SPRINKCAD V3.5 X AUTOPRINK V

[cocchiarale]

I am looking for a new software for sprinkler design,calc, listing and estimator. I was familiar with Sprinkcad Pro about 7 years ago, but not familiar at all with the new ver 3.5, also I am looking at Autosprink.
Autosprink is a standalone program? no need of Autocad, how can you handle it with the arquitec backgrounds (dwg) you have to overlay on autosprink? Also i am not sure if is good to concentrate in one program and drop Autocad and be outdated during the years of use of Autosprink.What is the diference of Sprinkcad X Autosprink? what is the ratio in the industry, which one is more popular? Sprinkcad is about 20 years old and Autoprink? The cost of Sprinkcad complete is about $ 5.000,00 and you can use Sprinkcalc as a stndalone calc program, i am not sure if you can do that with Autosprink, I think you must have your design complete in order to calc it.

 

[TravisMack]

Ok, there is a lot of mis-information on the AS program. I am not a reseller, so I have no financial interests in the topic. But, let me try to address some of your questions:

1 - Number of users: The guys at AS recently told me that they have more seats in use than any other fire sprinkler program at this time. Now, I don't have a way to verify it. That is what was relayed to me by one of the tech support guys during an email exchange. I specifically asked where they stood in the lineup. I had thought HCAD was #1, SprinkCAD #2 and AS #3. However, I was informed that AS has more seats in use.

2 - Using DWG files: AutoSprink allows you to import and export DWG files for use in your drawings. It is very similar to XREFing in a DWG file that you would use in HCAD. (I have not use SprinkCAD, but I assume it is the same). After the file is imported, you start drawing your sprinkler system, just the exact same as you would with HCAD.

3 - Calculations: AS calculates very quickly and easily. You also do not have to have the drawing 100% complete in AS in order to calculate the system. You can calculate at any point in the design process. The calc's are not stand alone like HCAD (and presumably SprinkCAD), but I can typically draw a system in as fast as I could input the data in HCAD.

4 - Dropping ACAD: I would say that you could drop ACAD while using AS, but I do not recommend it. I like some of the cleanup tools in ACAD, better than some of the ones in AS. However, there are some in AS that are better than ACAD. Also, there are times when I have to provide DWG files to clients and I like to be able to make some minor tweaks in ACAD with regard to paper space layouts and such.

5 - Costs: AS can be "purchased" on a perpetual lease. I don't feel comfortable stating the software costs, because I am not sure if there is any variance in what people pay. I know that I have purchased some fire sprinkler system packages in the past and the price paid is less than the noted retail price on the website. But, I will say that the yearly price is reasonable since it also includes full updates and support for the year. Also, you could go bare bones and get by without AutoCAD, thereby saving that fee.

Lastly, with a move to 3D design for many buildings now, I am finding that AS has put me ahead of the curve on many projects. I am getting more work because of using AS and being ready to integrate into the 3D model without additional learning curves.

You should research all of the software choices and go with what is going to be best for your specific situation. My evolution of drawing has been: Drafting table -> AutoCAD -> SigmaCAD -> OmniCADD -> HydraCAD -> Autosprink. I would say that HCad and AS are the best of those. AS has allowed me to increase my productivity the most, but both HCAD and AS are very good programs.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com