Autodesk University (AU) has been a go-to event for me for many years, and this year I’m particularly excited as it’s moving to a new venue: San Diego, California! While Las Vegas has traditionally been the home for AU, this change brings a new vibe, and I can’t wait to see for the new experience. In the past, I’ve been to San Diego for other conferences like SOLIDWORKS WORLD and some others. The location is very nice and San Diego waterfront is great. I like the energy at AU. It is always brings a lot of inspiration and great connections.
This is my only first blog from AU 2024 and I’m sure, I will be brining more as it will go. Fo today, I want to share some key sessions and topics that I’m personally excited about for AU 2024, which I think you might find valuable too.
My Speaking Session: Building Cloud Applications for CAD/BOM
This year, I will be teaching my class sharing the experience of developing CAD/BOM applications for Autodesk Fusion using APS. Here is the link to my session titled “How to Develop Connected Cloud Applications for CAD/BOM Using the Manufacturing Data Model API.” In this presentation I will share the journey we took while developing OpenBOM for Autodesk Fusion, leveraging various Autodesk APIs.
More specifically, I’ll break down the technical details behind integrating CAD and BOM systems using cloud-based tools, with a strong focus on how Manufacturing Data Model API helped us to improve the user experience and make integration seamless. You will explore how we approached development, the challenges we encountered, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. If you are developing or planning to build applications around Autodesk’s APIs, this session is a valuable opportunity to get insights, tips, and best practices.
Don’t miss the change to learn and come to talk with me, register for my session, which will be held on Wednesday, October 16th. I’m looking forward to sharing my experience and talking to you.
Exploring Autodesk Platform Services (APS)
One of the most significant changes in the Autodesk ecosystem in recent years is the introduction and development of Autodesk Platform Services (APS), formerly Forge. With the growing demand for more connected, cloud-based services, APS provides an infrastructure that allows users and developers to build highly flexible and scalable solutions. At OpenBOM we use it to integrate with Autodesk CAD systems and also integrate with shared components such as Viewer (stay tuned for more news).
At AU 2024, I’ll be attending the APS keynote and several sessions to see the latest updates, especially in how Autodesk Data Models—including Manufacturing and AEC—are evolving and being applied. APS is key to many of Autodesk’s new cloud initiatives, and I’m particularly interested in how shared components will be used separately or together to solve complex problems across industries. Whether you’re developing for manufacturing, AEC, or other industries, I look for APS sessions to learn how Autodesk envisions the future of its platform and how developers can use components and APIs. Coming from my old background of developing AutoLISP applications for AutoCAD, I can see some sort of renaissance in how Autodesk is approaching their Autodesk Data Model APIs.
PLM Summit: What’s Next for Autodesk’s PLM?
The Autodesk PLM Summit is part of AU 2024 and it is a great place to learn about Autodesk PLM systems. PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) has been evolving, and Autodesk has been on an interesting journey, especially with their multiple PDM and PLM systems, such as Autodesk Vault, Autodesk Fusion Manage, and their newer Fusion developments. Autodesk has been growing its portfolio through acquisitions, and now, the question is: where is Autodesk taking its PLM solutions next?
At last year’s PLM Summit, I’ve learned how Autodesk plans to continue building its PLM systems. If you’re interested in product lifecycle management or wondering how Autodesk’s PLM strategy could fit into your business, you must attend. I covered some of last year’s key takeaways in an article you can check out here, and I’m excited to see what this year’s summit will will bring including technical sessions, customer presentations and new features, integrations, and future directions.
AU Networking: Why People Matter Most
As much as I enjoy the technical sessions, workshops, and keynotes, there’s one thing that truly makes Autodesk University special: the people. The opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate with others in the industry is priceless. I’m excited to come and speak to people that I know for years that are coming from different places in the world to learn and catch up on what they do. We are all sharing the passion of CAD and engineering mixing with business and brining value for customers.
And I look forward to meet more people. AU has always excelled place where you can meet professionals from various industries—whether it’s engineering, manufacturing, architecture, or software development.
If you’re attending AU and have an interest in PLM, BOM, Data Management, or cutting-edge technologies like Graph Databases, AI, and LLM, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk shop, share stories, or just enjoy the event together.
What is my conclusion?
I’m looking forward to Autodesk University 2024 in San Diego next week with many opportunities it can bring. If you’re around, I’d love to meet you. Please contact me using on of the platforms – LinkedIn, AU Mobile application and stop at my session, which will happen on Wednesday, Oct 164:30 PM – 5:30 PM PDT at Expo Stage 3, Hall C.
Whether you’re interested in PLM, manufacturing data models, APIs, or just looking to make meaningful connections, AU has something for everyone. If you’re attending AU 2024 and want to discuss advance industry practices, new technologies, share ideas about PLM, Bill of Materials, Data Management, or technologies like AI, Graph Databases, or Digital Threads, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to chat and explore how we can push the industry forward together.
See you in San Diego!
Best, Oleg
Disclaimer: I’m the co-founder and CEO of OpenBOM, a digital-thread platform providing cloud-native PDM, PLM, and ERP capabilities. With extensive experience in federated CAD-PDM and PLM architecture, I’m advocates for agile, open product models and cloud technologies in manufacturing. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.
