Administration, drawing, design, planning and logistics operation in one software package

Manufacturers of precast concrete elements, like other manufacturing companies, need a software package that digitizes and simplifies business processes from the moment of sale to delivery and final administrative processing down to the smallest detail. After all, it increases productivity on the shop floor and prevents errors. Software specialist i-Theses introduces with PreCastOffice a complete and fully integrated software for the precast concrete industry.

i-Theses has been active in developing software for construction applications since 1977. This first took place under the wings of the Dutch Technosoft and later, from 1998, as an independent entity on the Belgian market. Whereas until 2018 an important share of the business was realized as a market-leading Autodesk Gold Partner, the company chose to divest this activity and to focus entirely on its own development of applications for the precast concrete sector. "We have a lot of experience to guide concrete implementations through the various processes. This ranges from the development of specific applications, whether or not based on standard modules, through training and implementation to support for the start-up of concrete projects and outsourcing, very often even beyond the national borders," say CEOs Rony Verlee and Wouter Veelaert. "Supported by the development department (member of the Autodesk Developer Network), the software specialist can develop specific customized requirements for customers, both in terms of databases, web-based applications and CAD developments and, of course, their integration."

i-Theses develops software for structural engineering applications. With AutoBeCo, the specialist offers a software solution for the production of precast columns and beams.

PreCastOffice

With PreCastOffice, the software specialist introduced a complete and fully integrated software solution for the precast concrete industry, which supports all types: prestressed and reinforced hollow core slabs/vaults, wide slabs/predges, beams/pots floor systems as well as precast concrete beams and columns. This software digitizes all steps in the business process: from sales and design through planning and production to final administrative processing. PreCastOffice actually always combines two software solutions: drawing on the one hand and planning and administrative processing on the other. "The CAD-based applications are always found under the heading Auto-Floor/BeCo/Stairs, while the planning and administrative applications end at 'Desk'. For floors, the PreConSlab software tool will be integrated. This allows the design and analysis of prestressed and reinforced concrete floor systems. All AutoDesign applications exist in two versions. For those who use a 'Full' AutoCAD, there is the standard application, while other customers use the so-called 'ID' variant, which is equipped with an AutoCAD OEM Engine," the CEOs explain. "PlanDesk is the ERP software that allows manufacturers to automate all administrative and planning tasks. It is the link between the drawing studio and production and handles planning, inventory management and quality control. The PreCastOffice software can also be connected to or even fully integrated with the company's existing accounting and/or planning software packages. Finally, the package also includes modules for stack and freight planning, a stockroom and a logistics planner to simplify logistics processing."

With AutoFloor, an AutoCAD-based application, one can quickly and easily draw, edit and label all types of precast floors.

Simple and BIM-ready

The PreCastOffice software is very quick and easy to learn by any user thanks to clear graphical user interfaces. After a short, thorough training, one can start using it without any problems. "These software solutions can also be fully integrated into the BIM process thanks to Revit extensions," Verlee and Veelaert conclude. "The designs in AutoDesign are in 2D as far as floors are concerned, but can be generated in 3D for use in a BIM model. Other modules, such as AutoStairs and AutoBeCo, are completely in 3D. By default, an IFC export is also available for all modules."