This Week's Software Landscape
This week's scan found 12 new or recently launched tools spanning CAD, AI plan review, shop floor management, field intelligence, and construction PM. The biggest shift: AI-powered plan check is crossing from demo into production ($100/check vs $500-2,000 traditional), and cloud-native CAD is finally mature enough to replace desktop AutoCAD. Three tools stand out for PGC specifically: InspectMind ($100 code checks), Trunk Tools (AI spec review), and Fabriq (shop floor MES for glass fabrication).
What It Does
Full-featured 3D modeling CAD on iPad, Mac, and Windows with stylus/touch interface. Parametric modeling via SIEMENS Parasolid engine. Exports STEP, IGES, STL, DWG, DXF.
Legacy Alternative
AutoCAD / SolidWorks — desktop-bound, steep learning curve
Key Differentiator
Touch + stylus native on iPad. Cloud sync across devices. Real-time collaboration. Dramatically flatter learning curve. Perpetual-use local engine.
Pricing
Free tier (2 projects). Pro: ~$49/month ($239/year). Workspace: ~$89/month ($479/year).
Glazing Applicability
High — Field measurement sketching on iPad, client design iterations, export DXF for CNC cutting.
🧪 MVP Trial (30 min)
Download Shapr3D free. Model a simple curtain wall segment using built-in tutorials. Test parametric edits on a mullion profile.
What It Does
Full cloud-native CAD + PDM with Git-style version control (branching, merging, releases) and real-time multi-user collaboration in a browser.
Legacy Alternative
AutoCAD / SolidWorks / Inventor + separate PDM (Vault, Windchill)
Key Differentiator
Branch/merge workflow for parallel design exploration. No check-in/check-out. Runs in any browser — no GPU needed client-side. CAM and rendering add-ons. API for custom integrations.
Pricing
Free (public projects, 10 private docs). Standard: $1,500/user/year. Professional: $2,500/user/year.
Glazing Applicability
High — Branch/merge for curtain wall families. Shared mullion/aluminum extrusion libraries. CAM output for CNC.
🧪 MVP Trial (1 hour)
Create free Onshape account. Build a mullion profile as parametric part studio. Create a 4'×8' glazed panel assembly. Test branching for a different glass thickness.
What It Does
AI platform ingests all construction documents (specs, RFIs, submittals, schedules, contracts) and answers natural language questions, identifies risks, and auto-generates reports.
Legacy Alternative
Manual spec review + Procore document management
Key Differentiator
"Chat with your project." Upload hundreds of docs, ask natural language questions. AI identifies conflicting specs, flags missing submittals, highlights schedule risks. No manual re-keying.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing. Free demo available.
Glazing Applicability
High — Review glazing specs vs. architectural drawings for conflicts. Query all project docs for glass types, thermal performance, warranty obligations in seconds.
🧪 MVP Trial (2 hours)
Request demo at trunk.tools. Upload 3-4 specs for a glazing-heavy project. Ask: "What are all thermal performance requirements for vision glass?"
What It Does
AI agent reviews construction drawings against IBC, IRC, IFC building codes, producing same-day plan check reports ready for permit submission.
Legacy Alternative
Manual plan check / third-party plan review services (days to weeks, $500-2,000+)
Key Differentiator
Same-day review from $100/check. Catches coordination errors across disciplines. YC W24 company. Dramatically cheaper and faster than traditional plan check firms.
Pricing
From $100 per plan check. Custom pricing for enterprise/portfolio accounts.
Glazing Applicability
High — Review glazing shop drawings for code compliance (wind load, impact resistance, thermal performance, egress). Catch curtain wall errors before fabrication.
🧪 MVP Trial (1 hour)
Visit inspectmind.com. Upload a glazing elevation drawing with structural notes. Request a code compliance check. Results in hours, not days.
What It Does
Computer vision + AI tracks construction progress by analyzing 360° site photos against BIM models, providing real-time schedule compliance data.
Legacy Alternative
Manual superintendent walkthroughs + weekly progress photos
Key Differentiator
Site walk with 360° camera (Insta360, Theta). AI compares as-built photos against BIM/IFC models and project schedule. Flags deviations automatically. 50,000+ projects globally.
Pricing
Enterprise pricing (request quote). Per-project license.
Glazing Applicability
High — Track curtain wall installation progress vs. model. Auto-verify mullion placement, anchor locations, panel sequence from site photos.
🧪 MVP Trial (demo)
Request demo at buildots.com. Use on a project with unitized curtain wall to auto-track panel installation progress vs. schedule.
What It Does
Cloud-native Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) for hardware manufacturers — BOM management, revision control, supplier collaboration, manufacturing handoff.
Legacy Alternative
Arena PLM / Autodesk Vault / Siemens Teamcenter
Key Differentiator
Git-style branching for BOMs. Real-time supplier portal. Direct integration with Onshape, Fusion 360, Altium. BOM cost roll-up. No long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free tier. Team: $79/user/month. Business: custom. No long-term contracts.
Glazing Applicability
Medium — Useful for companies fabricating their own glazing units or storefronts. BOM for aluminum extrusions, glass types, gaskets, hardware.
🧪 MVP Trial (1 hour)
Sign up at durolabs.co (free). Create a BOM for a unitized glazed panel: mullions, glass lites, silicone, gaskets, anchors. Test revision branching.
What It Does
Real-time manufacturing operations platform — production scheduling, machine monitoring, quality tracking, digital work instructions, and workforce management.
Legacy Alternative
Paper travelers + spreadsheets / legacy MES systems
Key Differentiator
Real-time machine connectivity via IoT/OPC-UA. Drag-and-drop scheduling. Digital work instructions with photos/video. Defect tracking with photo capture. Quick setup (days, not months). No dedicated IT team needed.
Pricing
~$30-80/user/month depending on modules. Free trial available.
Glazing Applicability
High — Track glass cutting, edgework, tempering, lamination in real time. Digital work instructions with visual QC criteria. Reduces rework at each station.
🧪 MVP Trial (half day)
Request trial at fabriq.io. Set up a simple production line: glass cutting → edge grinding → tempering → lamination. Create digital work instructions with tolerances.
What It Does
AI platform converts raw site data (drone imagery, 360° photos, LiDAR scans) into as-built 2D drawings, 3D models, and field reports automatically.
Legacy Alternative
Manual field measuring, total station surveys, hand-drawn as-builts
Key Differentiator
Upload drone flight data or 3D scans; get AutoCAD-compatible 2D drawings and 3D meshes. Field-to-BIM in hours, not weeks. Works with DJI, Skydio drones.
Pricing
$500-2,000 per project depending on area. Enterprise plans available.
Glazing Applicability
Medium — Generate accurate as-built facade conditions for retrofit glazing. Measure opening sizes, floor-to-floor heights from drone data. Most valuable for renovation work.
🧪 MVP Trial (demo)
Upload sample drone dataset from AirWorks. Request an as-built elevation drawing of a building facade. Compare accuracy to field measurements.
What It Does
All-in-one construction PM for small-to-mid-size builders — estimating, scheduling, change orders, purchasing, client communication in one interface.
Legacy Alternative
Procore / Buildertrend (enterprise-heavy, expensive)
Key Differentiator
Built for SMB contractors. Includes estimating and digital takeoff in same platform. Client portal for approvals. Automated lien waivers. Onboarding in hours, not weeks.
Pricing
Free tier (limited). Pro: $199/month (up to 3 users). Business: $399/month (unlimited users). Enterprise: custom.
Glazing Applicability
Medium — Could replace Procore for smaller PGC projects. Estimating + takeoff in one platform worth evaluating.
🧪 MVP Trial (1 hour)
Sign up free. Create a test project. Try digital takeoff on a glazing elevation PDF. Test change order workflow.
What It Does
No-code mobile forms and workflow app for field teams — replace paper forms with digital workflows that integrate into back-end systems.
Legacy Alternative
Paper forms, clipboard inspections, manual data entry
Key Differentiator
No-code form builder (drag and drop). Works offline. Integrates with Procore, Autodesk, SAP. E-signatures, photo capture, GPS stamps. 34,000+ organizations.
Pricing
$29/user/month. Enterprise pricing available. Free trial.
Glazing Applicability
High — Field quality checklists, glass inspection forms, safety audits, installation sign-off sheets. Replace all paper forms on the jobsite.
🧪 MVP Trial (1 hour)
Start free trial at gocanvas.com. Build a glass receiving inspection form: check for chips, scratches, dimensions, lite count. Send to field team.
What It Does
Cloud-based PDF collaboration and markup platform purpose-built for construction — measurement tools, annotation, revision comparison, and field-to-office collaboration.
Legacy Alternative
Paper markups, Adobe Acrobat, manual drawing distribution
Key Differentiator
Construction-specific measurement tools (area, count, length). Studio feature enables real-time collaboration on the same PDF. Revu integration for heavy desktop users. Cloud sync for field tablet access.
Pricing
Revu Standard: $349/year. Revu CAD: $449/year. Revu eXtreme: $599/year. Cloud subscription: additional $25/user/month.
Glazing Applicability
High — Markup glazing elevations, measure glass square footage for estimates, count lites, compare drawing revisions. Cloud sync enables field tablet access.
🧪 MVP Trial (1 hour)
Download 14-day trial. Import a glazing elevation PDF. Use measurement tools to calculate glass area and count lites. Test cloud sharing with a colleague in real time.
What It Does
Full DWG-native CAD platform with 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM, and Mechanical modules — all using native .dwg format with no conversion.
Legacy Alternative
AutoCAD / Revit — subscription-only, expensive
Key Differentiator
Native DWG (no file translation). BIM module for curtain wall modeling and interference checking. AI-powered auto-complete polylines. Perpetual license available — one-time purchase vs. Autodesk's subscription model. LISP/VBA/.NET API compatible.
Pricing
BricsCAD Lite: ~$850 (perpetual). Pro: ~$1,250. BIM: ~$2,500. Mechanical: ~$2,500. Subscription: ~$300-500/year optional.
Glazing Applicability
High — Native DWG for full AutoCAD compatibility. BIM module handles curtain wall modeling and material takeoffs. Perpetual license eliminates the annual Autodesk tax.
🧪 MVP Trial (2 hours)
Download 30-day free trial at bricsys.com. Import existing AutoCAD glazing details. Use BIM tools to model a curtain wall assembly. Compare DWG output compatibility.
| # | Product | Category | Replaces | Starting Price | Glazing | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shapr3D | CAD (Mobile) | AutoCAD/SW | Free / $49/mo | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 2 | Onshape | CAD (Cloud) | AutoCAD + Vault | Free / $1,500/yr | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 3 | Trunk Tools | AI PM | Manual spec review | Custom quote | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 4 | InspectMind | AI Plan Check | Manual plan review | $100/check | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 5 | Buildots | Progress Tracking | Manual walkthroughs | Enterprise | High | 🟡 Watch |
| 6 | Duro Labs | PLM (Cloud) | Arena/Vault/Teamcenter | Free / $79/mo | Medium | 🟢 Try Now |
| 7 | Fabriq | MES/Shop Floor | Paper/Spreadsheets | $30-80/user/mo | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 8 | AirWorks | Field Intelligence | Manual survey | $500-2K/project | Medium | 🟡 Watch |
| 9 | Buildern | Construction PM | Procore/Buildertrend | Free / $199/mo | Medium | 🟡 Watch |
| 10 | GoCanvas | Field Workflows | Paper forms | $29/user/mo | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 11 | Bluebeam Cloud | PDF Collab | Paper/Acrobat | $349/yr + cloud | High | 🟢 Try Now |
| 12 | BricsCAD | CAD/BIM (DWG) | AutoCAD/Revit | $850-2,500 one-time | High | 🟢 Try Now |
🎯 Steve's Action Items
- This week: Try InspectMind ($100) on one glazing shop drawing — if it catches even one code issue before fabrication, it pays for itself.
- This week: Download Shapr3D on your iPad and sketch a curtain wall detail in 30 minutes — if it feels faster than AutoCAD for that use case, it's worth the $49/mo.
- Next week: Request a Fabriq demo for your glass fabrication shop — even a half-day trial on one production line would show if digital work instructions reduce rework.
- This month: Evaluate BricsCAD as a direct AutoCAD replacement — the perpetual license (~$850-1,250 one-time) vs. Autodesk's annual subscription could save $2,000+/year.