Dive Brief:
- Autodesk announced today it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a Portland, Oregon-based maker of water infrastructure software for $1 billion.
- Innovyze offers modeling, simulation and predictive analyses software that it says gives civil engineers, water utility companies and water experts the ability to better respond to issues and improve planning. It claims its programs help achieve more cost-effective and sustainably designed water distribution networks, water collection systems, water and wastewater treatment plants and flood protection systems.
- Innovyze works with approximately 3,000 customers worldwide, including a majority of Engineering News-Record's top design firms like AECOM and Jacobs. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of April.
Dive Insight:
More than 2 billion people across the world lack access to safe drinking water at home, and by 2025 more than two-thirds of the plant's population will reside in water-stressed areas, the announcement said.
"By fundamentally changing the way systems are designed, constructed, and operated, we are best positioned to overcome this challenge," Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost said in a statement.
In other news, Autodesk launched this week its digital twin-focused product, Autodesk Tandem. The program creates an up-to-date reflection of a model's physical self, providing unique operational insight into a facility, building, bridge or any structure, as well as its components, including, for example, the performance of heating and cooling systems, escalators, and electrical systems.
Autodesk Tandem gives owners and operators greater insight into their completed project, so they can make informed decisions to improve performance, the company said.
A digital twin can be used for visualization, documentation, adherence to codes, modeling, analysis and planning. While twin tools are only being used sporadically in construction, many industry watchers predict they will soon become an invaluable methods for pros like facilities managers, developers, architects, designers, builders, engineers and owners.
As part of the launch, Autodesk is asking building owners, operators and AEC professionals to join its beta community of users and testers, who will have the option to:
- Participate in monthly presentations and webinars.
- Take part in periodic polls and surveys.
- Contribute to bi-weekly forum topics with group discussions.
- Receive quarterly updates on the current state of Autodesk Tandem.
- Review product direction prior to release and provide feedback.
Autodesk is a founding member of the Digital Twin Consortium, an organization whose members are committed to using digital twins throughout their operations and capturing best practices.
