The latest release of Substation Design Suite (SDS) version 9.0 brings significant enhancements to our Physical design product integrated with Autodesk Inventor. With improved design data, users can work more efficiently, reduce rework, and deliver high-quality construction packages to the field. Below are the key highlights of this release. 

Expanded Compatibility and Easier Installation 

  • Inventor Compatibility – P4I now works with Inventor 2025 while maintaining support for versions 2022-2024. 
  • New Licensing Support – Now compatible with the SBS Identity Manager. 
  • Streamlined Installation – A single installer now covers Inventor versions 2022-2025,
    installing binaries for .NET 4.8 and .NET 8 with separate add-in files for different versions.
  • Signed DLLs – All necessary files are now signed, eliminating issues related to unsigned DLLs. 
  • Simplified Licensing Setup – Users can bypass the legacy serial number/license code process during installation and log in to the SBS Portal when starting Inventor. 
  • Improved Database Handling – Default databases will no longer be renamed with ‘.saved’ after a canceled installation. 

Modernized Databases 

  • Upgraded to SQLite – Both the application and user databases have been upgraded to SQLite, with the option to set the application database to ‘Read Only.’ 
  • Refined Built-In Models – Models in the application database have been updated to Inventor 2022, with several improvements for better performance. 

Enhanced Round Bus Model Creation 

  • More Accurate Wall Thickness – When placing a Round Bus (Pipe), the wall thickness will now be read from Size 2 in the SDS Content Editor table. 
  • Improved Weight Accuracy – Bus weight calculations in the model are now more precise. 
  • Easy Updates – The ‘Update Run’ tool now updates the wall thickness for older Bus models, ensuring they align with the Size 2 parameter. 

Improved Tools 

  • Enhanced Delete Cable Tool – Now recursive, allowing the command to stay active until escape is pressed. 
  • iPart Fitting Placement Fix – Resolved an issue when placing iPart fittings from the SDS Above Grade Tools ribbon. 
  • Better Bus Placement in Nested Assemblies – Addressed issues when placing Bus in nested assemblies with recently edited Model States. 
  • More Reliable Rotate Fitting Tool – The tool no longer breaks constraints in some nested arrangements and now always prompts to select the ‘base part.’ 
  • Smoother iPart Fittings Operations – SDS Ribbon iPart fittings now function reliably across all operations. 

Appearance & Organization 

  • Improved Access to Tools – The Content Editor and Data Upgrade Utility now have Start menu shortcuts and Desktop icons for quick access. 

Full release notes are available in the support portal for existing customers.