Autodesk Fabrication, based on the ESTmep+ construction and estimation software developed by Applied Software and acquired by Autodesk in 2018, allows users to Create MEP models, generate estimates, and drive fabrication. The Autodesk Fabrication line includes Fabrication ESTmep, as well as Fabrication CADmep, and Fabrication CAMduct.
$1,140
per year
FastPIPE
Score 10.0 out of 10
N/A
FastPIPE is a construction and estimation software offering from FastEST, Inc.
1. This software best suits in the fabrication projects, because it generates the most accurate data for the fabrication of the model as compared to other softwares. 2. Due to its high end output the working on this software is a bit hard then other softwares because there is manual command for every step. 3. This softwares suits best when we need to do the routing adjustments completely manual because it does not show any errors just like other softwares.
It's absolutely well suited to anyone needing accurate piping takeoff and laboring estimates, with great reporting and up to date pricing. I love that I didn't need to spend time trying to update the price logs. It's easy to learn, and works well in a large or small environment, and lends itself to more than just estimating, but becomes a good project management tool as well. Fantastic software.
It uses the database for the modelling of HVAC, Plumbing and electrical services. Using the database makes the model most accurate to the real time implementation as compared to other contemporary softwares.
It treats every fabrication element separate. Hence modifying or updating the element does not hamper the other model elements.
AutoDesk fabrication is much more flexible to implement different manual routings which is not that much flexible in other softwares.
Maintaining the whole number lengths of ducts is very easy in this software. Where others struggle to do this easily.
FastPIPE was very fast to learn, very straight forward and user-friendly. It's easy to use and teach new interns and project engineers how to quickly takeoff sections to backup change orders or assist in heavy bid load.
It's fantastic at keeping up to date on price changes. I'd get updates often, and they were usually within 2-3% of our discount prices with local vendors. In the few instances it wasn't, FastPIPE was very easy to adjust or factor for project costs.
Is great at being able to pull up reports and graphs and track different materials and labor costs for factoring. We bid on a lot of high rise residential buildings, so we do takeoff by floor. It would give detailed reports per page as opposed to just a lump sum. Very detailed so it was easy to adjust per our project approach.
This software needs the central file system so that multiple people can work on a single file at the same time.
This software needs high end graphics which make it tuff to work in 3D space. If this problem can be solved then the efficiency of completing the job will improve drastically.
In this softwares we have to prepare separate sheet on every file because we have to use separate file for separate work. This hampers in maintaining the same standards of the submission interface of the sheets.
It was a trick or two learning how to upload prints correctly, I think that interface could be a bit easier, but it's already better than most of the competition.
Might be nice to have easier labor factoring, in case we want to pre-load our own instead of MCA time factors for piping labor
It would auto update upon opening occasionally. It's fairly fast, but I prefer to OK that in case I just need to come up with something quickly and don't want to wait.
I've used the quote soft piping takeoff as well, and it's just not as easy to use or update. Basic methodology and interaface is similar, but it's more 'clunky' to use, is harder to keep updated and to upload PDF's for takeoff, and it's just not as streamlined or user friendly. Akin to comparing driving a truck to a sports car. The Fast Pipe is really smooth and easy to function in.
Best impact is time saved. It's so much faster to do bid takeoff and hit the ground running
Being able to 'draw in' on design-build and being able to print my takeoff has been helpful when turning the job over so the field install understands the approach taken to get the job.
Ease of use and learning has made it much more cost effective to bring new people up to speed.
