TAMPA, Fla., January 22, 2008 — DistribuTECH Conference & Exhibition —Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that Arizona Public Service (APS) has selected Autodesk to provide utility transmission and distribution design software and consulting services that will help modernize design processes for its electric distribution system, resulting in an expected 25 percent increase in productivity. The Autodesk solution will streamline the business processes across the design, build, operate and maintain life cycle; improve data flow and accuracy; and reduce backlogs.
As the largest publicly owned utility company in Arizona, APS serves more than 1 million customers—a number expected to grow by more than 3 percent annually. To manage its expanding transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure and capacity growth, APS is developing an integrated distribution operations management system (DOMS) that will include an efficient, real-time data management system. As this integrated DOMS is built out, real-time accurate and consistent design information will become critical for APS to operate its T&D system.
“We chose Autodesk because it offers a technology platform that will help us meet the long-term demands of our region’s growth,” said Scott Gudeman, T&D business integration manager for APS. “Autodesk’s full-scale solution is the first step toward creating an integrated system that leverages our engineering design information in the processes to build, operate and maintain our assets. Additionally, Autodesk’s consulting services will provide us with the configuration and training needed to get the system up and running almost immediately.”
Currently, APS’ design processes rely on a variety of systems and require manual interfaces to leverage engineering design information across GIS, work management and material ordering systems. By streamlining this process and implementing an open, standards-based design tool, APS will eliminate many time-consuming activities and improve the accuracy of its design and material orders.
“APS selected our solution for the same reason that companies like Southern California Edison and FirstEnergy selected Autodesk: we understand utility design, engineering and asset management,” noted Lisa Campbell, vice president, Autodesk Geospatial Solutions. “Thousands of electric, gas and water utilities use Autodesk software to design, build and manage their network infrastructure. By integrating high-precision designs with their asset management and geospatial software, utilities can reduce their operating costs and improve service levels.”
Creating an Intelligent Design Process
The Autodesk Utility Design (AUD) solution provides APS with a framework to maximize the value of its engineering design information by applying it to the analysis and building processes. This solution, which includes standard business rules for engineering activities, will also enhance integration of design data with APS’ GIS system. By implementing this solution, APS will streamline many cross-divisional operations, allowing staff to:
- Create consistent, intelligent design using standard templates, engineering calculations and material orders.
- Improve data integrity through improved process and integration.
- Turn infrastructure designs around more quickly, helping APS meet the demands of expanding and updating Arizona’s electric infrastructure.
- Capture existing institutional knowledge in the system, helping newer, less experienced employees get up to speed quickly.
APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
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