AutoCAD Plant 3D Forum
Welcome to Autodesk’s AutoCAD Plant 3D Forums. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and explore popular AutoCAD Plant 3D topics.
cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Switching from CadWorx to Plant 3D

30 REPLIES 30
Reply
Message 1 of 31
PatrickByrne
5360 Views, 30 Replies

Switching from CadWorx to Plant 3D

On a previous occasion I asked was it a good time to switch from CadWorx to Plant 3D. At the time it was a resounding no as I could not find anybody to give it a tick of approval on a large project.

 

With the latest release of Plant 3D, Autodesk appears to have fixed most issues, I would appreciate any feedback from the users.

 

We will be using Plant 3D in conjunction with Inventor, normal AutoCAD and Prosteel, therefore it will not be the dominant software on the project, is this a problem?

 

Has Plant 3D been successfully used on a large project? did you come across any major issues.

 

What is the main advantage over CadWorx Plant?

 

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Patrick

30 REPLIES 30
Message 2 of 31
ybogdanov
in reply to: PatrickByrne

The first difirance: Cadworx is Intergraph that works in AutoCAD (Autodesk product) and Plant3D is Autodesk and work in Autodesk... Plant3D usually will have better integration.

In case of Cadworx you need 2 licences for one seat and in case the Plant3D only one.

NAvisworks integration is better with Plant3D.

The integration with sql server is better with Plant3D.

 

 I think that Plant3D win in all aspects.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------
Yury Bogdanov
ASIDEK(Grupo CT) - Partner Directo de Autodesk
Barcelona (Spain)
Message 3 of 31
RyanBotha
in reply to: ybogdanov

I'm sure there is more going for P3D than that. What about some functionality comparisons, and final drawing production, ISOs, etc. How does it stack up there. I know the new CADWorx 2013 packs some punch...

Message 4 of 31
335-33329912
in reply to: RyanBotha

Both Solutions do 3D Piping, Iso's, BOM's etc. Even modelling is going to be similar as lets face it, there are only so many ways in which you can route piping.

 

I do like the fact that CADWorx is still using Isogen, I am not sure why Autodesk decided to pursue their own isometric extractor. There is also the S3D and SPF intrgration with Integraph's bigger brother. To my knowledge, CADWorx is the only solution that can intelligently integrate with S3D.

Message 5 of 31
dgorsman
in reply to: 335-33329912

ISOGEN is pretty much the only name in the game of isometric generation - that needs to change.  At least there is *starting* to be some badly needed competition from ideas like online isometric generation in The Labs.

----------------------------------
If you are going to fly by the seat of your pants, expect friction burns.
"I don't know" is the beginning of knowledge, not the end.


Message 6 of 31
dave.wolfe
in reply to: 335-33329912

Seriously? Have you seen the new isometric engine.  The development lead for CADWorx was in a room where one of our guys showed the isometric engine, and even he was blown away. 

 

Nobody loves isogen.  

 

FYI, I setup a new client's title block with a BOM and cutlist in a minute using the Plant 3D iso package.  Try that with isogen. 🙂 

 

So, CADWorx has no concept of a project manager, so the db reports can't be correct unless you have someone monitoring what drawings are saved in the database.

 

The validation palette from AutoCAD Plant 3D is so much more powerful than anything CW has.

 

Reports in Plant 3D are more configurable and can be output to a consistent format.

 

Routing is pretty much the same between CW 2013 and Plant 3D.

 

I haven't seen the latest iteration of CW 2013's spec and catalog manager, but last I saw, P3D abilities to export/import data to Excel beat what they offered.  

 

Plant 3D has an .net api...which lets you do almost anything.

 

I wasn't aware CADWorx and S3D actually talked now....I'd like to see that.

 

So when you get the P3D suite you also get Navisworks to view your project.

 

CW has a pretty expensive viewer (Smart Plant Review) that costs about as much as the entire Plant 3D suite.

 

There is a free viewer distributed with CADWorx (CADWorx Design Review), but I haven't ran across many people who like using it.  It's kind of awkward.

 

Just a few thoughts...

Dave Wolfe
Isaiah 57:15



Tips and Tricks on our blog: ASTI blog
EXPERT ELITE MEMBER
Plant 3D Wish list
Tags (1)
Message 7 of 31
335-33329912
in reply to: PatrickByrne

I love Isogen. Maybe I just know how to work it. Smiley Wink  I do agree that alot of people are intimidated by it.

 

You really should get your hands on a copy of 2013, you will be pleasantly suprised.

 

 

Message 8 of 31
RyanBotha
in reply to: dave.wolfe

@David - by far the best response comparing CW to P3D. Thank you

Message 9 of 31
Chadrix
in reply to: dave.wolfe

I do not know much about P3D, but I do know that CADWorx 2013 is 100 miles from previous releases, with further enhancments on the summer horizon including .vue export to SP review.

 

Again, I cant speak for P3D at all, but I would advise having a good look at CADWorx 2013 before making any kind of switch, it is quite wonderful.

 

ISOGEN is a monster for sure, but CADWorx development is working on taming its intergration as we speak.

Chad Snider | Applications Specialist
Plant Design Solutions
Message 10 of 31
dave.wolfe
in reply to: Chadrix

Just reminded of another reason why I like the Isometric package in Plant 3D, it doesn't get picked up by antivirus software like Isogen does sometimes.  Just sayin.

 

Dave Wolfe
Isaiah 57:15



Tips and Tricks on our blog: ASTI blog
EXPERT ELITE MEMBER
Plant 3D Wish list
Message 11 of 31
Chadrix
in reply to: dave.wolfe

One point to consider is that there is no structural module with P3D, unless something has changed recently you need to buy Inventor. CADWorx seems to be a beter all-in-one solution with its complete design capabilities.

 

CADWorx does not require two licenses for a seat except the rare scenario of loading the equipment module inside plant (which is unesesary) when using SPLM, which is very uncomon for licensing.

Chad Snider | Applications Specialist
Plant Design Solutions
Message 12 of 31
dave.wolfe
in reply to: Chadrix

Wrong.  Plant 3D comes with light steel capabilities and always has.  Includes in the Plant Design suite, though you also get AutoCAD structural detailing which gives you SDNF in and out, and connecting to Revit.

 

ASD gives you the ability to automatically create steel fabrication drawing with dimension and annotation, sort of like automated isometrics, but for steel fab.  Just like the detailing part says, it does bolting connections and everything (which CADWorx can't do).

 

Common Chad, if you're going to beat me on CADWorx, you have to bring your A-game. 🙂

 

Dave Wolfe
Isaiah 57:15



Tips and Tricks on our blog: ASTI blog
EXPERT ELITE MEMBER
Plant 3D Wish list
Message 13 of 31
Chadrix
in reply to: dave.wolfe

LOL!

 

Not trying to beat anyone at anything 😄

 

I don't have an A-game for P3D. I don't know of anyone who does besides Autodesk and their dealers.

 

Sure didn't mean to make you feel like your toes were being stepped on, but thank you for the information. It helps!

 

My experience pales to yours Dave, I concede. 🙂 Just stiring the pot a bit!

 

 

Chad Snider | Applications Specialist
Plant Design Solutions
Message 14 of 31
dave.wolfe
in reply to: Chadrix

All in good fun, eh?  

 

Personally, I think the competition is good as it should help people bring the best ideas to the table for plant design.

Dave Wolfe
Isaiah 57:15



Tips and Tricks on our blog: ASTI blog
EXPERT ELITE MEMBER
Plant 3D Wish list
Message 15 of 31
Chadrix
in reply to: PatrickByrne

Well spoken, sir!

Chad Snider | Applications Specialist
Plant Design Solutions
Message 16 of 31
FishrOfGrizz
in reply to: Chadrix

I know this is an old post but if anyone were revisiting this topic for making the decision to change I'd advise to stay put with CadWorx. Especially if you have the program already. P3D might be ok if you have your own support people on board that can try and stay ahead of a design team so they can actually work a project. Even support for P3D is lacking. I used to have excellant support with CadWorx. My own opinion and experiences.

Message 17 of 31
Arun_Kumar_K
in reply to: FishrOfGrizz

I am not a dealer and not part of Autodesk.

We have been using Autocad Plant3d for last 2 years, we could sucessfully completed around 5 projects in this.

In comparison, CADWORX have the advantages over Plant3d is 1) Isogen engine 2) Orthogen facility 3) Smartplant model link using .VUE 4) Bidirectional CII link, where in Plant3d you can do only one direction using PCF.

Autocad Plant3d advantage over Cadworx is 1) Easy modelling tools 2) Navisworks 3) Revit and Steel Package along with the suite.

I am sure, in another 1 year the Isometric engine will be improved far better than CADWORX, and once that is done, Autocad Plant3d will rule in cad based 3d.
Message 18 of 31
FishrOfGrizz
in reply to: Arun_Kumar_K

I haven't had the success that you have. I find it's a struggle just getting a complete spec. Anything out of the ordinary, pipe or elbow, it's a pain and not worth the trouble. Everything you do seems to require 30 steps (exaggeration but not much). I don't like a program that requires the users to finish the programming.

By the way. CadWorx has had Navisworks capability for years. That is the one thing that seems to work as well now as it always has. Even w/ P3D.

Thanks for your input. It's good to hear that someone has gotten past 1st base w/ this. Not sure that I'll stick it out that long.
Message 19 of 31
ybogdanov
in reply to: FishrOfGrizz

I'm Autodesk's delear. And the last 2 years I don't lost any offer against Cadworx. I wait demo of Integraph and after this I go with Plant3D and we win! It's easy!
I think that the future of cadworx it's very uncertain...
-----------------------------------------------------------
Yury Bogdanov
ASIDEK(Grupo CT) - Partner Directo de Autodesk
Barcelona (Spain)
Message 20 of 31
Ahmed1081975
in reply to: ybogdanov

Did You tried CadWorx 2013 & 2014

 

Becouse it's became like Plant 3D And more Better than Before

 

Regards

 

Ahmed Helal

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask the community or share your knowledge.

Post to forums  

Autodesk Design & Make Report

”Boost