Altair HyperWorks vs. SnapSurveys

Engineering firms and companies with needs for multiple disciplines of analysis capabilities on a regular basis will benefit from HyperWorks. Companies with short term engineering needs (less than 6 months) or who only need a particular analysis/simulation discipline may be better off using a consultant (who likely uses HyperWorks).

Incentivized

I think it is very important to go through their training videos and user guides. Devote the time to learning it correctly from the beginning. In the long run you will enjoy it much more than plowing right into it and then trying to find out if you did it right. Also, while you are not required to buy the annual maintenance contract, I think if you are going to use the program, don't skimp, buy the annual maintenance contract. The free technical support is necessary, especially when you are up against deadlines.

• All-inclusive software suite
• Wide breadth of capabilities and custom scripting
• Highly efficient and scalable solvers/computation

Incentivized

• The training helped me to customize surveys for the different departments that the office of IR served.
• Surveys were easy to create and gathering information was made easy because SnapsSurveys worked well with SPSS.
• Once surveys were created I could scan them and have the results to my boss in less than an hour depending on the size of the survey group.
• Snaps customer service reps were always willing to help.

Incentivized

• User interface is improving, but not always intuitive; varies across tools
• Steep learning curve
• Cost may be out of reach for some, but relatively inexpensive if you need all the tools it includes (vs. paying for each tool individually)

Incentivized

• Though the user interface is easy to navigate, it would be nice to see is design updated to something more aesthetically pleasing.

The main reason we will renew is that it does the job, it supports our system, and we have budgeted for it so why change?

I think as an organization there is always room to grow, however, this application has really helped us with our dilemma with offline, online, and paper surveys. We are able to make our surveys fun and engaging and the interface for the person creating the survey is user-friendly. Customer service is very helpful if you need additional support.

Incentivized

Because HyperWorks, HyperMesh is best

It is an in between option. The options we evaluated were Qualtrics and SurveyGizmo. It's cheaper than Qualtrics and easier to design surveys than SurveyGizmo. Nonetheless it's not the worst option out there like SurveyMonkey.

Incentivized

• An all in one solution keeps costs down if you need multiple analysis capabilities (FEA, CFD, MBD, etc.)
• Analysis work supports our other engineering/design work we wouldn't otherwise receive
• Fast and efficient solvers leads to higher throughput

Incentivized

• Using a professional survey package enhances my reputation as a research professional.
• I have been able to use the software's functionality to exceed my clients expectations.