RTIH Innovation Awards sponsor CADS recommends AutoCAD for retail store planning in industry wide debate
Following increased interest in using 3D Revit models for retail space planning, industry expert CADS backs AutoCAD in the AutoCAD vs 3D Revit debate – at least for now.
After the success of Revit in the construction industry, parts of the retail industry have started to consider the potential value of the 3D building information modelling software for store planning.
“AutoCAD certainly comes out on top when it comes to store planning. It’s been the most popular space management tool for many years and – despite the interest in Revit – we predict that retailers will continue to use AutoCAD for the foreseeable future,” says Guy Moates, Director at CADS.
Both owned by AutoDesk, AutoCAD is primarily used for 2D or 3D drawings and models while Revit is used for 3D building information modelling.
AutoCAD enables retailers to create simple 2D blocks to represent a fixture, wall bay, pallet or similar. CADS provides AutoCAD-based software - StoreSpace - which features a space planning environment and toolset, enabling retailers to plan macro space directly within AutoCAD files.
“AutoCAD-based software like StoreSpace makes space planning related tasks like aisle planning or range resets a simple activity – quick to plan and deliver. The space planning and management process is efficient and cost-effective for retailers using AutoCAD,” says Moates.
“The majority of our clients have a large repository of existing AutoCAD store plans and a smaller set of Revit plans where recent works or a store openings have been delivered in Revit format by their supply chains. The cost of migrating the existing estate from AutoCAD to Revit represents perhaps the biggest blocker to retailers migrating to a Revit format 100%.”
However, CADS says Revit does have its place in the retail industry, particularly if, during store construction, retailers want to work more closely with their supply chain or contractors.
“As a leading Revit survey provider, we’ve seen larger retail clients with contractors using it for new store delivery and fit out. It’s especially effective for improved co-ordination, call-off and integrated working practices. It can be used in an overall process by simply exporting the AutoCAD floor plans for use in the macro and micro space planning process,” adds Moates.
CADS works with clients to determine the best solution for their project, whether that’s AutoCAD, Revit or another option.
“We believe AutoCAD-based software like StoreSpace is often the best choice for retail space planning, but 3D visuals like Revit can be beneficial on an ad-hoc basis, rather than on every scheme. Ultimately, the right solution will depend on the project – and our expert team is always on hand to provide pragmatic advice,” concludes Moates.
CADS delivers a range of retail space planning services for a number of the UK’s largest retailers, helping them optimise stores and create profitable spaces.
Alongside its retail offering, it delivers surveys for retailers as well as building contractors, architects, project managers and property professionals.
For more information about its services, click here.
2023 RTIH Innovation Awards
The fifth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards is now open for entries.
The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and include a Bricks and Mortar category, sponsored by CADS.
Deadline for 2023 submissions is Friday, 27th October, with winners being revealed at an exclusive event in central London on Wednesday, 29th November.
Entries are free and you can submit in multiple categories.
The Bricks and Mortar Innovation award will go to a retailer enabling physical spaces to thrive via innovative technology, even as online shopping continues to grow.
We’re looking for examples of reducing friction in the customer journey, offering improved experiences, and blurring the lines between channels.
Download an entry form here.
For all entry related queries, email: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
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