Top 5 Best Scaffolding Software on the market, 2023
Updated: Feb 3, 2023
Are you looking for a software solution for your scaffolding company? Look no further! In this article, we provide an overview of 5 different software solutions tailored to the scaffolding industry. We also highlight the pros and cons of each option so that you can choose the one that best suits your business needs.
In a hurry? Here's the list
Scaffcalc - User-friendly, web based, includes engineering
LayPLAN Classic - Layher specific, many options, quick designs
Scaffmax - SketchUp plugin, automatic scaffolding generation
NTI Scaffplanner - BIM-software for the scaffolding industry
Avontus Scaffold Design - Visualisation software for complex structures
Scaffcalc
We are proud to introduce Scaffcalc, the most user-friendly scaffolding calculation and design tool on the market. Its 3D design interface makes it easy to create your scaffolding. Once you are satisfied with your design, you can easily export all necessary engineering data for a successful project, including standard load capacity, wind load capacity, material lists, anchoring data, and more. You can even upload your blueprints and add transportation platforms, stair towers, and loading bays with just one click.
Scaffcalc is the fastest growing design tool on the market, with new features added every week. It can also help you with your temporary roof systems. Simply input your data into the sophisticated form, and you will have your documents in no time.
Pros with Scaffcalc
It is very easy to use and you need no training at all to get going. It has all the engineering you need, included from start. Standard load capacity, wind load capacity and anchoring data - all in one platform. And it is all done in your web browser - no need to download anything. Scaffcalc is a Swedish startup that does everything for their customers, which means fantastic support and continuous development.
Scaffcalc has also recently raised funds to accelerate and improve the software even further.
Cons with Scaffcalc
Scaffcalc is designed for facade scaffoldings and temporary roof systems. If you are looking for software for offshore and industrial scaffoldings, you should look elsewhere. Scaffcalc is also working on a solution for this, but it is not currently a priority.
Compatible with
Layher, HAKI, Pluseight and Solideq (more are coming).
LayPLAN Classic
If you're a fan of Layher and looking for software to help you with quick designs using Allround Scaffolding and SpeedyScaf, then LayPLAN Classic might be the tool you need. This software provides accurate measurements and detailed material lists. However, its interface hasn't changed much over time, so it may not be the most intuitive tool. If you're also interested in engineering, you'll need to export your files to Robot Structural Analysis or a similar software, as this feature isn't included in LayPLAN Classic.
Pros with LayPLAN Classic
You can create designs with multiple sides as well as cylinder shapes. The tool also allows you to easily add stair towers and other add-ons (although these buttons may be difficult to find in the not-so-intuitive tool menu). Additionally, you can create inclined ground profiles to generate more accurate scaffolding proposals.
Cons with LayPLAN Classic
This scaffolding software is not very user-friendly. There are a lot of buttons all over the place, and no good guides are available. It also lacks engineering features and is only compatible with Layher.
Compatible with
Layher Allround, Layher SpeedyScaf.
Scaffmax
Scaffmax is a plug-in for SketchUp Pro. If you are familiar with SketchUp, Scaffmax might be the scaffolding solution for you. Simply draw the object, and the software will automatically build scaffolding around it. Scaffmax also includes a great feature which allows you to make complex objects with tilted ground and leveled floors.
Pros with Scaffmax
Upload your blueprints and use automatically generated scaffolding to build on top of them. You can even create inclined surfaces underneath the scaffolding. Take advantage of our free trial to see it for yourself!
Cons with Scaffmax
This scaffolding software does not have any engineering capabilities. To use Scaffmax, you will need to have SketchUp Pro. It's important to keep in mind that you'll need to pay for each system you use, which can become expensive if you're working with multiple types.
Compatible with
Altrad, Assco, Hünnebeck, Layher, Plettac, Rux, Scafom, PERI.
NTI Scaffplanner
Scaffplanner from NTI is a plugin for Autodesk Revit. It is one of the few BIM solutions available for the scaffolding industry, making it extremely powerful for working on big projects with major developers. Scaffplanner generates material lists based on your designs, as well as standard load capacity calculations. However, Revit requires more computational power than other scaffolding software solutions, so make sure your computer meets the system requirements.
Pros with Scaffplanner
This BIM software provides powerful tools for advanced designs, as well as automatically generated material lists.
Cons with Scaffplanner
This document does not include wind-load capacity calculations. It requires Autodesk Revit to be used.
Compatible with
HAKI, Layher, Pluseight, Solideq and more.
Avontus Scaffold Design
Avontus Scaffold Design allows you to create complex scaffolding designs in 3D and export them as PDF or to AutoCAD and other formats. It generates a material list based on your input and helps you design proposals. However, it does not include any engineering capabilities. Avontus Scaffold Design is particularly useful for creating designs for industrial scaffolding.
Pros with Avontus Scaffold Design
This software offers excellent exporting capabilities and is a useful tool for creating complex designs. It also includes additional products like a material manager and a VR viewer. It is a great tool for visualization and includes many systems, making it one of the most comprehensive scaffolding software options on the market.
Cons with Avontus Scaffold Design
This software does not involve any calculations or engineering, and its interface is not very user-friendly.
Compatible with
AAIT, AFIX, ALFIX, AT-PAC, Altrad, DSS, Biljax, Catari, Form-Scaff, PERI, Proscaf, Quick Ally, Plettac, Safway, StepUp, Universal Scaffolding.
Conclusion
Alright, so we've checked out the top 5 scaffolding software options on the market, and we're pretty sure that Scaffcalc is the one you want. We're not gonna lie, we're a bit biased (okay, we're totally biased).
But here's the thing: Scaffcalc is blowing up in the industry. We are always adding new features, and our 3D design interface makes it super easy to create your scaffolding. Plus, you can export all the engineering data you need for your project, like standard load capacity, wind load capacity, material lists, and anchoring data. And if you've got blueprints, you can just upload them and add transportation platforms, stair towers, and loading bays with one click.
What really sets Scaffcalc apart is how easy it is to use and how much it can handle. You don't need any training to get started, and everything you need is right there on the platform. Scaffcalc is a badass Swedish startup that's all about taking care of their customers. We offer amazing support and are always developing new features. We even raised some serious cash recently to make the software even better.
Now, we're not saying the other software options we listed aren't good. Depending on your business needs, they might be a great fit. But if you want a web-based platform that you can access from anywhere, at any time, Scaffcalc is the only choice.
So seriously, if you need a scaffolding software solution, Scaffcalc is the way to go. It'll help you design and calculate your scaffolding, and generate all the engineering data you need for a killer project. Hit us up today and see how we can help your business grow.
