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FAQ
General Questions
What is Naval Architect?
We help you to manage information in your shipbuilding projects from concept design to commissioning. Our software maintains the overall picture during the entire project lifecycle, so you can plan reliably and efficiently keep track of the project status during the execution phase. We create the transparency you need to make sure that your projects are consistently delivered on time and within budget.
What use cases do you support?
Our solution supports a variety of of use cases, but typical use cases are:
- Requirements
- Cost Estimation
- Weight Estimation
- Specification
- Cost Tracking
- Weight Tracking
- Scheduling
- Design Status
- Procurement Status
- Construction Status
- Commissioning Status
What are the benefits of using Naval Architect?
- Lower operating costs from concept design to commissioning
- Minimized risk of project delays and cost overruns
What is the difference to systems like NAPA Steel, Siemens NX, Cadmatic?
While other systems are focusing on CAD modeling, our strength is in managing and sharing information across departments, stakeholders and project partners. We eliminate the weak spot of keeping track of project data and status along the project lifecycle.
If you are focused on information management, why do you support 3D modeling as well?
Our digital ship model combines multiple dimensions of data found in shipbuilding, ranging from numerical and textual data as found in specifications documents and spreadsheets to 3D geometry. We support creating all necessary data including a basic 3D model, although in later project stages these are created and imported from the CAD tools employed at your projects. Being able to start with a 3D model earlier is nevertheless a valuable addition to the sales process.
What is Ship Information Modeling (SIM)?
SIM is a work methodology that consists of the digital modeling of a ship and involves collaborative work between several players involved in the project. In case of SIM, one virtual model contains all the information of the lifecycle of the project, which can be added to and changed in real time.
What are the benefits of SIM?
Thanks to the collaborative work environment and information that can be added in real time to the virtual model, Ship Information Modeling allows the users to have a preview and a wider overview of the project. Thus, the methodology makes it easier to avoid mistakes, interferences, improvisations and refactorings, which reduces the time and cost invested in the project.
Can I test Naval Architect?
We offer a free 14-day public testing environment (Sandbox). For enterprises and shipbuilding companies, the process is structured as follows:
- Discovery: We conduct a first call to get input about your team’s requirements and the challenges that Naval Architect needs to solve.
- Customization: Customize our platform to your needs and workflows.
- Testing: A dedicated test phase in which we support you in building a first prototype in Naval Architect with real data.
- Rollout: After completing configuration and testing, go live!
- Support: We make sure that our users have the support they need and fix any problems as needed.
Contact us and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss further.
Technical Questions
Which data formats/interfaces are supported?
Naval Architect can be integrated with any other software. Our technology is specifically designed for communication with other tools including engineering applications. For the latter we support 30+ CAD data standards off-the-shelf (e.g. STEP, IGES, DWG) to pick up as much information as possible from engineering.
Import: 3DS, 3MF, AutoCAD DWG/DXF, ACIS, CATIA V4/V5/V6 (3D XML), COLLADA, Creo Parametric, DWF, FBX, gITF, I-deas, IGES, IFC, Inventor, JT, NX, OBJ, Parasolid, PDF, PRC, Pro/Engineer, Revit, Rhino, Solid Edge, SOLIDWORKS, STEP, STEP XML, STL, VDA-FS, Universal 3D, VRML
Export: ACIS, FBX, IGES, JT, OBJ, Parasolid, PRC, STEP, Stereo Lithography (STL), Universal 3D, VRML, 3MF
How does the version control and release management work?
All changes made can be easily retraced and viewed, which means that you always know who changed what and when. In particular, this covers a powerful concept called branching & merging. Different versions may exist parallel (branches) and changes might be published between them (merging). This allows for a continuous change management – from change request to release – on the platform.
Can I limit the rights for certain users?
A role-based access control is realized. All information is classified and you may define roles and assign them to users to precisely control which users are able to access which information.
How is data security ensured?
Data security comes in two flavors: we are using data encryption, strong authentication methods, audits, and a role-based authorization to protect your data. What makes Naval Architect by far the most secure data platform, though, is that data is only shared rather than copied. Users will only view the data through the browser without actually making copies on their own devices. Once you revoke the access, it is impossible to access the data anymore and no “backup” copies or the like outside of your control will ever exist.
My organization does not allow a cloud application. Can I still use Naval Architect?
For sensitive sectors, such as defense, we offer on-premise deployment on demand.