By Dominik Hepp
CADWorx Solutions Product Owner, Intergraph CADWorx & Analysis Solutions
We recently released CADWorx Plant 2017 R1, with built-in support for a second CAD platform for the first time in our history. Users can now choose whether to run any of the following applications on AutoCAD or on BricsCAD:
- CADWorx Plant
- CADWorx Equipment
- CADWorx P&ID
- CADWorx Structure
Please reference the CADWorx FAQ for additional details regarding version compatibility, etc.
Each organization will evaluate which of the two CAD platforms is the right fit. In doing so, there is no right or wrong answer. A different set of circumstances within each company will provide the determining factors. One resource I have personally found very valuable in evaluating some of the differences between the two CAD platforms is the BricsCAD for AutoCAD Users Guide.
Now that I have used both systems fairly extensively, I do observe some notable differences with pros and cons on both sides. That's what makes it a valuable choice. If there were a clear single answer for everyone, then having a choice would not provide much value.
From the CADWorx products' point of view, what's important to know is that there are no functional limitations on either platform when compared to the other. Each of the following applications provides full functionality on both platforms:
- CADWorx Plant
- CADWorx Equipment
- CADWorx P&ID
- CADWorx Structure
In fact, a single shared code stream sits underneath.
It is also important to note that the format of DWG deliverables is identical, whether they originated in AutoCAD or BricsCAD. You may have subcontractors who opt to run CADWorx products on BricsCAD and hand over DWG deliverables for further work downstream in CADWorx on AutoCAD or vice versa, and that's perfectly fine.
With this new choice now in your hands, I strongly encourage you to invest some time in evaluating both platforms to determine what makes most sense for your organization. I suspect most of you will likely end up somewhere in the middle where a dual-CAD platform scenario makes most sense.
In the meantime, we have a trained support group on standby, ready to help where needed. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to us. I look forward to your feedback!
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