Obayashi Corporation, a leading Japanese “super general contractor”, switched from AutoCAD to ARES. It needed DWG-compatible 2D CAD alongside its BIM-based design work, and ARES offered a cost-effective network license for light users. The company began with JDraft in 2016, the predecessor of ARES Commander, and today ARES is used across the entire Obayashi Group.
This case study shows why Obayashi moved away from AutoCAD, how it won over users who were reluctant to switch, and how Graebert’s guidebook and video tutorials helped.
Quick facts
- Company: Obayashi Corporation, a super general contractor in Japan
- Software: switched from AutoCAD to ARES Commander (ARES use began in 2016 with JDraft, its predecessor)
- Why ARES: DWG-compatible 2D CAD alongside BIM-based design
- Licensing: ARES network license, a good fit for light users who work about 30 minutes a day
- Support: intranet FAQ, a Graebert-based guide, video tutorials, ongoing help
- Reach: used by Obayashi Corporation and the entire Obayashi Group
Who is Obayashi Corporation?
Obayashi Corporation plays an important role as a super general contractor and is a leader in the Japanese construction industry. In Japan it has worked on many landmarks, including the Tokyo Sky Tree, and it takes part in projects around the world with its high technological capabilities.
To help reduce emissions, Obayashi has also been working on large-scale wooden buildings. Its training facility Port Plus®, completed in 2022, is an 11-story building above ground made of pure wood. It is Japan’s first high-rise pure wooden fireproof building. Through such next-generation buildings, Obayashi aims to help create a sustainable society.
Why Obayashi switched from AutoCAD to ARES
Obayashi moved from AutoCAD to ARES because, while aiming for BIM-based design work, it still needed 2D. It focused on DWG-compatible CAD and chose ARES as a DWG-compatible tool suited to casual (light) users.
Many of these users do not need advanced drafting and use the software for only about 30 minutes a day. For them, the ARES network license offers excellent cost performance.
Obayashi started with JDraft in 2016. JDraft is the predecessor of ARES Commander.
How Obayashi helped users adopt ARES
When ARES was introduced, some users were reluctant to use it. Concerns about operation are common when a company brings in new software, so Obayashi set up support for the rollout:
- Intranet FAQ. Obayashi posted questions from users on its intranet site, based on frequently asked questions about operating ARES.
- Fast expert answers. Graebert quickly answered a sheet of inquiries from Obayashi users.
- A shared guide. Obayashi turned those answers into a guide on its intranet, sharing Graebert’s expert knowledge with its users.
- Video tutorials. Graebert also provided videos explaining how to operate ARES.
- Support after launch. Obayashi still receives ARES support after implementation. When something is unclear, it also uses Graebert Japan’s YouTube channel and help center (FAQ) website.
Email alone limits what tech support can do. Thanks to the guidebook and video tutorials, Obayashi found that ARES use became more widespread within the company.
Group-wide use, ARES Kudo and “MAKE BEYOND”
ARES is now used by Obayashi Corporation and by the entire Obayashi Group. Obayashi has also heard about ARES Kudo, the browser-based 2D CAD version of ARES, and says it would like to follow that service in the future.
Obayashi’s brand vision is “MAKE BEYOND”, which means evolving existing technology and knowledge. By using an up-to-date knowledge base, the company uses ARES efficiently. Going forward, it will keep pushing next-generation manufacturing through new initiatives that are not bound by preconceived notions.
What other companies can learn from Obayashi
- Keep 2D next to BIM. BIM-based design still needs 2D drawings, so choose a DWG-compatible CAD tool.
- Match licensing to usage. For light users who work about 30 minutes a day, a network license gives excellent cost performance.
- Expect reluctance and plan for it. Concerns about operation are normal when software changes.
- Build a shared knowledge base. An intranet FAQ and guide let expert answers reach every user.
- Use videos and ongoing support. Tutorials and a help center keep adoption growing after launch.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Obayashi switch from AutoCAD to ARES?
Obayashi still needed 2D alongside its BIM-based design work, so it focused on DWG-compatible CAD. ARES suits light users, and its network license offers excellent cost performance for people who use CAD about 30 minutes a day.
Which ARES product did Obayashi start with?
Obayashi started with JDraft in 2016. JDraft is the predecessor of ARES Commander.
Is ARES suitable for casual CAD users?
Yes. Obayashi chose it as DWG-compatible CAD for light users who do not need advanced drafting and use the software for about 30 minutes a day.
How did Obayashi support users who were reluctant to switch?
It posted an FAQ on its intranet, used Graebert’s expert answers to create a guide, and shared video tutorials. Obayashi still receives ARES support after implementation.
Who uses ARES at Obayashi?
ARES is used by Obayashi Corporation and the entire Obayashi Group.
What is ARES Kudo?
ARES Kudo is the browser-based 2D CAD version of ARES.
Is there a free trial of ARES?
Yes. ARES offers a 30-day free trial.
Try ARES yourself
See how ARES Commander, an AutoCAD alternative with full DWG compatibility and a network license, could work for your team. Download the free 30-day trial at graebert.com.
Watch the full customer story with Obayashi Corporation on the Graebert YouTube channel.
Try ARES Commander CAD Software yourself
See how ARES Commander, ARES Trinity and ARES Kudo could work for your team. Start the 30-day free trial at graebert.com and work with your DWG files in a CAD tool built around full DWG compatibility.