Design Data SDS/2 technology making India debut soonSDS/2 provides the steel detailer the highest level of automation available in the market.Damon Scaggs, President and CEO, Design Data Inc  Since 1981 Design Data has been a leading provider of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software solutions for the structural steel industry’s engineering, detailing and fabrication sectors. The BIM software suite from Design Data provides sophisticated and complete solutions covering the entire steel delivery workflow, from structural calculations and detailing to fabrication and erection. Damon Scaggs, President and CEO, Design Data Inc talks about the company’s SDS/2 software products which will be unveiled in Indian market soon. Excerpts:Could you brief us about your SDS/2 software solutions that any engineering or construction company can use for their operations?As a leader in steel industry software development for 30 years, we constantly bring new technology to the market. Not only was it the first steel software of its kind, Design Data’s SDS/2 remains the standard by which all other systems are judged.SDS/2 Detailing offers the highest level of automation and intelligence available in 3D steel detailing. With unparalleled connection design intelligence and high-quality drawing production, SDS/2 gives you the power to get the job done more efficiently.As the detailer inputs members, like columns and beams, connections are automatically designed with their necessary materials, bolts, holes and welds. SDS/2 Detailing takes a uniquely intelligent approach in its connection design by considering framing conditions and electability, automatically performing clash prevention as a part of its connection design. In addition, SDS/2 Detailing can value engineer the connections on a project, helping users to design the most economical connections to fabricate and erect. No other 3D detailing product can do this automatically. SDS/2 software allowing a code check connection design inbuilt within the system helps design engineers greatly and save lot of time from manual process. Details and sub material and erection drawings are automatically generated by SDS/2 Detailing, whose unmatched drawing quality saves more time on shop drawings. But drawings are no longer the only requirement of detailers. SDS/2 Detailing also provides CNC data, MRP information and 3D models, giving detailers all the tools needed to start profiting from their investment.We support BIM integration process, SDS/2 BIM is the hub of model information for BIM coordinators. SDS/2 BIM provides coordinators with the power to gather and track information about the steel on the project using reporting and status tools. With all crucial information readily available and easy to access, SDS/2 BIM can help project managers and coordinators get immediate answers to vital project questions.How you see India market potential?We keenly observe India market, not just because many of our SDS/2 users from India cater the need of various USA fabricators & contractors, but also the India’s own construction segment is growing fast. Many high value construction projects in India are built with structural steel, there are many big local steel manufacturers expanding their production, quality of skill engineering community in India are very promising. Our user base in India is growing rapidly, more than thousand licenses already in use in India. My colleague Andy Lee (Director International Operation) and his team are further developing our internal robust plans for the Indian subcontinent market and we are confident that many more Indian engineering and consulting companies will soon be benefited by SDS/2 solutions. We understand and appreciate India market potential. How can local India steel section manufacturing / fabricator companies be benefited by your technology?SDS/2 provides the steel detailer the highest level of automation available in the market. The productivity gains and savings in shop costs make it the best choice for a fabricator’s detailing needs. Our technology allows fabricator having full control over the creation of CNC and MRP information necessary for the shop, We work with many machine manufacturers for integrating our technology with their machine which make our users life more easy. Is the software customised for individual users or is it standard?The software is provided in a standard form globally with design codes. There are services available for further customisation if require.How user friendly is SDS/2 software? How much training is required for the user to be able to explore all its functions?The initial learning class for SDS/2 takes a week to complete. Online training videos are available for a user to complete this in his own timeframe. Additional classes are available for more advanced subjects. Our Users find our software most easy-to-use 3D solution for the structural steel detailing & drawing production need. Our effective technical support to our customers ensure their project execute seamlessly. Design Data and their franchise houses do run certificate training program for basic & advance level users. Apart from that, our online users’ community digital platform allows our global users to interact with each other and share their knowledge & experiences.What do you plan to associate with educational institutes here in India?Design Data has a long term commitment to supporting educational institutions. The Design Data in Education program grants free licenses of SDS/2 to educational institutions along with a developed curriculum to teach it. Many institutions use SDS/2 as part of their curriculum. We are also exploring options with Indian reputed engineering institutes for the same. We believe soon many structural engineers in India will be train. What is the total user base globally? How your technology is different than other steel detailing solution available here?Over 10,000 license have been sold worldwide. SDS/2 offers the highest level of technology available in steel detailing products. The inclusion of automatic connection design and optimisation along with customisable drawing production offers a superior detailing solution. We are the pioneer and leader in the structural steel BIM technology. Our technology works for our global customer need. What are your future plans for India?Design Data is committed to international expansion. We plan to expand on our already significant business in India with the introduction of software more suited for the local Indian market, including support of the Indian design codes. This upcoming new Indian code inclusion will help our Indian users to use our SDS/2 solutions for their domestic & international projects, thereby expanding their business scope with our technology. What are the costs involve if any new user wants to implement your solution?We offer various cost effective modules as per the need of our customer. Our offering goes with perpetual as well as lease options to make sure customer’s investment optimises as per their project need. For more details about our different product modules and associated cost any one can reach out to Design Data representative. For more information, contact nchatterjee@dsndata.com or call on: +91-9930216161