SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Apr 24, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that ACCO Engineered Systems, one of the ten largest mechanical contractors in the United States, has purchased Autodesk building information modeling solutions. As a design/build mechanical contractor, ACCO designs, fabricates, installs, and operates mechanical systems for technically complex projects that typically require a great quantity of highly detailed drawings. By using Autodesk's integrated solutions in all seven of its offices in the western United States, ACCO expects to provide enhanced services to its prominent commercial, institutional, and entertainment clients, which include Boeing, Stanford University, the J. Paul Getty Museum, DreamWorks SKG, and CBS.

"We believe that Autodesk's building information modeling solutions will lead to the creation of more detailed drawings and will improve coordination between members of both the design team and other trades," said John Boncich, chief engineer at ACCO's corporate office in Glendale, California. "These smart tools are going to make our design efforts a lot easier."

ACCO purchased 33 licenses of Autodesk(R) Building Systems, the premier building information modeling software for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers, and 80 licenses of the Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop building information modeling application. For improved file management, ACCO will combine the building information modeling solutions with its current use of the Autodesk(R) Buzzsaw(TM) online project collaboration service.

Faster, More Accurate Design for Complex Projects

As a leader in the development of the design/build approach for HVAC, process piping, and control systems, ACCO views technology as a competitive advantage. After being introduced to Autodesk Building Systems and Autodesk Architectural Desktop software, ACCO decided to move from traditional CAD to a building information modeling platform. "In the past, it has been time-consuming to generate the many sections required to clearly communicate the mechanical systems," said Boncich. This is especially true in mechanical rooms, which house a number of different systems and where space is at a premium, or in non-rectangular buildings, such as the Staples Arena -- one of ACCO's recent projects. "Autodesk's building information modeling solutions will allow us to quickly generate more numerous and more detailed sections, which should result in better coordination and cleaner installations," Boncich said.

Autodesk Building Systems software makes it easy to create custom and manufacturer-specific content, speeding the design of the system. The use of intelligent building systems objects -- ducts and piping that behave like their real-world counterparts during design -- will also help designers with the difficult task of integrating all the mechanical system's different components and laying them out as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Improved Coordination and Team Collaboration

ACCO was also attracted by the software's ability to create 3D models of ductwork, piping, and other building systems, which makes it much simpler to visualize how mechanical systems interact with the building's structure and check for potential interferences. The software will also help ACCO coordinate with electrical, plumbing, and sprinkler contractors to avoid conflicts with those systems as well. Increasingly, ACCO has found that clients, designers, and other consultants are requiring them to work with 3D models.

On some projects, ACCO already uses Autodesk Buzzsaw to store, manage, and share project documents over the Internet. With Building Systems and Architectural Desktop, ACCO anticipates improving internal coordination by producing models that the company's sheet metal and piping departments can use to create shop drawings directly.

"We looked at other competitive products, but felt that Autodesk offered the best value," said Boncich. "The majority of our clients and consultants use Autodesk building solutions. So Building Systems and Architectural Desktop will help us coordinate with them more effectively and accurately. It was an easy decision to make."

About ACCO

ACCO is dedicated to the design, construction, and operations of mechanical systems for a broad range of facilities, from residential, retail, and offices to schools, healthcare, arenas, and high-tech manufacturing plants. Established in 1934, ACCO is an employee-owned company located on the West Coast, with projects throughout the United States. Over the years, the company has combined its capabilities in engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and service to meet the demands for competitive pricing, fast delivery, and high-performance systems. For more information about the company, see http://www.accoes.com.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see http://www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk and Buzzsaw 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.

Autodesk, Inc.
Carol Lettieri, 415/507-6908
carol.lettieri@autodesk.com

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