Item: Trimble SysQue
Rating: 7
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Trimble SysQue for drawing piping at a fabricable level, place hangers, and create point files. Their comprehensive library of content allows us to use a wide range of materials, connection methods, and hanger types. With BIM becoming more and more prevalent as a requirement for construction projects and the required LOD is higher and higher Trimble SysQue has been one of the tools that we have been using to achieve that.

Pros and Cons

The amount of content in their database library
The ability to change materials after piping has already been drawn with minimal rework
Hanger placement and point creation

The parameters for content is inconsistent from one fitting to another. As cloud spooling and automated cutters become more and more prevalent this becomes a problem to feed the right information to a fabrication shop or cutter and causes delays in production.
Trimble SysQue draws with generic fittings/pipe and then converts it to the selected system. The processing time for those fittings can be quite long sometimes.
Thread-o-lets do not work correctly a good portion of the time. When detailing a mechanical room this is a huge problem.

Return on Investment

It has allowed us to produce high level detailed models
It gives us the ability to produce point files that aid in a speedier layout process for the field.

Alternatives Considered

Autodesk Fabrication (estmep+)

We actually use both. Trimble Sysque helps supplement content when you do not have it readily available. The water closet carrier families are very good and highly adjustable to be able to create very accurate restroom skids.

Key Insights

Do you think Trimble SysQue delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with Trimble SysQue's feature set?

Yes

Did Trimble SysQue live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Trimble SysQue go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Trimble SysQue again?

Likelihood to Recommend

For drawing plumbing where you are usually not needing any kind of taps it does really well. Once you become familiar with it, you can draw underground really quickly. Their water closet carrier families are great! Being able to draw a restroom skid with such a high level of detail is a definite plus. Also, being able to create point files easily since their hangers, floor drains, and cleanouts have the points embedded in them. For a small BIM department I think Trimble SysQue is a good option. They manage the database and you can send a request in for more content if it is needed. For larger BIM departments or people that are doing cloud spooling with Stratus or MSuite it becomes more problematic especially on the mechanical side with needing to use taps and the functionality of them being less than stellar. Larger BIM departments are usually able to have a person manage their database internally and that helps keep the content parameters consistent. Most MEP Fabrication content that I have used does very well with taps and the piping is able to be run quickly and does not need to be processed.

SysQue plusses and minuses

Overall Satisfaction with Trimble SysQue