Companies not using 3D software will be uncompetitive in three years

Cambridge, Masschusetts – 3D plant design systems are enabling a greater number of smaller businesses to undertake large plant creation and operations projects that previously were the domain of mega-firms, says a new Daratech survey of top executives and senior engineers in the industry worldwide.

Almost two-thirds of the study participants whose companies do not use 3D plant design software believe their companies will not be competitive three years from now unless they become 3D enabled, said Daratech. Moreover, it noted, almost 40% of participants said their companies have, from time to time, chosen not to bid on projects because of their lack of 3D system capability.

Unlike other much-heralded software, 3D plant design systems largely fulfill or exceed user expectations, say 83% of participants, noted Daratech. Project productivity, it found, is up 30% or more for 45% of participants and has increased by at least 15% for more than 70% of participants. In addition, personal productivity has increased at least 50% for more than half of participants and is up more than 25% for almost 80% of participants.

As many as 73% of participants who lack the ability to use 3D plant design systems believe their job options may become limited in the future if they fail to become proficient users of 3D software. However, transitioning from 2D to 3D software will be within reach of all but a few: 74% of study participants believe half or more of their 2D users will be able to do so, while only 5% feel that very few will be able to do so. Top-rated 3D software requirements were ease-of-use, data management, and the time it takes to become proficient using the software.

The study, which was commissioned by Bentley Systems Inc., found that the average time to become a proficient 3D system user was between 140 and 240 days. The fastest average learning time was for Bentley’s AutoPLANT software, which participants indicate has an average learning time of 140 days. For their ability to handle small projects, AutoPLANT and Bentley’s MicroStation also received the highest user satisfaction scores.

The most-often cited reasons for not using 3D plant design systems were overall cost, lack of experience, and “no time to learn.” According to Daratech, cost factors have mainly to do with the loss of productivity experienced while transitioning to 3D and the higher cost of 3D-proficient personnel. However, these costs appear to be minor considering the benefits of 3D systems that the study revealed.

Dissatisfaction with 3D systems centered on poor interoperation with other systems, difficulty of use, and lack of support from providers.
Deciding which 3D system to purchase took six months or less for 43% of participants while 23% took between six months and a year.

Daratech received over 482 responses for this study from around the world, with plant design engineers and engineering managers making up 58% of the participants. The others were engineering IT professionals, company executives, and maintenance managers and engineers.The study will be summarised on Daratech’s Web site at www.daratech.com <http://www.daratech.com/>