FactoryCAD, FactoryFLOW and In Context Editor (ICE) Version 2014 are now available!

FactoryCAD allows users to layout their facility in a familiar 2D format while simultaneously creating 3D geometry in a single application through the use of standard and custom “Smart” parametric objects.

FactoryFLOW is a unique tool for logistics, material handling and indirect labor analysis to analyze and optimize AutoCAD and FactoryCAD layouts.

In Context Editor (ICE) augments AutoCAD and FactoryCAD allowing users to manage large datasets (entire facility structures) in Teamcenter. ICE provides users with the ability to selectively choose which elements in the structure tree they want to send to AutoCAD, work with multiple files concurrently in a single session (no more editing one file at a time), move objects from one drawing to another, work disconnected from Teamcenter and take advantage of versioning, effectivity, and incremental change.

Here are some highlights of note for this release:

AutoCAD 2014 – The Factory 2014 release adds support for AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD Architecture 2014 and AutoCAD MEP 2014. This release will continue to support V2013 of these AutoCAD products.

FactoryCAD:

XML Dialog Toolkit – A number of enhancements have been included in the XML Dialog Toolkit to make it easier for users to create, modify and work with custom dialogs and to provide access to additional features without requiring coding. Controls can now be positioned by simply dragging and dropping them in the dialog. A grid and alignment tools have been added to support this functionality. Also included is the ability to add multiple tabs to the dialogs and 2D/3D view control in the preview. New modification dialogs have been created for Launch File or Program buttons and Pictures that allow users to reassign the target files and specify exact positions for these items. Also added is the ability to specify controls that are disabled/enabled by a check box or radio button directly in the modification dialog.

Library Manager – The Library Manager dialog can now be resized simply by clicking on an icon in the upper left corner, ensuring the dialog will work well with any monitor. Also included is the ability to add multiple libraries simultaneously and to redefine the order of the libraries after they are loaded. In addition, the packaging of library files nas been enhanced to support relative paths and to automatically create a folder with all files that are not in the selected directory.

FactoryFLOW:

Operator Timings – All task times, duration and distance values are now included in the operator walk path report in a format that supports export to spreadsheets. This allows users to easily utilize this information in downstream applications.

Generic Attributes – In addition to the generic attributes that were recently added for Product, Part and Routing Objects, support of user defined generic attributes has been added for Activity Points, Containers and Material Handling Devices. This is fully supported with the Microsoft Excel Import and Export functionality and allows users to exchange this information with other logistics databases.

SQLite Database – In the last release, FactoryFLOW transitioned from a Microsoft Access database to an SQLite database. This release provides the ability to seamlessly convert all your files to the new .qflo format using a Batch Conversion Utility.

ICE:

Teamcenter 10.1 – This release adds support for Teamcenter 10.1. Teamcenter 8, 9 and 10 are also supported to provide flexibility as users upgrade to new versions of Teamcenter.

Layout Properties – ICE now handles changes made to the Layer Properties. This includes flagging all modifiable BOM Lines as changes to the Layer Properties are made.

Webkey holders can download the full FactoryCAD, FactoryFLOW and In Context Editor releases from the Global Technical Access Center (GTAC) products download site located here: http://support.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/gtac.shtml.

On behalf of the entire Tecnomatix Factory Products team here at Siemens PLM Software, I hope that you will enjoy this new release and all that it has to offer!