Overview
ShipConstructor 2014 is one of SSI’s most significant software releases ever. SSI has dramatically enhanced ShipConstructor’s user experience to promote more efficient workflow. Major new products have been added to the software suite containing improved capabilities for the design and construction of piping systems along with enhanced capabilities for the reuse of design work. Most noteworthy of all is an innovative new product called MarineDrafting which allows 2D approval and workshop drawings (in DWG format) to be created directly from the 3D model while remaining associatively linked. These new products along with numerous enhancements give users the ability to increase productivity and add new deliverables to their current service offering.
New Products
P&ID DesignValidation
P&ID DesignValidation allows for the checking and validation of the ShipConstructor 3D pipe model against 2D schematics generated in standalone P&ID software including AutoCAD P&ID. The validation is performed using neutral formats in order to allow clients more flexibility in the choice of P&ID software. More »
PipeLink
PipeLink allows the piping systems within a ShipConstructor project to be used within other business processes and applications. This is accomplished through an export to the PCF format from within a ShipConstructor production drawing. More »
MarineDrafting
In a world of 3D design and manufacturing, many activities still need to be supported with 2D drawings during design and throughout the shipyard. Using shipyard standards, MarineDrafting allows the creation of 2D approval and workshop drawings directly from the 3D model. These drawings are created in AutoCAD DWG format and remain associatively linked to the 3D model as changes happen. More »
Notable Changes
Redesigned User Experience
ShipConstructor 2014 brings a modernized user experience to ShipConstructor that improves the discovery of features and intuitively guides users in accomplishing tasks. These changes are based upon SSI’s analysis of current best practices for enhanced productivity.
Great care has been taken to improve the logical groupings of tools and commands in ribbons and windows so as to enable the most efficient workflow. At the same time, consistent visual metaphors and overlays have also been used to increase the intuitiveness of the new user interface.
Attention has been paid to how information is presented to optimize efficiency. Icons and toolbars are displayed in a left to right pattern that follows the natural chronology of modern workflow. Additionally, the differing size of various icons reflects SSI’s analysis of the relative usage of particular functions.
The revitalization of the software’s look and feel has been comprehensive. There are over 400 icons that have been completely redesigned to more accurately indicate what the tool or command is intended for. Each icon has also been created with different size versions that allow each icon to maintain a crisp appearance in any situation. These changes allow the icons to be clearly recognized and understood which can play a critical role in the productivity of users who are new to the software. The new iconography can be found in the ribbons and in all of the most commonly used windows, including the navigator, licensing dialog, product hierarchy, and system manager.
Furthermore, in keeping with the revamp of SSI’s corporate branding, the 3D Viewpoint interface has been modernized and there is a new splash screen and installer displaying recent examples of innovative projects built using SSI software. The enhanced user experience available in ShipConstructor 2014 is just one part of SSI’s recent re-launch initiative. A key objective of this initiative has been to provide the highest quality experience of the SSI brand every time a client interacts with the company, its products and services.
Environment Loader
A notable new part of ShipConstructor’s revitalized user experience is its environment loader (SCRIBBONLOADTABS) to reduce unneeded ribbons. On login, ShipConstructor users will now select which “environment” they wish to operate in:
- Hull / Structure Environment: displays hull/structure and general product ribbons
- Mechanical Environment: displays outfitting and general product ribbons
- Multi-discipline Environment displays all ribbons
Labeling Improvements
Based upon analysis of how clients perform labeling, SSI has made changes to improve efficiency. This enhancement will further add to ShipConstructor’s competitive advantage related to its strength in efficient detailing of DWGs.
These changes include:
- Option to re-label viewports on the current layout tab view only
- Osnap to outer edge of pipe/HVAC
- When using the SCLabelManual command the “Enter” key now has a behavior consistent with the AutoCAD user experience
- Ability to modify minimum leader length after a BOM table is inserted
WorkShare Project Enhancements
- Command line options for automation
- Ability to ‘save’ selection sets in the Split dialog
- Split site can now register and modify naming conventions
- Can now process files from an older SQL Server version
- Up to two times faster performance as measured between ShipConstructor 2011 and ShipConstructor 2014
System Requirements
Supported AutoCAD Platforms
- AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD Mechanical 2014, AutoCAD Electrical 2014, AutoCAD P&ID 2014
- AutoCAD 2013 SP1.1, AutoCAD Mechanical 2013 SP1, AutoCAD Electrical 2013 SP1,
AutoCAD P&ID 2013 SP1
Since ShipConstructor 2014 is compatible with AutoCAD 2014, it allows users to take advantage of the latest features of the world’s most widely used CAD program.
Supported Client Operating Systems
- Windows 7 (64-bit) only
Supported Server Operating Systems
- Windows/Vista Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
- Windows/Vista Server 2008 (64-bit)
ShipConstructor 2014 Installation Guide
See Manuals page.
Download Information
See Updates page.
Purchasing Information
To purchase the software or renew your Subscription contact your local dealer.