Macleod Simmonds, a leading UK-based provider of geophysical, topographical, and utility surveying services, was in search of a cost-effective, powerful CAD platform that could enhance their workflow while managing costs. Their core business relies heavily on detailed and accurate surveys, making a robust CAD solution critical to their operation. After careful evaluation, Macleod Simmonds made the strategic decision to switch to BricsCAD, noting the product’s technical capabilities, familiarity and ease of use..
Before adopting BricsCAD, Macleod Simmonds used a different CAD platform that became increasingly unworkable due to its rising costs and an aggressive business model shift. This, combined with the platform’s limited improvements, created operational inefficiencies.
The company needed a solution that could seamlessly integrate with their existing tools and workflows without disrupting their production capabilities or overburdening their team. They also needed to Maintain custom tools and menus with minimal disruption.
BricsCAD stood out to Macleod Simmonds during the evaluation process, primarily because of its ability to match the capabilities of their previous CAD system at a fraction of the cost. The familiarity of BricsCAD allowed the company to continue using their custom-built tools with minimal modifications, ensuring the switch was both smooth and efficient.
Managing Director, Craig Simmonds told me, “Our initial trial period showed that BricsCAD was a very capable and familiar package. It then became clear that your organisation is also a company that conducts its business ethically, making the usage of your products simple and hassle free, not even a close experience to that encountered with other, similar CAD software manufacturer/suppliers.”
The migration process from their previous CAD platform to BricsCAD was virtually seamless for Macleod Simmonds. The company’s custom menu systems and tools required only minor adjustments, and staff quickly adapted to the new software without significant downtime or loss of productivity.
Implementation Process:
Craig went on to tell me, “With our business profile and needs, the previous platform and the way in which they changed their business model, along with their overly aggressive implementation of that change, made their platform virtually un-workable for us. On top of this, in our opinion, their product was no better to use and actually lacked in some areas.”
Cost Savings & Efficiency: Since adopting BricsCAD, Macleod Simmonds has enjoyed substantial cost savings while maintaining high levels of productivity. With BricsCAD, they’ve been able to equip enough licensed workstations to cover training needs and handle sudden spikes in demand, all without the financial burden of their previous software.
Specific Tools & Add-ons: While Macleod Simmonds primarily uses custom-built tools, they have also found the Spatial Manager add-in useful, further optimizing their workflows for specific projects.
Craig expressed a high level of satisfaction with the support and resources provided by KTF Software and Bricsys. Any initial technical queries were quickly addressed, and his team found the available documentation and tutorials delivered by Bricsys to be helpful throughout the transition.
Based on their experience with BricsCAD, Macleod Simmonds would confidently recommend the platform to other businesses looking for an affordable, efficient CAD solution.
Macleod Simmonds currently use BricsCAD Pro licenses, which meet their needs for the time being. However, they are looking to explore point cloud manipulation in the near future to expand their capabilities.
BricsCAD has proven to be the ideal CAD solution for Macleod Simmonds, allowing them to maintain their operational efficiency while significantly reducing costs. The seamless transition from their previous CAD platform to BricsCAD has empowered the company to continue delivering high-quality services without disruption.
Final Remarks: Craig concluded by telling me, “Moving to BricsCAD has been a clean and simple process, and one that has only enhanced our production capabilities at a cost level that works within our business environment. We have no regrets having made the move, indeed, exactly the opposite!”
Like Macleod Simmons, you can take advantage of a powerful CAD tool with an easy learning curve that can help you create detailed and accurate plans that are compatible with your customers.
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