Timberline CAD Integrator Uses IFC Standard to Create Cost Estimates Directly from CAD Designs in Record Time
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    The award-winning software is one highlight of
    Timberline Estimating Extended, version 6.2 release


    (BEAVERTON, ORE./March 4, 2002, .) Estimators can now perform construction
    takeoff and generate cost estimates in a matter of minutes with a new
    Windows version update of CAD Integrator, developed by Timberline (Nasdaq:
    TMBS).

    The software is just one option available with Timberline's newly released
    Estimating Extended, version 6.2. The release also features several
    additional enhancements, including City Cost Index, an estimate re-pricing
    function, and Pricer, for electronic price updates.

    Capping nearly a decade of research and development, CAD Integrator is the
    first construction estimating software to incorporate the Industry
    Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. The standard, developed and administered
    by the Virginia-based International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI),
    enables data exchange with any IFC-compliant software application,
    regardless of the type or origin of the program.

    Timberline's development reflects a current initiative among software
    vendors, who are now positioning applications to think about buildings more
    like people do-in terms of objects such as doors, windows, walls, and
    floors-rather than as lines, circles, squares and arcs.

    With CAD Integrator, users open an IFC data file, which typically is created
    during the design phase by an IFC-compliant CAD program. The IFC file
    contains common building objects, with their design and dimensional
    information. CAD Integrator reads this IFC data straight into item and
    assembly takeoff, instantly creating a cost estimate in Timberline
    Estimating. No manual entry of quantity values or use of a digitizer is
    required.


    Because of the speed and ease in which estimates can be generated, CAD
    Integrator opens a new avenue for value engineering. Owners, developers,
    architects, and other design-build professionals can now quickly gauge
    various options for the most appropriate design in terms of cost. And,
    because of the ease of data transfer, users can employ various other
    IFC-compliant applications such as other CAD tools, energy-checking
    software, code checking programs, and more.

    CAD Integrator is certified by both the IAI and the Building Lifecycle
    Interoperable Software (BLIS) project for IFC Release 2.0. The IAI
    designation ensures consistent IFC implementation and results, while BLIS
    denotes compliance of data exchange for specific end uses, such as between
    CAD and estimating.

    In addition, the Toronto Construction Association recently presented its
    2001 Innovative Product/Technology Award to Timberline for the development
    of CAD Integrator. The annual award recognizes efforts in creating
    innovative and new technologies for building and construction.

    Along with CAD Integrator, additional features in Timberline Estimating
    Extended, v. 6.2 also help speed the estimating process. City Cost Index
    allows users to automatically re-price an estimate to reflect variable
    options, such as currency or project location. And Timberline Pricer
    enables quick, electronic updates to price databases.

    Estimating Extended version 6.2 is Timberline's second major estimating
    release within the past year, part of company's rollout of a new generation
    of estimating solutions. In June 2001, Timberline introduced a Windows
    version of Model Estimating, which uses a detailed database and simple
    interview-like questions to create detailed conceptual estimates.


    With 25,000 customers worldwide, Timberline is a leading provider of
    accounting, estimating, service management, property management and
    investment management software for the construction and real estate
    industries. Timberline recently became the first AEC estimating and
    accounting software company to achieve Support Center Practices (SCP)
    Certification for excellence in providing technical support services to its
    customers. www.timberline.com.
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