Michigan Department of Transportation Chooses
Altiva Software's CADconform

May 06, 2008 (Houston, TX) — Altiva Software announces that Michigan DOT has chosen CADconform® software to promote and enforce its CAD data standards. Michigan DOT initiated the Design Deliverable Enhancement Project (DDEP) with core team members from MDOT Design, MDOT Construction, Design Consultants and Contractors. Several focus groups have been held with hundreds of stakeholders to receive feedback. The goal is to eliminate inefficiencies, improve information provided for construction and use technology to automate processes. The project identified several issues related to CAD standards.

The DDEP identified that overall consistency of plans and the amount of time spent during plan review meetings discussing CAD standards were two issues in need of solutions. CADconform was originally purchased by MDOT to check GEOPAK attribute tags for use with Bentley Quantity Manager. The DDEP team has recommended expanding the use of CADconform. The vision is to have all CAD files sealed and stamped by CADconform prior to the Omission and Errors Check meeting. Once implemented this will provide a more consistent set of plans and eliminate the need to review every CAD element for conformance to standards. MDOT will publish the finished CAD standards and will make available the CADconform database to their consultant community on their website.

"When MDOT consultants use CADconform, the efficiencies in the design development process will be beneficial for both sides", says Robert Rayl, RS Engineering and DDEP Co-Team Leader. In this model, consultants will use CADconform to check and correct, then submit the drawings to MDOT knowing the drawings conform 100% to MDOT CAD standards — eliminating the previously iterative submission process and reducing plan presentation comments.

The DDEP is looking to automate processes and provide electronic data to contractors. MDOT is currently piloting the use of Bentley Onsite that will put electronic CAD files and Quantities on tablet PC's for use in construction stake out and inspection. "The more we automate various processes the more critical it becomes to follow CAD standards. CADconform is the tool that has been selected to meet our needs" said Dan Belcher, MDOT Engineering Support Services and DDEP Co-Team Leader.

Visit the Michigan Department of Transportation on the web at www.michigan.gov/mdot

CADconform® is a software add-on that works seamlessly between AutoCAD® and MicroStation® to promote and enforce 100% conformance to CAD standards. It is the only product of its kind that provides an encrypted, tamper-proof electronic seal ensuring data integrity and user confidence.

Properly enforced CAD standards provide strategic business value including: re-use of intellectual property stored in drawings, better interoperability and project management, and significant cost-savings and contributions to HS&E.

Altiva Software is the only company dedicated to 100% conformance to CAD standards. It is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with offices in Germany and Australia.

Visit us on the web at www.altivasoft.com.

CADconform is a registered trademark of Altiva Software, Inc. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Inc.

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