Description
What is 3D and how does it work?
3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software assists in creating, modifying, analyzing or optimising a design. Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence Division is the leading provider of CAD software to companies that design, build and operate industrial facilities. Primarily, 3D CAD helps with detailed engineering but is found throughout the engineering process from conceptual design to facility maintenance and operation. A key component of any digital transformation implementation is having 3D models that match the physical facility. This is the focus of Smart 3D.
Intergraph Smart 3D v13.1 (2024) — Full Product Overview, Features, Highlights, System Requirements & Bug Fixes
The Intergraph Smart® 3D v13.1 (2024 edition) represents the next major evolution of Hexagon’s industry-leading 3D plant, marine, and materials handling design software. Built on a data-centric, rule-driven architecture, Smart 3D empowers engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies as well as owner-operators to deliver projects faster, safer, and with greater accuracy than ever before.
This release introduces a refreshed 64-bit client, new workflow enhancements, upgraded performance in all disciplines, and a wide range of stability and bug fixes that address long-standing challenges in large-scale engineering environments.
Whether you are managing a greenfield megaproject or updating complex brownfield facilities, Smart 3D v13.1 ensures seamless collaboration, lower rework costs, and a robust digital twin for lifecycle asset management.
🌟 Key Highlights of Smart 3D v13.1 (2024)
1. Modernized User Interface & Architecture
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A redesigned 64-bit client offers smoother navigation, better memory utilization, and stability under heavy loads.
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The refreshed UI introduces intuitive layouts, responsive commands, and enhanced customization options to align with user preferences.
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Support for larger and more complex models without performance bottlenecks.
2. Advanced Project / As-Built Support
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New Project / As-Built workflows bridge the gap between design intent and field reality.
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Engineers can now easily compare as-designed vs. as-built states, integrate field data, and manage change requests without losing integrity.
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Enables true lifecycle digital twin management.
3. Brownfield & Legacy Data Integration
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Import legacy models and reconcile older data with fewer errors.
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Enhanced migration utilities detect and resolve inconsistencies, reducing manual cleanup.
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Streamlined workflows make it easier to modernize existing facilities while maintaining data fidelity.
4. Discipline-Specific Enhancements
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Piping: Smarter routing options, upgraded clash detection, and better pipe support modeling.
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Structural: Enhanced modeling commands, improved support placement, and optimized steel detailing.
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HVAC/Ducting: Refined rules for duct routing, equipment connections, and system integration.
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Electrical: Simplified cable routing, tray management, and improved equipment connectivity.
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Space Management: Better zone allocation and control for multi-discipline coordination.
5. Drawings & Reports
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New Drawings Check and Repair Utility automatically identifies and corrects template errors, preventing corrupt drawing sets.
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Batch-drawing generation improved for stability and speed.
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XML “tombstone” files help manage deleted-object histories and coordinate reports.
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Reporting engine now supports more formats and customizable templates.
6. Administrative Tools & Diagnostics
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Improved logging and diagnostics simplify troubleshooting.
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Administrators can better manage permissions, licensing, and database synchronization.
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Reduced downtime through faster issue identification and automated repair utilities.
7. Global Collaboration
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Robust replication tools for multi-site global workshare.
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Database synchronization improved, enabling engineering teams worldwide to work in parallel with fewer conflicts.
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Streamlined communication between EPCs, subcontractors, and owner-operators.
🖥️ System Requirements for Smart 3D v13.1 (2024)
To ensure optimal performance, Hexagon recommends the following configuration for Smart 3D v13.1 installations:
| Component | Recommended | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| CPU / Processor | Intel Core i7 (quad-core or better) | Dual-core processor |
| RAM | 16 GB or higher | 8 GB (4 GB minimum + OS) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) / Windows Server 2019+ | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Database Server | Oracle 19c / SQL Server (supported editions) | Oracle 12c |
| Storage | SSD drives; separate disks for OS, data, and logs | HDD acceptable, but slower |
| Graphics | Dedicated GPU with modern OpenGL/DirectX | Integrated graphics (limited) |
| Network | Gigabit LAN / WAN with stable replication | 100 Mbps LAN |
| Additional Software | Visual C++ Redistributables, Visual Studio, MicroStation (for DGN), SmartPlant add-ons | Base package only |
⚠️ Important Installation Notes:
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Exclude database folders from real-time antivirus scanning to prevent performance degradation.
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Use alphanumeric hostnames (avoid underscores) for compatibility with Oracle and Windows RFC standards.
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Database, OS, and log files should be placed on separate drives to maximize I/O efficiency.
🐞 Bug Fixes & Improvements in v13.1
Smart 3D v13.1 delivers dozens of fixes and refinements across all disciplines and workflows, significantly boosting reliability:
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Drawing Utilities
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Repair utility eliminates corrupted drawing templates.
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Batch-drawing generation failures reduced.
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Legacy Import Stability
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Improved handling of older data formats.
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Fewer geometry mismatches when importing legacy projects.
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Clash Detection
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False positives reduced in interference reports.
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More accurate clearance rules for complex assemblies.
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Performance & Memory
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64-bit client resolves memory leak issues.
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Large models now load and render faster.
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UI & User Experience
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Fixed viewport refresh glitches.
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Corrected selection and snapping inconsistencies.
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Database & Admin Tools
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More detailed error logs and automated repair suggestions.
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Simplified license management and diagnostics.
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🚀 Why Upgrade to Smart 3D v13.1?
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Higher Productivity — Less rework, smarter automation, faster performance.
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Lifecycle Continuity — True as-built and as-designed alignment across project phases.
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Reduced Risk — More accurate clash detection and error prevention.
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Global Collaboration — Streamlined global workshare for multi-site teams.
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Lower Cost of Ownership — Stability fixes, admin tools, and better resource efficiency.
With Smart 3D v13.1, organizations gain a powerful, future-ready platform that ensures designs remain accurate, collaborative, and sustainable throughout the asset lifecycle.











