Trimble Design Link Provides an Interoperable BIM Software Solution for Mechanical Contractors

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) introduced today its Trimble® Design Link, the latest software solution for mechanical contractors providing HVAC and sheet metal services. Design Link extends the functionality of designs created in AutoCAD® MEP used in the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) process by adding standards-driven detail. This detail facilitates the exchange of data between the finished design to estimating, collision avoidance and collaboration applications, fabrication and field layout. The new solution from Trimble leverages Autodesk's AutoCAD MEP platform with built-in features for creating advanced routing and 3D design of MEP systems.

The announcement was made today at Trimble Dimensions 2010.

The Trimble Design Link solution provides direct export to Vulcan® CAM cutting software, Trimble's QuickPen AutoBid® SheetMetal estimating software, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) export for BIM collaboration, and Point Creation for field layout with the Trimble MEP layout solution.

Trimble Design Link serves as a central source for BIM design collaboration of HVAC and sheet metal. It acts as a "BIM conduit," allowing for the easy implementation and management of data, project specifications, and fabrication standards. "For BIM adoption to become truly mainstream, interoperability between solutions is key to helping contractors more easily take the next steps," said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble's Building Construction Division. "Trimble Design Link helps facilitate the BIM process by connecting solutions that aid in driving the detail rich, design data from the office directly to field level positioning systems for increased efficiency and cost savings."

In pursuit of standards within the VDC process, Trimble Design Link has incorporated the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format as a means of extending the solution's interoperability with popular design and construction based software applications. A direct example of this effort is the inclusion of a specialty export option that allows Tekla Structures users to easily import a Trimble Design Link file for clash detection and collision avoidance analysis. Structures users can also query fabrication data contained within the Trimble Design Link file. "As clash detection becomes more pervasive in our industry, the way we prevent and resolve these costly mistakes too will mature," said Stacy Scopano, business and development manager of Tekla Corporation. "We see Trimble Design Link as a next step forward to intelligently optimize coordination with mechanical systems."

Trimble Design Link is currently available for order through Trimble's QuickPen Division by calling 866-799-6673. For more information, visit:  www.quickpen.com.

About Trimble's Building Construction Business

Trimble's Building Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the building construction contractor. Trimble's solutions target site prep, general, concrete, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors on large and small commercial, industrial and residential jobsites. Trimble is focused on delivering solutions that tightly link office based process and information with the field crew—including taking Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other design data to the field for highly accurate positioning and layout of foundations and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Trimble solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the building construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring positioning or location, including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user in the field and to ensure communication between the field and the office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.

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SOURCE Trimble