Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. (TPS) has announced the first results of its collaboration with Autodesk Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software: A direct link to AutoCAD WS within Topcon’s Magnet Enterprise cloud service.

This new capability, launched only two months after the collaboration between the two companies was announced, will provide a direct path for field and office data to flow seamlessly from collection, design, review and adjustment between Magnet Enterprise and AutoCAD WS — saving multiple steps and software conversions that have typically been required. The new capability is automatically available to all users of Magnet Enterprise.

Ewout Korpershoek, senior vice president of TPS product management and marketing, said, “With Autodesk having the world’s premier and most common design software suites, and Topcon having industry-leading positioning products, the world’s largest base of model based design users can now seamlessly push AutoCAD WS design data to field personnel from within Magnet Enterprise, and vice versa, push field measurements into AutoCAD WS directly through the cloud for update and review — including on mobile devices.

“This collaboration with Autodesk allows the streamlining of the data flow between design and execution via a seamless connection — cloud surfing — between the office and site, providing the highest degree of accuracy and productivity,” he said.

“We have been working with our customers to research how they could use technology to improve efficiency in construction. Our findings concluded that customers need an easy way to connect equipment and digital design data, including AutoCAD and BIM data,” said Nicolas Mangon, senior director, AEC strategy and marketing, Autodesk.

“This past year, Autodesk has invested in delivering design data to the point of construction via Autodesk BIM 360 cloud services and mobile applications. Working with Topcon is the next step in completely transforming how the construction industry works — by providing direct integration and streamlining the availability of critical field information. Customers get a more seamless workflow and path to BIM in the field — so they can increase productivity, enhance field safety, and improve quality control.”

Topcon’s Magnet suite of productivity software products includes Magnet Enterprise, a cloud-based service that connects mobile and office software products and provides a web-based interface to company data and assets. AutoCAD WS web and mobile application for AutoCAD software enables customers to view, edit, and share DWG files through a web browser or mobile device. The integration will allow field workers to automatically document their site measurements directly from Topcon devices to AutoCAD WS, creating industry standard .DWG deliverables — directly impacting quality management and coordination capabilities.

“Autodesk and Topcon will continue to focus on developing tightly integrated solutions that will allow for optimized, seamless connections between office, web and mobile worker, and between virtual and real worlds,” Korpershoek said.

For more information, visit magnet-tour.com/magnet-enterprise.

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