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Choose a Hydraulic Modeling Tool For Your Water Distribution System

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Linsey Henderson, Product Sales Engineer

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OpenFlows WaterGEMS’ Unique Platform Interoperability for Hydraulic Modelers

Often, time is the largest constraint when designing water distribution systems. Having the most efficient design solution in place saves valuable hours in your project timeline. As a result, you will reduce project costs, complete projects more quickly, and free time that could be used for other projects. By allowing your team to work within a familiar environment, you will avoid having to switch between platforms and learn a new interface. It is essential for your team to have the flexibility to choose in which platform they want to design their water network models.

Integration between CAD and GIS platforms allows engineering teams to create, manage, publish, and share 2D and 3D drawings, geographic maps, BIM data, and models. It also produces more comprehensive results since they can be visualized and displayed on multiple platforms in a more collaborative workflow.

With OpenFlows WaterGEMS, you can integrate with the leading engineering software to deliver accurate and optimal designs. With the option of working in different platforms, you can maximize the potential of your results while saving crucial design time by designing in the platform that is most familiar to you. Working in multiple platforms with easy data integration can maximize your results by leveraging collaborative workflows.

Speed Up the Learning Curve with Hydraulic Models

Efficiency and ease of use are paramount when selecting your software solution. OpenFlows WaterGEMS allows engineers to work in the environment that is most comfortable for them, whether that is GIS, CAD, MicroStation, or the standalone OpenFlows WaterGEMS window, enabling them to more effectively complete modeling tasks in less time.

You can speed up the learning curve with the keys that are included in every Virtuoso subscription. These keys grant access to training sessions tailored to your challenges and needs so you can overcome difficulties in mastering your solutions. This training will help you use Bentley’s software to its fullest potential, therefore making the most out of your investment and every working hour.

Collaboration Between Hydraulic Modelers is Key

OpenFlows WaterGEMS easily allows collaboration between teams. No matter where you want to work on your hydraulic model, whether in a GIS or CAD platform, within MicroStation, or in the standalone version, you will be able to use the same file. Your hydraulic modeling team can utilize the workspace that is most comfortable to them. There is a single, shared project data source, regardless of which platform is used, allowing a single model to be used in each operating platform. Shared data avoids inconsistencies between model versions and communication errors.

Running OpenFlows WaterGEMS in different platforms increases the range and depth of the workflows and analyses for your team as they improve the operational efficiency of water supply networks. This integration leverages the built-in features from CAD and GIS applications.

Using CAD platforms like MicroStation and AutoCAD to run OpenFlows WaterGEMS allows you to keep your records up to date. It enables as-built drawings, which reflect the on-site changes made during construction.

Many water utilities use GIS as their system of record to store water distribution system information, including pipes, valves, pumps, reservoirs, storage tanks, customer locations and past usage, and elevations. Utilizing GIS applications like ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap as the chosen platform for OpenFlows WaterGEMS improves the quality of your hydraulic model by managing and accessing geodatabase as input data to that model.

Your team can create, maintain, update, and use complex spatial data. For instance, the hydraulic modeler will access the most up-to-date geometry data for pipes, including diameter, material, location, and elevation. You will know exactly where the pipe is, how long it is, and how deep it is for operations and maintenance purposes. Also, other pipe attributes such as installation date and material used can be included in a hydraulic model to find out if any rehabilitation measures are needed.

OpenFlows WaterGEMS Standalone

Operating OpenFlows WaterGEMS as a standalone platform allows for optimal model performance and speed. This option increases the ease of use as all the tools are readily accessible, without the need for additional subscriptions costs or third-party software for analysis or design.

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OpenFlows WaterGEMS Integration with MicroStation

OpenFlows WaterGEMS also integrates with MicroStation, allowing modelers to bridge the gap between geospatial planning and engineering design environments. This integration enables modelers to work in a familiar environment and maximize their efficiency.

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OpenFlows WaterGEMS Integration with ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap

OpenFlows WaterGEMS can integrate with ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap at no additional cost. This integration allows modelers to analyze water distribution networks seamlessly while leveraging GIS capabilities, such as the advanced geographic maps in ArcGIS Pro. This interoperability can be used for thematic mapping and publishing.

WaterGEMS Integration with ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap

OpenFlows WaterGEMS Integration with AutoCAD

Integrating OpenFlows WaterGEMS with AutoCAD allows for convenient CAD layout and model drafting. Hydraulic modelers can continue working in their typical CAD environment, shorten the learning curve, and enhance the modeling process.

OpenFlows WaterGEMS Integration with AutoCAD

OpenFlows WaterGEMS Integration Compatibility

Understanding your platform capability potential is important to maximizing the value of OpenFlows WaterGEMS. Upon installation, integration will be automatically set up with any existing platforms you have. Find the complete list of platform version compatibility here.

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Interested in learning more about OpenFlows WaterGEMS? Contact one of our experts.

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