CAD manager's concerns: How to migrate from AutoCAD to MicroStation?

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Will my processes be completely changed?

The truth is that you find yourself in a fairly familiar territory when you move from AutoCAD to MicroStation. In most cases, support for users of MicroStation is very similar to that of the AutoCAD users, and with all the similarities between the AutoCAD and MicroStation, you will have a solid foundation before you even begin.

Even better, once familiar with MicroStation and AutoCAD, you will see that its benefits can improve your work processes in many ways, such as:

Improved product stability and superior file integrity.

With MicroStation, you and your users can eliminate the risk of common software crashing with other CAD applications and the waste of time that this results from file corruption and/or loss of unsaved data.

Consistency in file format.

Bentley Systems is extremely consistent with regard to file formats. The current format (v8) has been used since 2000 and even files in the previous format (the singular is voluntary, there has only been one!) can still be used in both reading and writing. And this is not just about MicroStation, but most other applications Bentley Systems. You can say goodbye to problems related to frequent changes in file formats and different formats from one application to another. Another way to improve your processes!

Complete software compatibility.

You can also say goodbye to the software families. CAD managers working with Autodesk products are often faced with software interoperability problems that require a fix to make it work and, during this time, you can lose in profitability. This is not the case with Bentley Systems software: MicroStation and all Bentley (BIM) construction information modelling applications are based on the same modelling platform. This means that users can easily share files bidirectionally and work in similar user interfaces between applications, which greatly simplifies the daily life of the CAD manager, reduces costs, complexity and learning curve when adopting new tools and transitioning to full BIM workflows.

Application of market CAD standards.

MicroStation greatly facilitates the correct application of organizational and project-specific standards and content – in fact, its unique support of CAD standards is one of its greatest assets on AutoCAD. CAD managers can easily apply models to control geometry and data standards, such as styles for dimensions, texts, lines, retail symbols, etc. organize and manage component libraries (such as windows, doors, pipes, pumps, etc.) and simplify the process of searching and sharing project-specific files and content. Once the designs are complete, use automated tools to verify the conformity of the standards to the drawings. MicroStation Also facilitates all processes for managing design changes and file control and protection.

Easy software support.

You will probably have less software applications to support, because in isolation MicroStation is already able to perform tasks requiring several distinct applications if you are an Autodesk user, including file sharing, file review and marking, dot cloud usage, project management, photo-realistic rendering generation, etc.

More effective collaboration.

Not only does data and software work perfectly in the ecosystem Bentley Systems, but users also find their account. Bentley's commitment to the interoperability of software and data enables its users to work reliably with the rest of the world, working with virtually any other software to carry out any project. Bentley developers have solved interoperability problems so you don't have to do it.

Better change management.

Using the history management functionality of MicroStation, users can review and cancel design changes that may have been made several days or months before without having to repeat everything that has been done since. In addition, you can visually compare the state of a drawing at two times to better understand what changes have been made and who made them and when. This feature is even more powerful when it is associated with Bentley ProjectWise collaboration and task sharing software.

Effective software license management.

If you are responsible for administering software for your organization, Bentley provides tools to manage license access, download software, set user permissions, analyze license usage, manage notifications, etc.

Integrated BIM preparation.

Last but not least, MicroStation position you and your team for the future. Its range of BIMlike functionality and workflow, as well as its ability to provide data-ready BIM models, make your deliverables go beyond geometry and drawings. Robust management of MicroStation, combined with its advanced and powerful modelling features, make it the next natural step towards the world of BIM and all its benefits.

If you consider the advantages of switching to MicroStation, consider the software not only as a remedy to many current CAD problems, but also as a strategic tool that will support your team's growth and position your company in the evolution of competitive challenges and opportunities.