Implemented Autodesk Vault alongside the MinuteView automation platform, automating 20+ engineering tasks end-to-end and achieving a 70% reduction in manual engineering effort for document-related tasks.
Project Outcome
Before
- Manual creation of multiple PDF renditions for each drawing
- Engineering workpack assembly taking up to half a day per booklet
- Manual identification and insertion of compliance documentation
- Manual generation of DXF, STEP, and EPS files
- Manual metadata synchronisation between Vault and Dynamics 365
- Engineers spending significant time on administrative tasks
After
- Automatic multi-rendition PDF generation on every release
- Engineering workpacks generated in approximately 5 minutes
- Smart compliance handling with automatic document insertion
- Automated manufacturing and labelling file outputs
- Bidirectional real-time metadata sync between systems
- 70% reduction in manual engineering effort for document tasks
- Millions of dollars saved in the first year alone
Client Overview
Hastings Deering is a Caterpillar dealer and heavy equipment engineering organisation. Their engineering teams were spending a significant portion of their time on manual, repetitive document tasks rather than core engineering work. While Autodesk Vault was in place as the system of record, many downstream processes were still being handled manually, creating productivity bottlenecks and consuming hours of highly skilled engineering time.
Existing Environment
- Autodesk Vault as the system of record
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 for business operations
- Manual PDF rendition creation for different audiences
- Manual assembly of multi-section engineering booklets
- Manual generation of DXF, STEP, and EPS files
- Manual metadata synchronisation between systems
This fragmentation created operational risk, slowed down engineering teams, and made controlled information management nearly impossible.
Project Objective
To transform Autodesk Vault from a document repository into a true engineering productivity platform by implementing intelligent automation that removes low-value manual work and empowers engineers to focus on core engineering activities.
Solution Overview
1. Multi-Rendition PDF Automation
Every drawing release now automatically produces multiple PDF versions tailored for different audiences. The Distributable PDF features a simplified title block with reduced technical detail, suitable for external or high-level use. The Manufacturing PDF includes full dimensions and detailed title block information, intended for internal manufacturing and fabrication teams. Both renditions are generated consistently and reliably from Vault with no manual intervention required.
2. Automated Engineering Workpack Booklets
One of the most impactful automations delivered. Previously, engineers manually assembled booklets of up to 200 pages, requiring sorting drawings, adding cover pages, grouping sections, and inserting mandatory documentation—taking up to half a day per booklet. With automation, booklets are now generated automatically in approximately 5 minutes, complete with cover page, structured sections, drawing ordering, and conditional content inclusion based on metadata.
3. Smart Compliance Handling
Certain designs involve 'hot works' (electrical components) which require specific compliance documentation. The automation system automatically detects when hot works are present and inserts mandatory electrical and safety documentation. This ensures compliance for both mechanical and electrical engineering teams and eliminates the risk of missing critical documents.
4. Manufacturing & Labelling Outputs
Automated generation of DXF files, STEP files, and EPS files for label creation. These files are created directly from Vault data, ensuring accuracy and eliminating rework. This automation streamlined the handoff between engineering and manufacturing teams.
5. Dynamics 365 ↔ Autodesk Vault Synchronisation
Bidirectional data synchronisation between Autodesk Vault and Microsoft Dynamics 365 ensures consistent metadata across systems, reduces manual data entry, and improves traceability and reporting. Changes in either system are automatically reflected in the other, maintaining a single source of truth.
Why This Case Study Is Important
This project demonstrates Tentech's unique capability to:
- Demonstrates how Autodesk Vault paired with intelligent automation becomes a true engineering productivity platform
- Removes low-value manual work so engineers can focus on engineering
- Improved consistency and compliance across all documentation
- Reduced risk of human error in critical processes
- Faster turnaround times on engineering deliverables
- Scalable automation foundation for future growth
It highlights Tentech's dual strength: deep consulting expertise and strong technical implementation capability, positioning us as one of Australia's leading Autodesk Vault specialists.
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