New technologies have revolutionized the way that Autodesk users design, construct and manufacture things for the government. These new developments – from additive manufacturing to drones for reality capture – are making AEC and manufacturing processes better and faster. But they’re also entering the marketplace quickly and rapidly disrupting the way things have been traditionally done.
With such disruptive and rapid advancement and innovation, getting an update on new advancements in the industry, and the new capabilities being added to necessary tools – such as Autodesk solutions – is a requirement for the people that make things for the government. And that’s why Synergis is sponsoring this Thursday’s Synergis University.
As a longtime Autodesk solution provider, Synergis will avail attendees of expert guides that will help them make the most out of the latest versions of Autodesk software, including the recently unveiled AutoCAD 2020.
To tell us more about what we can expect to see at Synergis University, we recently sat down with Barrett Geyer, Marketing Manager at Synergis, to take a deep dive into this year’s conference.
GovDesignHub (GDH): Can you tell our readers a bit about Synergis?
Barrett Geyer: Synergis Technologies, LLC is comprised of two unique business units – Synergis Software, makers of Adept engineering document management software, and Synergis Technologies, a premier Autodesk partner and services provider. We opened our doors in 1985 and sold our first copy of AutoCAD 2.0.
Today, we work with architects, engineers, construction professionals, manufacturers, educational institutions and government agencies to help them adopt, learn and manage technology. By becoming an extension of their businesses, we help guide them through the ever-changing landscape of design software, technology trends and best practices.
GDH: Tell our readers a little bit about what makes Synergis University unique? What topics will be covered and what do you think attendees will learn?
Barrett Geyer: Synergis University is a learning event – possibly the single largest Autodesk learning event – held in the mid-Atlantic region each year. It’s a day where our clients can get together with our technical experts and learn about the new software available from Autodesk and how to better utilize technology to help them stay ahead.
The truly unique thing about Synergis University is the networking opportunity for over 200 customers to meet with and exchange ideas with their peers, while learning from Synergis and Autodesk technical experts and product professionals.
GDH: One of the event’s solution tracks is civil and reality capture. What are some of the reasons why government entities and organizations would need reality capture? How has reality capture evolved and changed with the new technologies that are available today?
Barrett Geyer: Reality capture is continuously evolving and improving. What used to take days or weeks to capture manually, can now be done in hours, using static, mobile, and aerial laser scanning and/or photogrammetry, while being substantially more accurate than hand calculations.
The reasons for using laser scanning and reality capture are simple – to accurately and quickly gather as-built or real-world conditions and utilize that data in engineering design software. Because Autodesk is continually evolving this technology and partnering with leading-class providers, such as Leica, our customers, and – in particular – government entities, have a better, more accurate, and complete solution.
GDH: Another the event’s solution tracks is manufacturing. We’re increasingly hearing about generative design and additive manufacturing. What do those terms mean and how could they be used by the government? Will these trends/technologies be covered at Synergis University?
Barrett Geyer: Absolutely they will be covered! Additive manufacturing and generative design are two of the hottest topics for manufacturers.
Historically, manufacturers would start with a larger piece of raw stock and machine away material until they arrives at the desired part. This creates waste. Additive manufacturing, on the other hand, is built up from nothing until the final part is created, using wax, epoxy, plastic, or even metals. By combining traditional subtractive manufacturing with additive manufacturing, designers have an incredible variety of workflows to solve all manufacturing processes.
Generative design is a design workflow tool that allows the engineer or designers to specify restrictions on their concept, and then allow Autodesk software to develop a large number of possible solutions that remain within the set restrictions, or parameters. Utilizing the raw power of cloud computing, a large number of design iterations can be generated quickly and accurately, allowing designers and engineers to evaluate a larger number of potential solutions, before any manufacturing or prototyping ever takes place. This saves an enormous amount of time and money.
GDH: How do some of the other tracks – including the electrical track and the AEC track – impact government Autodesk users?
Barrett Geyer: Government users, like all Autodesk users, will benefit from the continuous improvement and additional functionality that Autodesk continues to build into each new release of their software.
Even in 2019, we still find that many of our clients are using basic AutoCAD for a specific purpose – electrical system design. We will have several sessions showcasing the benefits and time savings of using a purpose-built tool.
Our AEC attendees will benefit as well, by seeing the latest Civil and Infrastructure tools, as well as learn how construction companies can utilize BIM models to ensure accuracy and stay on schedule.
GDH: Autodesk recently rolled out a new “2020” version of many of their solutions. How significantly have some of these solutions changed as a result of the new update? How can Synergis University help attendees embrace and benefit from the new changes and features?
Barrett Geyer: Autodesk has historically had a major software release each year. Recently Autodesk had begun to push out new functionality and features more frequently throughout the year. Synergis University is a great opportunity for Autodesk software users to learn about these changes and understand how they can work smarter.
Because attendees will learn from industry experts about these features and improvements, they get a chance to see real-world examples of how new functionality can apply directly to their businesses. Because Synergis University offers “learning tracks” based on industry, attendees can be sure they will be receiving timely, applicable and meaningful education specific to their daily engineering and design tasks.
For additional information about Synergis Technologies, click here.
