Move expands global presence in MEP market
SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Trimble announced today it has acquired privately held software firm Plancal, of Horgen, Switzerland. Plancal, founded in 1980, provides 3D CAD/CAE and ERP software to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries in western Europe. The acquisition of Plancal, according to Trimble, broadens the company’s BIM-to-Field solutions for MEP and HVAC contractors to automate project estimating and management, modeling, detailing, layout and construction. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Trimble said its BIM focus is on the deployment of integrated solutions for the contracting community, with enhanced use further in the construction process including BIM-to-Field. Trimble’s BIM-to-Field vision extends the design data created in the office down to field-level systems for precise delivery of design and construction elements. The intended result is a more efficient and accurate project, enabled through the collaboration of the project’s trade groups, and interconnected through the use of office and field tools.
Plancal’s software products include NOVA and SNAP/GO. NOVA is a 3D CAD/CAE software solution that integrates design, drawing and engineering calculation/analysis through a proprietary CAD-core. SNAP/GO is an ERP application that includes a wide range of solutions for tenders, scheduling, costs, invoicing, employee and salary administration as well as accounts receivable management.
“With the addition of Plancal, Trimble continues to reinforce its goal of providing a complete portfolio of building construction solutions while strengthening our commitment to meet the unique needs of the European MEP market. Plancal’s strength lies in its ability to offer localized construction software applications and provide users with intuitive work processes for optimal efficiency and productivity in the office,” said Chris Gibson, vice president of Trimble, in a statement. “Plancal also provides Trimble an expanded channel in Europe to offer its MEP field layout and project lifecycle management solutions.”
