🔧 Software Watch

August 5, 2026 — 12 new tools for construction & glazing

Latest

OpenConstructionERP v3.0

ERP / Estimating / CAD-BIM Takeoff
What it does: Open-source construction ERP with 71 modules including BOQ, PDF/CAD/BIM takeoff, AI cost matching, 42 regional catalogues, 21 languages. v3.0 adds vector DWG/DXF takeoff and AI-driven cost estimation.
Legacy alternative: Sage 100 Contractor, Viewpoint, Procore + manual takeoff
Key differentiator: Completely free (AGPL-3.0), self-hosted, no per-user fees. Covers full ERP-to-takeoff pipeline in one system. pip-installable.
Pricing: Free (open source)
Glazing applicability: High — BOQ, takeoff from CAD shop drawings, cost matching for glass/frame/hardware catalogues
MVP trial: pip install openconstructionerp — runs locally in 15 minutes
Try Now

Nomic AI

CAD/BIM / AI Document Intelligence
What it does: AEC-specific AI platform that automates drawing review against firm standards, code compliance checks, first-pass submittal review, RFI research, and BIM coordination. Strategic investment from Arcadis.
Legacy alternative: Manual drawing review, Bluebeam markups, outsourced code compliance
Key differentiator: Purpose-built for AEC workflows (not generic LLM). Agents trained on building codes, specs, and technical documentation. Backed by a top-5 global engineering firm.
Pricing: Not public (enterprise, likely per-seat or project-based)
Glazing applicability: High — Automated review of glazing shop drawings against specs, code compliance for IBC/energy codes, RFI research on glass types
MVP trial: Contact Nomic for pilot (Arcadis partnership suggests enterprise onboarding)
Try Now

goNeon

CAD/BIM / AI Infrastructure Planning
What it does: AI platform for infrastructure planning that automatically generates designs based on engineering requirements, local regulations, and real-world constraints.
Legacy alternative: Manual CAD drafting, GIS analysis, civil engineering consultants
Key differentiator: Agentic systems that generate multiple compliant design options from natural language requirements. Zurich-based, €160k raised.
Pricing: Not public (early stage)
Glazing applicability: Low — More relevant to civil/infrastructure than building envelope. Could be useful for large-scale curtainwall planning on infrastructure projects.
MVP trial: Contact goNeon for early access
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Text-to-CAD (earthtojake)

CAD/BIM / AI-Assisted Design
What it does: Open-source library of agent skills for CAD, CAE, and CAM. Describe 3D models in plain text and get CAD output. Integrates with existing CAD tools as an AI skill layer.
Legacy alternative: Manual 3D modeling in SolidWorks, Rhino, or Fusion 360
Key differentiator: Agent-based approach — skills are composable and can be chained. Not a replacement CAD tool but an AI layer on top of existing CAD workflows. MIT license.
Pricing: Free (open source, MIT)
Glazing applicability: Medium — Could accelerate parametric modeling of curtainwall panels, mullion profiles, and glass lite layouts.
MVP trial: Clone repo, run agent skills against a simple glazing profile
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Chili3D

CAD/BIM / Browser-Based 3D CAD
What it does: Browser-based 3D CAD application for online model design and editing. No install required — runs entirely in the browser.
Legacy alternative: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 (desktop-installed CAD)
Key differentiator: Zero-install, browser-native 3D CAD. Open source. Good for quick edits, collaboration, and mobile access to 3D models.
Pricing: Free (open source)
Glazing applicability: Medium — Useful for quick 3D visualization of glazing assemblies, sharing models with clients, and field access to 3D details.
MVP trial: Open in browser, load a simple glazing profile
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Buildots

Project Management / AI Site Monitoring
What it does: AI-powered construction site monitoring using 360° helmet-mounted cameras. Automatically compares site footage against BIM models to track progress, detect deviations, and generate status reports.
Legacy alternative: Manual site walks, daily reports, Procore photo logs
Key differentiator: Computer vision that matches real site conditions to BIM automatically. No manual tagging or data entry. Real-time progress tracking against the model.
Pricing: Not public (enterprise, typically per-project)
Glazing applicability: Medium — Useful for tracking curtainwall installation progress against BIM, detecting installation errors early.
MVP trial: Request demo with a sample curtainwall BIM model
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Togal.AI

Estimating/Takeoff / AI Takeoff
What it does: AI-powered pre-construction estimating that automatically detects, measures, compares, and labels features and spaces in architectural plans. One-click takeoff from PDFs.
Legacy alternative: Manual takeoff with PlanSwift, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff
Key differentiator: Pure computer vision — scans plans and identifies components (doors, windows, rooms, walls) without manual input. $299/mo flat rate, no per-project fees.
Pricing: $299/month
Glazing applicability: High — Automatically detects window/door openings, measures glass areas, generates quantity reports.
MVP trial: 14-day free trial, upload a set of glazing shop drawings
Try Now

Fixxly

Inventory / Procurement / Quick Commerce
What it does: AI-powered quick commerce platform for building materials (plywood, paint, electricals, hardware, plumbing). 30-minute delivery from local dark stores. Raised $5.5M seed from Accel, Fireside, Lightspeed.
Legacy alternative: Traditional building supply ordering, phone calls to suppliers, manual procurement
Key differentiator: Quick commerce model applied to construction — 30-minute delivery, AI-driven inventory and routing.
Pricing: Per-item (marketplace model)
Glazing applicability: Low — Focused on interior finishes and MEP materials. Procurement model is interesting for PGC's hardware and sealant supply chain.
MVP trial: Available in Bengaluru from September 2026
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Buildforce

Project Management / Labor Staffing
What it does: Tech-enabled staffing platform for electricians and electrical contractors. Dual-sided marketplace connecting skilled tradespeople to commercial/industrial projects. Raised $10M Series A.
Legacy alternative: Temp agencies, manual hiring, word-of-mouth recruiting
Key differentiator: Purpose-built for electrical trade with workflow integrations beyond job posting. Mobile app for workers, web platform for contractors.
Pricing: Marketplace fees (not public)
Glazing applicability: Low — Electrical trade focus, not glazing. The platform model is interesting if they expand to other trades.
MVP trial: Sign up as contractor on buildforce.com
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Alpen High Performance Products

Fabrication / Glazing Materials
What it does: Manufacturer of high-efficiency window solutions including thin-glass IGUs, secondary glazing (WinSert), and high-performance fiberglass/uPVC window/door systems. Raised $6M Series B.
Legacy alternative: Standard double-pane IGUs, traditional window manufacturers
Key differentiator: Thin-glass multi-pane solutions reduce weight/thickness/cost barriers to triple glazing. Secondary glazing reduces air leakage up to 97%. Dual model: own brand + OEM IGU supply.
Pricing: B2B (manufacturer pricing)
Glazing applicability: High — Directly relevant: thin-glass IGUs, secondary glazing systems, high-performance window solutions.
MVP trial: Request sample IGUs and pricing for a test project
Try Now

OpenSpace

Field Measurement / Visual Intelligence
What it does: Visual intelligence platform for construction that captures 360° site imagery and maps it to BIM/plans automatically. Workers wear helmet cameras during site walks; AI stitches and aligns everything.
Legacy alternative: Manual progress photos, site walk reports, drone surveys
Key differentiator: Automatic alignment of 360° photos to BIM without manual tagging. Complete visual record of every corner of the site, searchable and comparable to the model.
Pricing: Not public (enterprise, per-project or annual subscription)
Glazing applicability: Medium — Useful for documenting curtainwall installation, verifying alignment with BIM, and creating as-built records.
MVP trial: Request demo with a glazing installation project
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Dusty Robotics

Fabrication/CAM / Construction Robotics
What it does: Robotic layout system for construction — autonomous robots print full-scale BIM layouts directly onto concrete slabs, walls, and ceilings. Eliminates manual tape measuring and layout errors.
Legacy alternative: Manual layout with tape measures, chalk lines, laser levels
Key differentiator: Full autonomy — robot navigates the site and prints layout from BIM data. Eliminates a major source of field errors. Featured at BuiltWorlds 2026.
Pricing: Not public (robotics-as-a-service or purchase)
Glazing applicability: Medium — Layout for curtainwall anchors, mullion placement, and glazing grid lines. More relevant to new construction than retrofit.
MVP trial: Request demo/rental for a large project
Watch
Tool Category Verdict Glazing
OpenConstructionERP v3.0ERP / TakeoffTry NowHigh
Nomic AICAD/BIM / AI DocsTry NowHigh
goNeonCAD/BIM / PlanningWatchLow
Text-to-CADCAD/BIM / AI DesignWatchMedium
Chili3DCAD/BIM / BrowserWatchMedium
BuildotsPM / Site MonitoringWatchMedium
Togal.AIEstimating / TakeoffTry NowHigh
FixxlyInventory / ProcurementWatchLow
BuildforcePM / Labor StaffingSkipLow
Alpen High PerformanceFabrication / GlazingTry NowHigh
OpenSpaceField MeasurementWatchMedium
Dusty RoboticsFabrication / RoboticsWatchMedium

🏆 Top Picks for PGC This Week

  1. OpenConstructionERP v3.0 — Free ERP with CAD takeoff, install today
  2. Togal.AI — $299/mo AI takeoff, 14-day trial, directly applicable to glazing
  3. Nomic AI — AEC AI agents for drawing review and code compliance
  4. Alpen High Performance Products — Thin-glass IGUs and secondary glazing, request samples