Efficient management
...of your engineering files and documents.
Design & Engineering
Optimize, automate and improve the quality of your designs
Improve Your Quality of Designs with Fewer Errors
The design and engineering solutions and services we provide aim to support you to design more quickly, reduce designing and engineering costs and enable faster time to market of your products. Read more about the benefits of automating your design process, managing your product data more efficiently, simulation, generative design and drafting, and documenting your designs.
What You Can Achieve
Re-use data
...efficiently.
Secure regular backups
...of your company’s engineering data.
Reduce the time spend
...on repetitive tasks.
Recreate reality
...in a virtual environment.
Automation of designs, tasks and processes
...to allow easy product configuration, intelligent customization and quick processing.
Our Client's Success
Scaling Sustainable Metal Recovery Through Intelligent Design Systems
Company Overview
Mint Innovation is a clean technology company founded in New Zealand in 2016. It specializes in recovering critical and valuable metals from electronic waste (e-waste) using a proprietary biosorption and smart chemistry process. The technology extracts metals such as gold, copper and silver, reintegrating them into domestic supply chains as a sustainable alternative to traditional mining and smelting.
Mint Innovation is expanding into the United States with a commercial scale facility in Longview, Texas. This facility supports the national strategy for securing critical minerals and advancing a circular economy. The facility will have the capacity to process over 4000 tons of printed circuit board waste annually, returning pure copper sheets and high purity gold into local industries. The project will create high-quality jobs and has received support from LEDCO and various government departments.
The company’s process also ensures NSA-standard destruction of obsolete electronics, addressing data security concerns associated with e-waste exports. Mint’s vision is to construct a network of facilities in the U.S and across the globe to address the growing e-waste challenge and return recycled metals to domestic supply chains, reducing reliance on environmentally harmful practices.
Project Challenge
To support its U.S. expansion, Mint Innovation needed to customize AutoCAD Plant 3D content and templates for a new processing facility in the U.S.—the first of several planned U.S. sites. This included:
-
Developing tailored pipe specifications.
-
Implementing custom reporting features.
-
Streamlining workflows for existing software tools.
-
Enhancing access to metadata within AutoCAD Plant 3D files.
-
Configuring intelligent Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) to replace static documentation.
The challenge required converting legacy plant designs into a smart, scalable system aligned with the new facility setup.
Project Goals
Mint Innovation set out to achieve the following:
-
Customize AutoCAD Plant 3D content and templates to streamline workflows and improve metadata access.
-
Transform existing P&IDs into intelligent diagrams for efficient design and documentation.
-
Develop four pipe specifications, prioritizing PVC and stainless steel in the initial phase.
-
Create reusable configuration packages for future sites, including templates for P&ID, Isometric, and Ortho drawings.
-
Generate reports from 3D models and P&IDs in Excel and PDF formats.
-
Save each P&ID sheet as an individual drawing file for clarity and organization.
These goals supported the creation of a scalable design framework replicable across global sites, aligning with Mint’s mission to recover circular supplies of critical metals to power advancing industries and economies, globally.
Solution Implementation
Symetri proposed a tailored customization of AutoCAD Plant 3D to meet Mint Innovation’s operational and environmental objectives. The solution included:
-
Configuring AutoCAD Plant 3D, and its consumed content, to meet project-specific requirements.
-
Enhancing the intelligence and structure of design documentation.
-
Establishing a repeatable design framework for deployment across multiple sites.
This approach supported Mint’s long-term goals of global scalability, operational efficiency, and sustainable innovation.
Business Outcomes
-
Accelerated Market Readiness: Mint rapidly prepared for its U.S. rollout with design tools aligned to project needs.
-
Improved Operational Efficiency: Standardized templates and specifications streamlined workflows and reduced manual effort.
-
Enhanced Design Intelligence: Intelligent P&IDs improved data integration and reduced documentation errors.
-
Consistent Documentation: Custom reporting templates ensured professional-grade outputs across project phases.
-
Scalable Global Framework: A repeatable design model reduced onboarding time and ensured uniform practices.
Conclusion
As a precursor to the construction and anticipated opening of Mint Innovation’s first U.S facility in Longview, Texas, Symetri’s two-phase customization project has laid a strong foundation for a significantly enhanced data management system. This initiative elevated Mint’s historic use of Autodesk software tools to a more advanced level of functionality and efficiency, aligning with the company’s strategic goals for operational excellence and sustainability. By streamlining workflows, improving metadata accessibility, and introducing intelligent design documentation, the project has positioned Mint to execute its U.S. projects with greater speed, accuracy, and consistency. The scalable design framework developed through this collaboration supports global replication, ensuring uniform standards across future sites.
Importantly, this solution also reinforces Mint’s broader mission of recovering critical and valuable metals from waste streams using low-carbon technologies, offering an alternative to traditional, unsustainable practices. As Mint gains deeper insight into its processes over time, there will be opportunities to further enhance the performance of its facility, data systems, and engineering workflows. These advancements may include the implementation and expansion of additional features within their Autodesk software environment, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
Removing The Guesswork for Data-Driven IT and Licensing Decisions
In the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry, firms rely on a wide range of specialized software to drive complex projects, making effective license management essential for controlling costs and maintaining compliance. Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group, a leading engineering and planning consulting firm specializing in sustainable infrastructure and design, recognized the need for greater visibility into software usage to optimize spending and improve efficiency. Like many AEC firms, they faced challenges in tracking license utilization and compliance with vendor agreements. To address these issues, they turned to CQFlexMon, a powerful solution from Symetri that delivers data-driven insights, helping them make informed decisions, streamline compliance, and maximize the value of their software investments.
License & Software Management Challenges
Before implementing CQFlexMon, Provost & Pritchard faced several challenges common among IT teams managing enterprise software licenses:
- Lack of visibility into software usage: Their IT team lacked the necessary insights to monitor software license activity, including who was using the licenses and to what extent. Without clear data, it was difficult to determine whether the company was over or under-utilizing its licenses. “Our teams didn’t have the accessibility and information needed to fully understand and optimize software usage, making it harder to track whether we were allocating resources efficiently,” shared Laurent Morel, Director of IT at Provost & Pritchard.
- Compliance risks: Outdated software versions can create compliance risks, especially with vendors like Autodesk, which require companies to adhere to strict End User License Agreements (EULAs). The IT team lacked a streamlined way to identify non-compliant software installations.
- Inefficient software spending: Without precise usage data, Provost & Pritchard risked overspending on software licenses. Some users may have been assigned expensive pay-per-use, token-based licenses when a named user license would have been more cost-effective.
Finding Solutions: Optimizing Software License Management and IT Efficiency
Managing software licenses efficiently is a complex challenge for IT teams, especially in organizations with diverse applications and a large user base. A proactive approach to software license management can help companies like Provost and Pritchard optimize spending, improve efficiency, and reduce compliance risks.
1. Eliminating Guesswork
Relying on estimates for software usage can lead to costly inefficiencies—whether it’s overpaying for unused licenses or lacking access to critical tools. IT teams need real-time visibility across all platforms throughout the organization. With CQFlexMon’s comprehensive coverage, Provost & Pritchard could monitor a wide range of applications, including Autodesk, Bentley, SolidWorks, Rhino, and even custom applications.
“Unlike other tools that only show vendor-approved views, CQFlexMon allows companies to customize views and reports to fit their needs. This flexibility gives clients tailored insight and full visibility into software usage,” said Bradley Horst, VP of CIO Advisory Services at Symetri. This level of transparency empowers IT teams to optimize procurement, improve resource allocation, and invest in software that aligns with actual usage.
2. Optimizing License Management
Unused or inefficiently allocated software licenses can drain IT budgets, leading to unnecessary costs and limited access to critical tools for those who need them most. CQFlexMon enabled Provost & Pritchard to identify inefficient licensing allocations and make strategic adjustments.
- The tool helped differentiate between token-based licenses and named user licenses, leading to cost-effective usage.
- IT teams could track which employees used software regularly and which ones did not, helping managers determine whether a more cost-effective license type would be a better fit.
By analyzing usage patterns, CQFlexMon also helped Provost & Pritchard reduce unnecessary spending on software licenses that weren’t being fully utilized.
"If a user is only opening Revit once a month, but they've been assigned a full AEC collection, they're definitely overpaying. By looking at usage, we can provide the foundational data needed to demonstrate the need for adjustments in assigning or reassigning the right licenses to the right people, optimizing costs without sacrificing access to the tools they need," explained Horst.
3. Maintaining Compliance to Avoiding Fines
Maintaining compliance with software licensing agreements is crucial to avoid costly penalties and safeguard an organization’s reputation. CQFlexMon identifies outdated or non-compliant software versions, helping organizations stay within licensing agreements.
The tool also provides insights into usage anomalies, such as:
- Users leaving software running indefinitely
- Unauthorized or excessive software use
- Potential security risks due to outdated versions
“In the compliance world, CQFlexMon helps identify when outdated Autodesk licenses are still in use. It also flags issues like unused software running endlessly or unauthorized use, which could lead to security risks or fines,” added Horst.
For organizations with large, geographically distributed teams, manually tracking compliance can be difficult. CQFlexMon automates this process, reducing the administrative burden on IT teams.
4. Empowering IT Teams with Actionable Insights
Beyond cost savings and compliance, CQFlexMon equips IT teams with detailed, actionable insights that can significantly improve operations. This helps IT leaders make informed decisions and drive better results for the entire organization.
- Assessing training needs: Provost & Pritchard used CQFlexMon to identify employees who had access to specific software but weren’t using it. This insight allowed them to evaluate whether employees needed additional training.
“If an employee has access to a software license but isn't using it, it signals a potential gap in training or time management. With CQFlexMon, we can identify these trends and proactively address them, properly equipping our teams, and maximizing the value of the tools at their disposal,” explained Morel.
By analyzing usage trends, CQFlexMon helps organizations make data-driven training investments, meaning employees get the most out of their software. - Predicting future software needs: CQFlexMon also supports long-term IT planning by identifying trends in software usage. “If you notice trends like, for example, a 10% increase in Adobe licenses, that sparks important conversation about future needs. Does the trend continue? If so, a company can proactively adjust a budget to accommodate that growth so they’re always prepared for the rise in cost and need for training," said Albert Wu, Senior IT Consultant, at Symetri. By leveraging historical data, Provost & Pritchard is able to make accurate forecasts for future software licensing needs, leading to smarter budget allocations.
- Justifying IT budget requests: When IT teams need to request additional software investments, concrete data is essential for justifying the cost. CQFlexMon removes uncertainty by providing precise data on actual software usage, making it easier for IT teams to secure executive approval for budget requests. “It takes the guesswork out of budget decisions. There’s no ambiguity—the data is the data,” added Horst.
Ongoing Partnership and Support
Symetri doesn’t just provide software—it acts as a strategic partner for its clients. With its advisory approach, Symetri works closely with Provost & Pritchard, helping their team get the most value from the tool.
Regular check-ins & customization: Symetri provides quarterly check-ins with Provost & Pritchard, which include software updates, report walkthroughs, customization of reporting formats, and the expansion of monitoring to additional applications. These regular sessions help Provost & Pritchard stay up to date with the latest features and optimizations, while also providing tailored insights to meet their evolving needs.
“We work closely with our clients, checking in as often as needed to help them understand the benefits and get the maximum value from CQFlexMon. It’s not just a tool—it’s a long-term solution designed to continuously drive value and adapt to evolving needs,” said Horst.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Symetri will continue to work with organizations like Provost & Pritchard to optimize software management by providing real-time data and actionable insights. With improved visibility, IT teams can make data-driven decisions to control costs, maintain compliance, and refine long-term strategies. As technology and business needs evolve, CQFlexMon will remain a valuable tool for driving efficiency and smarter software investments.
For more information, visit Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group and Symetri.
Read more
Overcoming Inventory Challenges
See how an all-inclusive ERP solution helped Cush Suspensions overcome product inventory challenges by uncovering $1M in inventory and allowed them to make business decisions based on accurate, real-time data.
Read more
Inventor Phase: 3D Model Automation
Explore how Inventor automation streamlines 3D model creation, reduces manual work, and enhances productivity through intelligent design workflows.
Read more
Digital Transformation with Autodesk PLM
See how Autodesk PLM drives digital transformation by connecting people, processes, and data, streamlining product development and boosting collaboration.
Read more
Our Latest Insights
Explore All of Our Insights!
Blog
Taming the Wild BOM: Why You Need a PLM System to Corral Your Data
Learn why you need a PLM system to help corral your data in our latest blog.
Blog
Working with the Schematic Lookup List in AutoCAD Electrical
This blog article will look at how we can automate the insertion of schematic components from our smart panel layouts.
Blog
Factory Design Suite - What's New in 2023.1
If you are using Autodesk Product Design and Manufacturing Collection you will have access to Factory Design Utilities. This software provides the flexibility to create and edit your factory layouts in 2D or 3D using AutoCAD or Inventor. Choose from ...
Contact an Expert
Please submit your inquiry here, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively call 800.336.3375