SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Aug 16, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- From California's wine country to Maui, Hawaii, and from elementary schools to senior assisted-care facilities, structural engineering firm MKM & Associates (MKM) works on as many as 50 projects at any given time. Using solutions from Autodesk Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), MKM has turned its idea for business expansion into reality, by accelerating the design and review process. The company will share its techniques for improving productivity and workflow during a one-hour Webcast on Thursday, August 18, at 10a.m. PDT. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.autodesk.com/composer-mkm.

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"We've seen significant improvements in our efficiency and cost effectiveness as a direct result of using Autodesk technology," said Mark Douglas, structural technician, MKM & Associates. "Our savings on printing and delivery costs alone have more than recouped our investment. Perhaps more importantly, we've also accelerated our review process by two- to three-days per cycle compared to paper-based reviews."

Autodesk solutions, including AutoCAD 2006 and Autodesk DWF Composer software, enable MKM professionals to create, manage and share accurate, up-to-date design files with minimal paper, far less drafting work -- and at a fraction of former printing and shipping costs. DWF is an open, standards-based specification for securely sharing rich, digital data design files. With DWF Composer, the files can be reviewed, marked up and revised through an integrated design review process spanning all team members. AutoCAD 2006 is the world-leading customizable and extendable software for drafting, detailing and design. MKM has also deployed Autodesk Architectural Desktop, the market-leading AutoCAD-based design and documentation productivity solution for architects.

Saving Time and Money

Founded in 1983, MKM & Associates provides structural engineering expertise ranging from residential and commercial projects to public works and institutional assignments. The company has automated the most time-consuming aspects of the design review process by making what were paper-based actions entirely digital. Using DWF Composer to review and mark up 2D and 3D files, MKM professionals have drastically reduced the amount of paper and the costly courier services they were using to send files to their clients -- owners, developers, contractors and city planning departments. And because DWF does not require use of the originating design software to view files, the recipients find it easier to take an active part in the design review process.

In the field, engineers are able to mark up DWF versions of files, eliminating time-consuming, error-prone transfer of redlines on paper drawings prior to submission for review. DWF Composer's tracking function and drag-and-drop capabilities make it easier to provide detailed information to drafters, who can incorporate the changes directly into the original AutoCAD files.

Drafting teams also take advantage of AutoCAD 2006 features to speed the design process. MKM staff depends on the software's capabilities for creation and reuse of design elements -- called Dynamic Blocks -- rather than creating these objects from scratch with each project. As a result, MKM has measured a dramatic 75 percent reduction in time spent on this task alone. In addition, users rely on Sheet Set Manager features to create, print and distribute DWF design files in just minutes, rather than the hours once required for paper plans. They also leverage the AutoCAD Markup Set Manager feature to review and incorporate redlines made with DWF Composer software.

"Companies like MKM & Associates are realizing the advantages that AutoCAD and Autodesk DWF Composer offer in concert," said Jonathan Knowles, director of worldwide market development for Autodesk Collaboration Services. "DWF Composer makes it easy to review, mark up and revise high-fidelity versions of drawings and models connecting team members inside and outside the office. AutoCAD 2006 streamlines everyday drafting tasks. Together, they're a powerful combination for greater productivity."

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk, AutoCAD, ADT and DWF are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Contact: Jennifer Giles of Autodesk, +1-415-547-2458, or jennifer.giles@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.