BuildSoft

The implementation of BuildSoft structural analysis software usually follows a clear and structured approach to ensure smooth adoption and effective use. While the details can be tailored to each organization, the general process includes:

1. Needs Analysis and Planning

   • Assess your organization’s requirements and define the project scope.
   • Map out existing business processes and align them with BuildSoft’s capabilities.
   • Set clear objectives and establish a project timeline.

2. System Design and Configuration
   • Customize the software to fit your workflows and structural analysis needs.

   • Configure settings, forms, and reports to match your company standards.

3. Data Migration and Integration
   • Import relevant data from previous systems if needed.

   • Ensure all structural models and project data are accurately transferred.

4. Training and Onboarding
   • Conduct training sessions for engineers and staff.
   • Provide access to user guides and documentation.

   • Offer support for both new and experienced users, focusing on rapid onboarding.

5. Pilot Testing
   • Test the software in a controlled environment to validate configurations.

   • Collect feedback from users and make necessary adjustments.

6. Go-Live and Support
   • Launch the software for everyday use.
   • Provide ongoing customer support and troubleshooting.

   • Ensure regular updates and support to maximize productivity.

Estimated Implementation Timeline

• Onboarding Period: BuildSoft is known for its user-friendly interface and quick learning curve. Most new users become proficient within a few days, especially with the Diamonds module, which is designed for fast adoption by both junior and senior engineers.

• Full Implementation: The entire process—from initial planning to full deployment—can vary depending on company size and complexity. For most small to medium-sized engineering teams, the process typically takes from a few days to a couple of weeks, including training and initial project setup.

1. Layout and Interface Customization

• Users can adjust and save their preferred display settings, such as column widths, column locations, and pane arrangements. These customizations are retained even after software updates, allowing each user or team to tailor the workspace to their workflow.

2. Report Customization

• Especially in the Pro version, BuildSoft allows extensive customization of reports. Users can add or remove columns, change report names, hide or display rates, and adjust the level of detail. This helps companies generate documentation that matches their internal standards or client requirements.

3. BOQ (Bill of Quantities) Customization

• The software enables users to customize the BOQ layout, insert or delete rows, move descriptions, and copy elements from other jobs or price lists. Measurement and calculation sheets can also be tailored, including the use of custom formulas and rate structures.

4. Price Lists and Rates

• BuildSoft does not come with pre-loaded rates, so users must develop their own price lists and rates. This ensures full alignment with company-specific pricing and estimation needs.

5. Limits to Customization

• While BuildSoft offers significant flexibility in layout and reporting, deeper customization (such as changes to calculation logic or interface modifications) may be limited compared to highly specialized or open-source solutions.
• Some advanced customization features are only available in the Pro version, not in the Standard version.

1. Setup Fees

• There are generally no entry-level setup fees for BuildSoft software.

2. Maintenance and Support

• Software Assurance: Included with every new license for the first 12 months. After the first year, renewal is optional and costs 20% of the license fee per year. This covers ongoing support and all software updates.

• Customer Support: Support is included with active Software Assurance or during a lease/subscription period. Dedicated support teams are available for troubleshooting and assistance.

• Product Updates: Updates are included with Software Assurance or during lease/subscription terms.

3. Other Potential Costs

• Subscription or Lease: Leasing the software includes licensing, customer support, and product updates for the duration of the recurring monthly fee.

• Training: Basic training resources are included, but advanced or personalized training may incur additional charges depending on the provider and package.

• Cloud Features: Additional storage and resources for cloud-based solutions may be available at extra cost.

• Data Migration: Assistance with migrating data from local to cloud or between versions may be offered as a paid service.

• Introductory Courses: BuildSoft offers practical introduction courses for new users, such as for the Diamonds module. These sessions are hands-on, guided step-by-step, and typically last about 4 hours. They are designed to help users become productive quickly, even if they have no prior experience with the software.

• Advanced Training: For experienced users, BuildSoft provides advanced courses that dive deeper into calculation methods and critical interpretation of results. These sessions usually last a full day.

• Customized Training: Training can be tailored to the specific needs of a company or user group. Customized sessions can be organized at the client’s location or at BuildSoft’s offices.

• Online and E-learning: BuildSoft offers online courses and e-learning modules, allowing users to learn at their own pace and revisit material as needed.

• Free Training for Customers: Customers with an active maintenance contract, lease, or subscription are eligible for free training sessions. The number of free entries typically depends on the number of licenses held.

• Access Controls: Only authorized users are allowed to access sensitive data, with role-based permissions to limit exposure to only what is necessary.

• Encryption: Data is protected with security measures during both storage and transmission.

• Regular Audits: Security protocols are reviewed and updated regularly to address new and emerging threats.

• Password Protection: Users are responsible for keeping their passwords secure. BuildSoft emphasizes the importance of not sharing credentials and reporting any suspected breaches immediately.

• Data Privacy: Security measures are tailored to the sensitivity of the data, and BuildSoft follows relevant privacy standards and regulations.

• Incident Response: If unauthorized access is suspected, users are encouraged to contact support immediately for assistance.

• Regular Releases: BuildSoft provides frequent updates, including major annual releases for core products and interim updates for bug fixes and feature enhancements.

• Automatic Distribution: Updates are distributed directly to customers, typically through email notifications or the customer portal.

• Included with Support: Customers with active maintenance contracts, subscriptions, or leases have full access to all updates.

• Release Notes: Each update comes with release notes detailing new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

Data Ownership

• User Data Ownership: All business data that users input into BuildSoft remains the property of the user or their organization. BuildSoft acts only as a processor of this data and does not claim any ownership rights over customer data.

• Personal Data Rights: Users have clear rights over their personal and business data, including the ability to access, correct, erase, restrict, or object to processing, as well as the right to data portability. These rights are in line with data protection laws and are respected by BuildSoft.

• Retention and Deletion: Data is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. When a service is terminated, data is deleted according to BuildSoft’s retention policies or as required by law. Users can also request the deletion of their data.

Data Portability

• Portability Rights: Users can request their data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This makes it possible to export data for use in other systems or to transfer it to another provider.

• Export Options: BuildSoft supports data export through built-in features, such as exporting reports and project data to formats like CSV or Excel. There are also processes for transferring data between BuildSoft modules or to other external systems.

• Contractual Assurance: The right to data portability is provided as part of BuildSoft’s standard data management practices, ensuring users can obtain and move their data without unnecessary obstacles.

• Licensing Flexibility: BuildSoft’s licensing allows organizations to increase or decrease the number of users or modules as their needs change. This is especially straightforward for customers using subscription or leased licenses.

• No Setup Fees: There are typically no setup fees for adding or removing users, making it easy to scale without extra costs.

• Support for Growth: The software supports both small and large teams, and can be used in multi-user environments or integrated with other business systems.

• Cloud and On-Premises Options: Organizations using cloud-based deployments can adjust resources such as storage or user access as needed, with additional charges only if extra resources are required. On-premises solutions can also be scaled by adjusting the number of licenses.

Contract Renewal

• Automatic Renewal: Subscriptions with BuildSoft typically renew automatically for the same duration as the previous term. Unless you actively cancel, your contract continues under the same terms.

• Renewal Notification: Customers are usually notified before the renewal date, giving them time to review or adjust their subscription before the next billing cycle.

• Renewal Process: If you want to continue, no action is needed due to auto-renewal. To make changes or negotiate terms, you should contact BuildSoft before the renewal date. Renewal is also an opportunity to adjust pricing or scope if needed.

• Software Assurance Renewal: Maintenance and support (Software Assurance) are included for the first year with a new license. Renewal after the first year is optional and typically costs 20% of the license fee per year. If you let coverage lapse and want to rejoin later, the price may increase depending on how long it’s been since the contract expired.

Contract Cancellation

• Cancellation Before Renewal: To avoid being billed for the next term, you must cancel before the renewal date. This is usually managed via the customer portal or by contacting BuildSoft support.

• No Refunds for Early Cancellation: If you cancel during an active subscription, you are generally not refunded for any unused portion. Your contract remains active until the end of the current term, after which it will not renew.

• Termination for Breach: Either party can terminate the agreement if the other party is in material breach and does not resolve the issue within a specified period after written notice.

• Data Deletion: After termination, your data is retained only as long as necessary and is deleted according to BuildSoft’s data retention policy or as required by law.

• Re-entry Fees: If you cancel and later decide to re-subscribe, rejoining maintenance or support may cost more, depending on the length of the gap.

• Eurocode Compliance: BuildSoft’s structural analysis and design software is fully compliant with the latest Eurocode standards, ensuring that calculations and results meet recognized European safety and quality benchmarks.

• International Standards: The software also supports American standards such as AISC (for steel structures) and ACI (for concrete), making it suitable for international use.

• Data Privacy and Security: BuildSoft follows strict data privacy principles, including user rights over personal and business data, secure access controls, encryption, and regular security audits. The company’s approach aligns with data protection regulations such as GDPR.

• Code of Conduct: BuildSoft operates according to a code of conduct that ensures compliance with local laws and ethical business practices in every country where it operates.