Elisha Sage's article on pain-free implementation of AutoCAD MEP software begins with challenging readers to decide whether they even need to implement the latest version. In his article on implementing 3ds Max, Osama Ali explores the forethought and planning that should occur before implementation begins.

And Jesse Ocon discusses how to achieve success in implementing Navisworks - defining scope and program and giving some thought to training. But implementation isn't the only topic in the May issue.

Readers will find a nice range of topics among these articles:

AutoCAD Architecture: Renovation Mode Boosts Productivity – Melinda Heavrin brings to the table one of her favorite features, Renovation Mode, which easily identifies objects and associates them with different phases of a renovation project, allowing for clear construction drawings every time.

Revit Architecture: Mimic a Master Builder: A Tribute to Felix Candela’s Work – Alfred Medina pays tribute to architect Felix Candela, who was known as a master builder of thin shell structures. This article provides a method to use Autodesk Revit to model, and control by parameters, the basic version of nine types of forms that Felix Candela used, with several variations, during his career.

Revit MEP: Using Rooms & Spaces for Leverage – Author David Raynor discusses ways to use rooms and spaces to leverage our models to design more efficiently.

Autodesk PLM 360: A Success Story – In an eyewitness account, Scott Moyse reveals the details of implementing Autodesk PLM 360 in his own company.

AutoCAD Civil 3D: Wind Farm Infrastructure – Donal McMoreland takes a practical look at the tools used (and lessons learned) to design wind farm infrastructure from an AutoCAD Civil 3D perspective.

Revit Server 2013: Improvements to the Core – The newest release of Revit Server reveals vast improvements to much of the core functionality of the software. Author Jason Bailly provides the details.

Revit Structure 2012: Footing Elevations in Foundation Tags – Including top of footing elevation in a foundation tag doesn't exist "out of the box." Author Desirée (Dezi) Mackey shows you a creative way to get it done.

Wicked Education: Teaching IPD, BIM, and Lean Business Processes – James Salmon continues his Wicked Series for the BUILT industry with issues related to implementing an effective IPD, BIM, and lean process education program.

Also in this issue...

CAD Employee Hiring 101 – The fundamentals of hiring CAD employees are often overlooked. Walt Sparling examines why even the simplest HR practices are critical.

Product Review: BOXX 3970 Extreme – Does this product live up to the "Extreme" name? Reviewers Bill Debevc and Lonnie Cumpton make the call.

Heads Up – Updates, Service Packs and Top Known Issues obtained from product pages at Autodesk.com.

Inside Track – This month's Inside Track column focuses on Autodesk Exchange Apps, Featured Apps for Revit.

Letter from the President - 2012 May

AUGI President David Harrington takes a look at recent AUGI developments.

Spring Release: New Autodesk Software

Autodesk has made the transition to new software easier, but there are still some protocols you should follow when making the transition. Here are some tips on making the transition as smooth as possible.

Columns

CAD Management: CAD Border Patrol

Document borders are the first (and last) impression to make on the client. In this issue, Mark Kiker gives tips on how to guard against CAD Border mistakes and make sure your firm is well-represented.

Tipniques: Firing Up Revit Architecture 2013

Architect Gerry G. Ramsey highlights some of the new features in Revit Architecture 2013.

AUGI Home Page Poll: First Version of Revit

We asked our Reviteers what release they used first and found that any given Revit user you meet on our site has about six years of experience with this particular tool. Of course, 22% of AUGI’s Revit users have even more familiarity with it. That is a whole lot of BIMming going on.

Sponsor Spotlight: HP Z Workstations - Systems Built to Perform Like No Other

The new generation of HP Z Workstations are engineered to help you meet challenges head-on – and unleash your creativity like never before.

 Also in the April 2012 issue of AUGIWorld:

Design Beyond the Desktop – Autodesk's Kate Morrical introduces the latest release of AutoCAD WS, which has taken portability to a new level.

Adapting to Mass Change: New Tools in Revit 2013 – Marcello Sgambelluri and Jay Zallan team up to bring you two perspectives of Revit Architecture 2013. Revit users, get ready!

The All-in-One Revit – Lonnie Cumpton on an all-emcompassing, something-for-everyone version of Revit that offers Architecture, Structure, and MEP.


Support for Revit Comes to Navisworks – According to author Michael Smith, this is a dream come true: Autodesk Navisworks now allows a Revit file to be opened natively.

Lucky 13 - Todd Shackelford finds Revit MEP 2013 quite lucky indeed with tweaks that have been long awaited, some upgrades that make life much easier, and major updates that will change the way you work.

Enhanced Support for Work Loads – According to author Greg Hale, the maturity of Revit Structure is growing, and this release is a step closer to nirvana - the ability to take design structures from concept to fabrication and facility management all in the same package.

Wicked Financial Solutions for Infrastructure – James Salmon, author of the Wicked Series for the BUILT industry, discusses the financing, insuring, and bonding of infrastructure projects.

Technology Advancements in the AEC/O Industry – Bonnie Gorman looks back, then fast forwards regarding advancements in the industry. Learn from history, and don’t miss the opportunities in front of you.

Also in this issue...

Autodesk Insider – Meet Alice Palmer, Marketing Manager, Professional Customer Engagement Team at Autodesk.
 
Heads Up – Updates, Service Packs and Top Known Issues obtained from product pages at Autodesk.com.
 
Inside Track – More Mac offerings, compatible with Autodesk products.

Features

Tipniques: Scripts & ScriptPro

Senior Technician Reuben J. Stone guides you through setting up scripts to cut your task time.

Letter from the President - 2012 April

AUGI President David Harrington brings you up to date on all AUGI offerings.

Autodesk Media Summit 2012

AUGI attended the Autodesk Media Summit 2012 where we heard much about the new software that was coming. Come with us as we explore the roll-out of the next generation of CAD and BIM tools.

AUGI Forum Upgraded to vBulletin 4.1.11

Join us as we examine the path to launch for the new AUGI Forum software.

Columns

CAD Management: Bootstrapping

Self-Motivation is the first step in leading a team. In this issue, Mark Kiker follows up on his March article with six great tips for increasing your output and your time.

AUGI Home Page Poll: Job Search Poll Results

In a poll posted on the March 2012 AUGI homepage, we asked members whether or not they were currently looking at jobs. It is nice to see that 49% of members are satisfactorily employed. However, it does make one wonder about the remainder.

Sponsor Spotlight: HP Z1 Workstation: The Power Without the Tower

The new HP Z1 Workstation sets a new standard for workstation design and performance – and delivers the power you need to bring your ideas to life.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of places to find great tips & tricks. They are the subject of entire classes at Autodesk University, they abound on the blogosphere and in online discussion groups, they reside in the help menus of multiple software products, and they are here - in the March 2012 issue of AUGIWorld.

Murray Clack leads it off with "AutoCAD Tricks for MText: Beyond the Basics." In "10 Time Savers for AutoCAD Architecture," Melinda Heavrin delivers some serious productivity boosting tips. And Christopher Fugitt shares the documented and undocumented tricks for AutoCAD Civil 3D in "Stop and Smell the Tricks!"

Also in the March 2012 issue of AUGIWorld:

Gaining Ground in AEC – William Campbell compels you to take a closer look at AutoCAD MEP and discusses why it is rapidly becoming more accepted in the industry as an intelligent, parametric-based design tool for BIM industry leaders.

Everyday Tips & Tricks for Inventor – Inventor is easy to use, says author John Evans, but that doesn't mean users won't benefit from usage tips. He shares some of his favorites.

The Ultimate Revit Hand: Every Revit Tip, Trick, Technique & Workaround (known & unknown) - Author Jay Zallan delivers on the promise of this article's title in a surprising way.

Tips to Leverage Data Efficiently in Revit MEP – Emy McGann serves up nine tips for using Revit MEP to its full potential.

Wicked IPD Procurement Programs: IPD & BIM Solutions Unleashed – Author James Salmon with his take on the challenge of procuring BIM-enabled infrastructure - in both the public and private sectors - from integrated BIM-enabled teams capable of operating in an integrated project delivery (IPD) environment.

Also in this issue...

Autodesk Insider – AUGI talks to Ananda Arasu, Product Marketing Manager for the Manufacturing Industry at Autodesk.

Heads Up – Updates, Service Packs and Top Known Issues obtained from product pages at Autodesk.com.

Inside Track – Recent developments from Autodesk and related software products. This month, products for the Mac.

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Features

CAD on the Go

You'll find plenty of uses for Autodesk apps for iOS, Android, and other mobile devices. Here are a few ideas.

Letter from the President - 2012 March

AUGI President David Harrington brings you up to date on all AUGI offerings.

Columns

AUGI Home Page Poll: What Version of AutoCAD Are You Using?

Who's using what? Find out with the results of AUGI's home page poll, which asked this question: What version of AutoCAD are you currently using?

CAD Management: Get It In Gear

It's a fact of life for CAD Managers - they need to motivate their team members. Here, Mark Kiker offers some tried-and-true tips.

Sponsor Spotlight: HP Monitors: See Your Designs in a Whole New Light

With HP Performance Series monitors, designers get true color representative and enhanced clarity.