Question 1

What is Envision Builder?

Accepted Answer

Envision Builder is assembly sequence planning software from Canvas Envision. It proposes the build sequence for a product from your 3D CAD, lets your engineers reorder the steps, and generates connected work instructions from the finished sequence. It also turns video and existing documents into work instructions. General availability is planned for February. Founders get working access now.

Question 2

How does Envision Builder plan an assembly sequence?

Accepted Answer

Envision Builder reads the assembly structure in your CAD data and proposes a build order. You can add context such as a similar product, a video of the job, a process plan, or the rules you follow. Your engineers review the proposed sequence, reorder steps, and add the steps that aren't in the geometry, like setup, safety, and inspection, before generating the work instructions.

Question 3

Do I need 3D CAD?

Accepted Answer

For the build order, yes. Envision Builder plans, reorders, and updates the build order from 3D CAD. Without CAD, bring a video of your expert doing the job or the manuals and SOPs you already have, and Envision Builder turns them into step-by-step work instructions. That makes it a fit for maintenance and service procedures as well as assembly.

Question 4

What happens to my work instructions when engineering changes the design?

Accepted Answer

You bring in the engineering change and Envision Builder shows you what's different. It updates the geometry across every step, then flags new parts that need a place in the sequence and removed parts that need to come out of the instruction. Place new parts yourself, have Envision Builder propose where they go, or ask Evie, your AI authoring assistant, to do it. Your work instructions stay current, and every change is reviewed and published under your control.

Question 5

Does Envision Builder work with my PLM and MES?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Envision Builder sits on top of your PLM and MES and doesn't replace them. You can start from an existing manufacturing bill of materials or process plan, and connect through out-of-the-box Envision Connectors for Aras, Autodesk Vault, Infor, SSI Shipbuilding, 42Q, and Rockwell Plex, and through the Envision SDK for everything else. Connectors are an add-on.

Question 6

Does AI decide the assembly sequence?

Accepted Answer

It can, but it doesn't have to. Build the sequence by hand, import it from a CSV or process plan, let Envision Builder work it out from the geometry, or ask Evie, your AI authoring assistant, to propose one. Mix any of these as you go. Your engineers make the final call on every step.

Question 7

What is the Builder Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The Builder Foundation is the founding customer program for Envision Builder, capped at 30 companies. It comes in three editions, set by annual revenue. Small Business Edition is $7,500 for companies under $10 million, covering one site and up to 5 authors. Growth Edition is $15,000 for companies from $10 million to $500 million, covering up to 3 sites and up to 25 authors. Enterprise Edition is $45,000 for companies over $500 million, covering up to 3 sites with unlimited authors, the evConnect, evBuilder, and evOperator SDK, and a direct line to our CEO. Every edition includes unlimited Envision Operator users. Each is paid at signing by card or wire and covers access from today through launch in February, plus a full year after. In return, you bring a real product or line, a named champion, and a few feedback sessions. Enrollment closes November 25.

Builder Foundation: choose your edition.

What will you build

with Envision Builder?