and generate more high-value, complex designs more rapidly and with much greater consistency. We can already generate 3D representations from images 10 times faster and with vastly higher quality than currently available 3D AI.”

“Autodesk remains resilient and underlying demand for our products and services is robust. As a result, revenue grew 14 percent at constant currency in the fourth quarter,” said Debbie Clifford, Autodesk CFO. “Adjusting the mid-point of our guidance to exclude noise from the new transaction model, acquisitions, the absence of EBA true-up revenue, and FX, we expect underlying revenue to grow more than 10 percent in fiscal 25.

A complete chart of the financial results is available here.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Their technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to more mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software helps their customers to design and make a better world for all.

For more information, visit autodesk.com.