Platform on concrete and steel in construction
Does your drawing software still suit the work you do?
You don't choose a modeling or drafting package every day. As you work with it, you build up your knowledge and adapt your workflow accordingly. But projects change, capabilities evolve, and the demands on drafting and production information can increase.
How well does your current software package meet those needs? What works well, and what challenges do you face? And how do other steel construction companies rate it?
My name is Meve van Straaten, and I’m a third-year student in the Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation program at Tilburg University. As part of my internship at Liemar, I’m researching how steel construction companies in the Netherlands and Flanders select and use modeling and drafting software. I’d love to hear about your experience with this.
At Liemar, we focus every day on how steel construction companies organize their work. Drafting is an important part of that. The choices you make in this area have an impact on work planning, production, and collaboration with other parties.
To be able to properly inform and advise companies on this topic, we want to better understand what’s happening in practice. What do users consider important? What challenges do they face? And what does it take for an organization to start using a software package or switch to one?
That is why we gather experience with various modeling and drafting software packages, without relying on any single package as a starting point. In this way, we build up knowledge that enables us to help companies make their own decisions.
- As an engineer, draftsman, or modeler Every day, you notice what a software package can do and what requires extra work. How easily can you implement changes? How useful is the information for production? And do you get good support when you get stuck?
- As head of the drafting department You also need to consider collaboration and capacity. What does it take to train new employees? How do colleagues’ work methods align with one another? And how would you organize a transition alongside ongoing assignments?
- As a director or owner You want to know if the package aligns with your business objectives and growth. What are the costs, training requirements, and time commitment? How dependent are you on specific expertise or a particular supplier?
Whether you're satisfied with your current plan or are considering alternatives, both experiences are valuable.
How do other companies view these questions? What aspects do they consider important, and what makes them stick with their current plan or, conversely, consider switching?
Afterward, we’ll post a summary of the results on this website. This will allow you to compare your own experiences with those of other companies. That can help spark a discussion within your organization about your work processes and future software choices.
The questionnaire covers experiences with the current software package, key selection criteria, and exploring alternatives. It also addresses support, learning how to use the software, and potential concerns about switching.
Do you work with a modeling or drafting program, provide the drawings, or help select the software? If so, I’d love to invite you to join us.
The questionnaire is intended for people at steel construction companies and drafting and engineering firms that work in the steel construction industry in the Netherlands and Flanders. You can participate even if your organization does not use a software package itself.
It takes about 7 minutes. You can participate through October 16, 2026.
Thank you very much in advance for your time and cooperation!
