Autodesk Data Publishing Begins Shipping PlantSpec Volume 1.0.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 1996--Expanding its offerings of reusable intelligent content for design industries, Autodesk Data Publishing group (ADP) today began shipping its new CD-ROM title, PlantSpec, the first intelligent digital library for the Process and Power industry that brings multiple plant component manufacturers product information together in a single digital format.

Like the group's PartSpec title, PlantSpec software will include graphical and textual information in a standard format, including .DWG blocks, for thousands of parts from multiple manufacturers in the process manufacturing industry. The volume was developed using the same technology and user benefits as the Autodesk Mechanical Library titles, PartSpec and MaterialSpec.

That is, it significantly reduces the time needed to locate and re-draw manufacturer parts drawings in AutoCAD designs. It operates with the leading PC design platforms: DOS, Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows NT, and Windows 95. Users can search for parts using several criteria, including manufacturer, part number, product line, or performance requirements. Once a part is located, PlantSpec displays a vector drawing, or drawings, that can be inserted directly into an AutoCAD .DWG drawing file.

"PlantSpec represents a new way of doing business for manufacturing engineers," says Blair LaCorte, general manager, Autodesk Data Publishing. "Using PlantSpec software, design engineers can answer questions such as, `how do I find the precise dimensions for a non-standard valve,' or `how can I find products to build a new specification.'"

Improved Productivity

PlantSpec software improves productivity by streamlining the process of part selection, drawing and specification over the use of individual manufacturer paper or electronic catalogs. The more efficient PlantSpec processes include: -0-

- Saves Time: The costs of finding or obtaining individual manufacturer catalogs, looking up and selecting specific parts, then re-drawing the parts and capturing associated text and data, can be either significantly reduced or eliminated.

- Inserts directly into AutoCAD: With a single click of a mouse-button, drop DWGs directly into any AutoCAD Release 12, AutoCAD Release 13, or AutoCAD LT drawing.

- Standardizes drawing formats: Product comparisons become easier than ever before, and collaborative design is enabled.

- Improves Accuracy: Users can minimize costly errors and omissions resulting from mistakes made during any re-drawing and data re-keying processes.

Multiple Benefits

- PlantSpec 1.0 offers all the best attributes of a typical CAD library - access to drawings with a single insertion method - but also offers much more:

- Sophisticated Searching: The ability to search for products by multiple criteria is a unique advantage of this product. Users can preview product pictures, drawings, diagrams, and data tables while researching their selections.

- Real-World Parts from Leading Manufacturers: PlantSpec parts are not approximations, or generic representations part types; every product included is available for purchase, saving time and increasing efficiency in the design and product-specifying processes.

- Data Rich Content: Crucial, manufacturer-specific product data (for instance, the face-to-face dimension of a valve, or the communication protocol of an instrument) is an invaluable addition to the vector drawings traditionally found in block libraries. Large sites and sophisticated power-users value such data over blocks, which are merely insertable.

- Data Currency: Semi-annual updates, with manufacturer-prepared and verified data, keep you and your drawings as accurate, and as up-to-date, as possible.

Multiple Manufacturers

Baldor Electric, the Fort Smith, Arkansas manufacturer of electric motors and drives is the first company to work with ADP on the new PlantSpec program. Baldor, which markets its own electronic catalog, chose to market its 4,200 parts on PlantSpec.

Other manufacturers on PlantSpec include Advanced MicroFinish, Inc.; Controlled Power, Crouse-Hinds, Hoffman, Johnson Yokoawa Corporation, Leviton Manufacturing, Parker Hannifin Corp., and Square D Company.

Prices and Availability

PlantSpec is available for a one-year subscription, at a suggested retail price of $199. Currently there is a special promotional price available everywhere of $99. Additionally, included with the Autodesk AEC Professional Suite will be a coupon redeemable for the purchase of PlantSpec. Call 800/435-7771 to order.

In addition, PlantSpec can be obtained through authorized Autodesk dealers and distributors through a select group of Autodesk System Centers (ASCs), which are certified to supply specialized plant-design assistance programs. To find the dealer or ASC call 800/964-6432.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of PC and UNIX-based design software and PC multimedia tools. The company's 2D and 3D products and data management tools are used in many industries for mapping architectural design, mechanical design, film and video production, video/game development and Web content development.

Its Kinetix division is the recognized leader in PC-based 3D modeling, and animation software, providing a full range of products for the digital media and design professionals. The fourth largest PC software company in the world, Autodesk has three million customers in nearly 130 countries.

Autodesk products are sold through Autodesk Systems Centers, Dealers and Distributors worldwide. For more information on Autodesk, please call 415/507-5000, type GO ADESK on CompuServe, or visit its World Wide Web site at http://www.autodesk.com. Kinetex can be reached by calling 800/879-4233 or through its World Wide Web site at http://www.ktc.com. Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ADSK. -0-

Note to Editors: Autodesk, AutoCAD, and MaterialSpec are registered trademarks and PartSpec is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademark and trademarks products names belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Effective Business Communications

for Autodesk Data Publishing

Joseph J. Diorio, 610/296-3062

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