Dear reader,
To help make your share in a construction project as efficient and productive as possible, Tekla is strongly committed to software compatibility, interoperability, and standardization. Take a few moments to discover the latest proof in the news below.


Compatible with Windows 7Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system will be launched 22 October 2009. Tekla is one of the first BIM software providers to announce compatibility. If you are among the first to update your systems to Windows 7, rest assured that the latest version 15 of Tekla Structures will be compatible. In addition, Tekla is now officially a Microsoft Certified Partner and continues to reach to the next level to become a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.  Read more about Windows 7 compatibility
New '4D' interface for steel fabricationThrough a joint effort by software and steel CNC machine companies, a fourth dimension is now available for planning and controlling steel fabrication in a 3D model: time. A new interface between Tekla Structures and WinSER software allows centralizing steel shop floor status data in the 3D building information model for more efficient visualization, tracking, and communication ‘in 4D’. Read more about 4D steel fabrication
Graphisoft and Tekla cooperationGraphisoft and Tekla have announced a global partnership to offer a best-in-class software solution for architecture and structural engineering practices. Workflow-level integration of ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures software enables true BIM collaboration between the AEC disciplines. Read more about Tekla and Graphisoft cooperation

   
Moreover, Tekla Structures and CAD-Duct software by Micro Applications Packages Ltd (M.A.P.) now form an integrated solution that allows engineers, detailers, fabricators, and contractors to seamlessly share information-rich building information models. Read more about Tekla and M.A.P cooperation

Strongly committed to software compatibility, interoperability, and standardization, Tekla is continuously developing interfaces and links with other software needed to succeed in construction projects. Stay tuned for more news on integration in December.

8-tallet structural model by Oltmanns und Partner More and more precast and cast-in-place concrete constructions are being realized using Tekla Structures as the design tool. One of Tekla’s long-term customers in Germany, the engineering office Oltmanns und Partner GmbH of Oldenburg, has planned another project that combines ambitious architecture with functionality: a complex apartment and office building called 8-tallet is being built in Copenhagen, Denmark. The building is to be completed by the end of 2010.  Read more about the 8-tallet project
Support for Tekla Structures users To make the most of your software tool, start seeing it as a continuous investment instead of a one-time purchase. The companies that take advantage of annual software maintenance are the ones who gain the biggest productivity increase and tend to find themselves at the forefront of the industry. Only customers on maintenance are allowed access to the Tekla Extranet, a thriving user community that offers a wide range of support and material, including version releases, a start-up checklist, self-learning videos, release notes and top new features, product extensions, discussion forums, and FAQ.  Read more about Tekla Structures maintenance
BIM's return on investmentIt’s fairly easy to calculate an up to 60% return on investment for a BIM system using a standard formula. However, and especially during this recession, the gains of adopting BIM can be estimated even better by figuring in longer-term benefits, such as increased business through improved process, project quality, safety and communication. According to industry gurus, the biggest growth in construction productivity will come from automated off-site activities that BIM enables. Read more about BIM-enabled productivity growth

This year has seen several Tekla model competitions worldwide. The winners of these local competitions will become participants in the Global BIM Awards coming up at the end of this year. Stay tuned for a global winner!

• Tekla UK model competition
• Tekla North America model competition
• Tekla Finland model competition
• Tekla Sweden model competition
• Tekla France model competition
• Tekla Germany model competition
• Tekla China model competition
• Tekla Middle East model competition
• Tekla India model competition
 

Model competitions are a way to celebrate the versatility of Tekla Structures and to demonstrate how the software affects landscapes around the world. Tekla Structures plays a great role in creating many of the complex structures seen and admired every day. Showcasing these models expresses Tekla’s appreciation toward our customers and enables sharing such great success stories.

Guess the size of the Tekla BIM Tekla 3D building information models are so data-rich and accurate that they can be used to carry out a whole construction project. Because of Tekla built-in intelligence, the model file size always stays small despite the size of the project. Join our campaign to guess the model file size in some of our sample projects. Open a model in the Tekla Structures Model Reviewer or see it on video and give us your estimate - you might win a high-tech mobile phone! The competition is open until 15 November 2009. Guess the size of the Tekla BIM
Share your office dimension at the Tekla Extranet There is a fun Office Dimension video competition available on the Tekla Extranet. See videos of others, send in your video, or just vote for your favorite. The best videos are awarded with a Sony Handycam.

Even if you don't win the first prize, you might get lucky and receive a Tekla item for your effort.

The competition is open until 31 November 2009. Winners are chosen by vote so login to Tekla Extranet to share some office dimension
  
   
After a relaxing summer holiday, Cad and Bim are back to business feeling more vital than ever. Guess who’s coming to visit their office…

Building buddies