Versatile software for the precast concrete industry

Since the early 1990s, i-Theses has been developing software for the precast concrete industry, particularly in the field of precast concrete floors. What began as an AutoCAD drawing application has grown in recent years into a package of software modules that covers the process from CRM through the entire production preparation and planning to delivery and invoicing. Including quotation, order and price list management.

PreConSlab calculations integrated into AutoFloor.

After starting out as an Autodesk dealer in the early 1990s, i-Theses grew to become the largest Gold Partner for AEC in Belgium. At the same time, it invested in in-house developments for various markets. "These applications, especially for the precast concrete market, can count on a lot of international interest," says CEO Sales Rony Verlee. "Hence, this year we decided to split up i-Theses. The Autodesk unit was acquired by Arkance through an acquisition in May. i-Theses decided to focus entirely on the precast concrete market and expand its offering to serve the entire precast market."

Flooring ... for decades
I-Theses is the market leader in Belgium, Great Britain and Ireland. On the one hand with software such as AutoFloor and PreConSlab, applications for the design and calculation of laying plans in 2D and 3D for hollowcore slabs, wide slabs and T-bar floors. On the other hand with FloorDesk, the applications developed on SQL Server for production planning, logistics planning and administrative handling. "From FloorDesk, it is possible to exchange data with various ERP systems and also with the production machines. This with one goal in mind: seamless integration of processes and exchange of data throughout the entire production process. From the first contact with the customer to the final delivery and installation on site and everything in between."

Autostairs - 3D designs of straight stairs, with or without landings.

Beams and columns, stairs and ...
Based on the same technology, the offering was extended to include drawing and planning modules for precast concrete beams, columns and stairs. AutoBeCo offers parametric drawing tools to quickly draw an element in 3D and derive production drawings from it, equipped with bending statements, weight, volume and pouring provisions. It is an application that uses the FormTools & ReBar application developed by i-Theses. On this platform, it is possible to develop macros for a wide variety of precast elements. In addition to beams and columns, parametric macros were also developed for straight stairs. The platform offers unlimited possibilities and has already been used for specific custom projects.

PreCastOffice, production scheduling calendar.

Future
The precast concrete market will grow rapidly in the future. A number of things play in favor of precast. "Controlled quality, weather-independent production, virtually no material loss in production and just-in-time delivery mean precast concrete will gain in popularity," Verlee believes. To organize this in a controlled way, (software) tools are needed. I-Theses responds to this in a targeted way. "The drawing applications are BIM-compatible and have an IFC export. This allows the models to be read smoothly into the most common coordination software, such as Navisworks, Bimsight, and so on. Furthermore, new modules for project management, capacity planning and production planning, developed together with industry, are being deployed. We want to offer software tools that provide optimal insight into information. At any time, in any place and on any device."   

Text | i-Theses, Chris Elbers   Images | i-Theses
Featured image: New module AutoBeco for quick creation of production drawings.