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Timberline CAD Integrator Uses IFC Standard to Create Cost Estimates Directly from CAD Designs in Record Time
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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