Dear process engineers: It’s time to move from Pipeline Network Design to AVEVA™ Process Simulation

Posted: June 20, 2025

If you are a process engineer still using Pipeline Network Design (often called PIPEPHASE) to model your pipeline hydraulics, you probably already know the truth: the tool has done its job. Now, it’s time to evolve.

The way we model and simulate today demands more than point solutions and disjointed workflows. And AVEVA Process Simulation is more than a new tool. It’s an integrated platform built for modern engineering challenges. Here’s why it’s worth your attention—and your enterprise’s transition.

1. Unified simulation environment

How often do you find yourself bouncing between multiple tools—Pipeline Network Design for pipeline networks, another one for process models, maybe Excel for quick calculations? It's not only inefficient. It also opens the door to errors and rework.

AVEVA Process Simulation consolidates everything—fluid flow, reactions, energy balances, separation systems, and pipeline networks—in one single, seamless environment. Without having to switch contexts, you can simulate full process systems while including your pipeline models.

2. Better collaboration across multi-discipline teams

AVEVA Process Simulation supports a modern, collaborative workflow. While Pipeline Network Design is limited in scope and doesn’t integrate well into broader digital engineering environments, AVEVA Process Simulation enables multiple disciplines (process, mechanical, safety, and operations) to work from the same model. When users have easy access to a shared model with AVEVA Process Simulation, they can break out of information silos and collaborate seamlessly.

3. Improved user experience and modelling efficiency

AVEVA Process Simulation offers a modern UI/UX, faster modeling, drag-and-drop capabilities, and robust visualization options. As opposed to Pipeline Network Design’s older interface and more rigid modeling approach, which often results in longer build times and more cumbersome updates, engineers using AVEVA Process Simulation can iterate quickly and intuitively.

4. Digital twin and lifecycle integration

AVEVA Process Simulation is built with lifecycle thinking in mind. Its models can integrate with real-time operational data, supporting digital twins and enabling predictive analytics. This is a step beyond Pipeline Network Design, which lacks this functionality. Instead, extend your teams’ digital continuity with AVEVA Process Simulation. Once you adopt this platform, your simulation can become more than simply a static report. It’s a living asset.

5. Scalable licensing and better support

As Pipeline Network Design is gradually phased out in favor of AVEVA Process Simulation, users might experience declining support and development investment with the old tool. But, enter AVEVA Process Simulation, and you’ll find that the integrated platform has the backing of AVEVA’s full roadmap, including frequent updates, cloud capabilities, and a growing user community.

Migrating now means you’ll have access to AVEVA’s latest technology and support ecosystem.

6. Future-proof your expertise

When you remain with Pipeline Network Design, it means sticking with a legacy solution in an industry in the midst of accelerating change and disruption. The present and the future demands novel innovation and agility. When you transition to AVEVA Process Simulation, you’ll be able to take advantage of:

• Model-based design optimization
• Cloud computing and data integration
• Comprehensive process and pipeline simulation in one tool
• Streamlined handoffs across engineering phases.

The path forward

You have come far with Pipeline Network Design—and you have pushed it as far as it can go. Today, though, your engineers need tools that will help them go faster and further. You need tools that are ready to meet the moment.

AVEVA Process Simulation gives you a smarter, faster, and more integrated way to simulate the full process lifecycle. It’s not just an upgrade. It’s a better way to engineer.