Skip to main content

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Engineering Projects

Published Date

Opting for the best design software for your engineering projects is a critical decision that can impact productivity, cost and overall project success. The right tools and strategies can streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation and reduce costly errors during both the design and operational phases.  

A well-chosen solution also enhances collaboration among stakeholders, supports regulatory compliance and enables scalability as project needs evolve. Ultimately, making informed decisions early on lays the foundation for a sustainable and cost-effective plant that meets performance goals while minimizing risks. 

Two of the most trusted tools in the market for plant design, piping and industrial engineering are CADWorx® and Intergraph Smart® 3D. Developed by Hexagon, both 3D design and modeling solutions offer robust capabilities that cater to different project needs and organizational goals. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between CADWorx and Intergraph Smart 3D to help you determine which software is the right fit for your design projects.

 

Overview of CADWorx and Intergraph Smart 3D 

CADWorx is a powerful and versatile solution that redefines plant design and automation. It is widely known for its ease of use, flexibility and quick implementation. CADWorx is ideal for small to mid-sized projects or organizations that need a cost-effective and scalable solution. 

Smart 3D, on the other hand, is more suited for joint ventures and global deployment. The solution is database-driven, and designed for large-scale, complex projects. It offers powerful automation and data management, making it a popular choice for projects that require multiple organizations, global deployment and project data segregation (and then reconsolidation) of that work at any time during the project. 

 

Key Factors to Consider 

When deciding between CADWorx and Smart 3D, it’s important to evaluate your project requirements, team capabilities and organizational goals. Below are some key factors to consider: 

1. Project Size and Complexity 

  • CADWorx: As a file-based system, CADWorx is best suited for projects with straightforward design requirements. The solution provides the most complete DWG file-based range of tools that allows centralized, local or regional teams to quickly create accurate models.
  • Smart 3D: Designed for large-scale global projects that require advanced data management and real-time access to changes, Smart 3D utilizes a database to facilitate the performance required for large amounts of data. If your project requires segregation of project responsibilities, user permission level security, global deployment with easy consolidation of the model, then Smart 3D is the choice. 

 

2. Ease of Use and Learning Curve 

  • CADWorx: Built for us on either BricsCAD® or AutoCAD® platforms, CADWorx is intuitive and easy to learn. This makes it ideal for organizations that are familiar with or have already invested in either of the platforms.
  • Smart 3D: Provides a modern interface that reflects feedback and contextual menus. While requiring a more in-depth learning curve compared to CADWorx, the solution is the pinnacle of industrial design for projects of any size or complexity. 

  

3. Speed and Implementation 

  • CADWorx: Known for its quick setup and implementation, teams can start designing almost immediately, making it a great choice for projects with tight timelines and requiring fast implementation.
  • Smart 3D: Due to flexible approach specifications, catalogs and user permissions for securing and dividing up responsibilities across multiple teams, Smart 3D could require more time for setup and implementation the first time a ‘type’ of project is started. Yet, this setup can be easily copied for future projects to facilitate a fast project startup. 

 

4. Flexibility and Customization 

  • CADWorx and Smart 3D: Both solution suites offer flexibility and levels of configuration that are required in designing industrial facilities of all types. They offer excellent levels of automation, scripts, drawings and reporting. 

 

5. Collaboration and Data Management 

  • CADWorx: While CADWorx supports collaboration, it’s not as advanced as Smart 3D in terms of data management and multi-discipline coordination. The solution can be run with or without a database and is ideal for projects where data management needs are less complex.
  • Smart 3D: Built with collaboration in mind, Smart 3D excels in managing large datasets and coordinating work across multiple disciplines. Its centralized database ensures that global team members have access to the latest information, reducing errors and rework.

 

6. Interoperability with Other Tools 

  • CADWorx: Interoperable with other Hexagon tools, including CAESAR II® for pipe stress analysis and PV Elite® for pressure vessel analysis, to ensure the utmost accuracy of designs. This makes it a versatile choice for projects that require interoperability with third-party software or specialized analysis tools.
  • Smart 3D: Works best within the Hexagon ecosystem and is highly compatible with other Smart solutions. With similar interoperability with analysis tools as CADWorx, Smart 3D has added integration capabilities when integrated with SmartPlant® Foundation. With this integration, designers can bring in process data from Smart P&ID, Smart Instrumentation and Smart Electrical directly and help round out the project design and construction requirements. When also coupled with Smart Interop Publisher, Smart Review and HxGN SDx2, customers gain the ability to work, interchange and collaborate with market leading capabilities. 

No matter the project requirements, Hexagon has solutions to fit the needs of various projects. Discover intelligent design software Smart 3D and CADWorx. Learn more about which solution is better suited for your design projects, today!