GRAITEC

Infobox Company
company_name = GRAITEC
company_type = Private
foundation = France, 1986
location = Paris, France
key_people = Francis Guillemard, President and CEO
industry = CAD / CAE Software
products = Building & Construction
revenue = profit €22.1 Million Euros (2007)
num_employees = 240 (2007)
homepage = [http://www.graitec.com/ www.graitec.com]

GRAITEC is an international software provider of CAD / CAE software solutions for the civil engineering and construction industries.

Headquartered in France, the company was founded in 1986 by Francis Guillemard. GRAITEC went from a single company located in France to a group of 11 wholly owned companies spread around the world (France, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Canada and USA). GRAITEC Group’s turnover in 2007 was 22.1 million Euros and the Group presently has more than 240 employees.

Products

GRAITEC solutions revolve around two software suites that coexist and provide optimal workflow between CAD and Analysis / Design:
* GRAITEC Advance, an international software suite for the construction industry.
* Local software that strengthen GRAITEC Advance with local solutions for specific market requirements.

GRAITEC Advance suite

GRAITEC Advance Suite is a complete, CAD integrated, analysis and design software solution for the construction and civil engineering field.

GRAITEC Advance software suite integrates the following features: data exchange tools between engineering and detailing (GTC technology), tools for pre-dimensioning in CAD models, automatic document management for drawings, lists, reports, NC files, etc.

GRAITEC is an active member of the DSTV standard association. GRAITEC software creates NC code that is 100% compatible with most North American (and worldwide) machinery manufacturers.

GRAITEC Advance Suite includes the following applications: Advance Concrete, Advance Steel and Advance Design.

Advance Concrete

Advance Concrete [cite web|url=http://www.graitec.com/en/ac.asp|title=Advance Concrete: AutoCAD based Reinforced concrete design software|publisher=GRAITEC] is a reinforced concrete modeling and detailing software in AutoCAD®, with automated creation of reinforcement and formwork drawings and bill of materials. Launched in 2001, Advance Concrete was the first application in the Advance Suite.

Advance Steel

Advance Steel [cite web|url=http://www.graitec.com/en/as.asp|title=Advance Steel: AutoCAD based Steel detailing software|publisher=GRAITEC] is a major extension of AutoCAD® for structural steel modeling and detailing and automatic creation of general arrangement drawings, fabrication drawings, material lists and NC files. Advance Steel was specifically developed for the steel industry to increase design productivity and production quality through the acceleration of the modeling process.

Advance Design

Advance Design [cite web|url=http://www.graitec.com/en/ad.asp|title=Advance Design: Professional Finite Element Analysis Software with Concrete / Steel structures presizing and automatic reports generation|publisher=GRAITEC] is a FEM analysis and design software for reinforced concrete and steelwork design integrating advanced functionalities for structure modeling, finite elements analysis and results post-processing. It conducts static and dynamic analysis of 2D and 3D structures, from bridges and culverts to buildings and towers. Advance Design is currently available in two versions: one according to North American standards and the other according to European standards. In 2004, Advance Design received the European label Eureka (Project FT-EXPERT 3335) for its innovation. The French Government through the ANVAR OSEO agency confirmed GRAITEC’s innovations by awarding the group an “innovative company” certificate.

Local software solutions

Graitec local software solutions are the following:

* Effel [cite web|url=http://www.graitec.com/fr/effel.asp|title=Effel: Finite element analysis software|publisher=GRAITEC] , a program of CAE / structural analysis and design. Based on the finite element calculation method, Effel performs static and dynamic analyses of 2D or 3D buildings. The software is provided with a large range of functionalities, such as 3D climatic generator, non-linear calculation, large displacement reinforced, concrete structure optimization, regulatory verification for reinforced concrete, steel and timber, etc. In 1991, with Effel v. 2, GRAITEC was the first software provider to deliver automated optimization of materials according to reinforced concrete and steel construction standards. Moreover, in 1995, Effel was the first software application provided with an automatic 3D climatic action generator. Effel is currently available in France and French-speaking countries.

* Arche [cite web|url=http://www.graitec.com/fr/arche.asp|title=Arche : Structural analysis of reinforced concrete buildings|publisher=GRAITEC] , a software application for CAE / reinforced concrete structural analysis and design. Dedicated to calculation of reinforced concrete buildings, Arche is used to conduct preliminary sizing of the structure and to perform simultaneously load distribution, wind bracing and seismic analyses. For each structural element, Arche also automates the creation of reinforcement drawings. Arche is available in France and French-speaking countries.

* Melody, an application for CAE / steel framework analysis and design. It allows automatic dimensioning of steel frames and creation of “turnkey” calculation reports. Melody is available in France and French-speaking countries.

* VisualDesign, a program for CAE / structural analysis and design for building and civil engineering. It permits structural analysis and design, dimensioning and optimization of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, steel and timber structures. In 2008, VisualDesign will integrate all interoperability technologies from GRAITEC Advance (CAD / Analysis and design interface) and will become “Advance Design America”.

* Cadkon, an application for automatic drawing in AutoCAD® dedicated to CAD / architecture and MEP (sanitary, heating, electrical and plumbing). CADKON also includes a timber drawing module for AutoCAD® Architecture. Cadkon is produced in the Czech Republic and distributed in Europe.

* MillerCAD: a program for CAD / office layout design. MillerCAD is an AutoCAD® based application for specifying Herman Miller office furniture and automating the design of office layouts. It provides built-in quality control, preventing the designer from creating invalid product specifications. MillerCAD is produced in United Kingdom and used worldwide.

History

* 1986: GRAITEC is founded by Francis Guillemard.
* 1989: launch of Effel – a finite element analysis software for concrete, steel and timber. The French Minister of Industry and Research recognized the innovative nature of the Effel project, the first graphical finite elements structural analysis software for the construction industry on Personal Computers.
* 1992: launch of Arche – a building simulation and automated detailing software for concrete building.
* 1994: acquisition of CACT and launch of Melody – a 2D Steel frame analysis software that features automatic connection design and drawing creation.
* 1997: GRAITEC joins Autodesk Developer Network.
* 1999: creation of GRAITEC Romania.
* 2001: creation of GRAITEC Inc in Canada; launch of Advance Concrete, an advanced solution for reinforced concrete modeling and detailing in AutoCAD®; GRAITEC becomes Autodesk Unique Application reseller.
* 2002: acquisition of DSC CAD / CAM-Technologien GmbH in Germany; HyperSteel software (Steel Modeling and Detailing) serves as the technical platform in the development of Advance Steel; GRAITEC SA becomes the operational holding company; creation of GRAITEC SARL in France.
* 2002: launch of Advance Steel, a high end steel modeling and detailing system in AutoCAD®.
* 2003: creation of GRAITEC USA Inc. with offices in Washington DC and Dallas; acquisition of AB Studio spol. s.r.o. in the Czech Republic and expansion of the GRAITEC Suite with CADKON, an Architecture and MEP solution on AutoCAD®.
* 2004: agreements with additional distribution partners in Italy, Russia and Poland.
* 2005: launch of Advance Design - Europe, a new generation structural analysis software program; agreement with a new distribution partner in China.
* 2006: DSC CAD/CAM-Technologien GmbH becomes GRAITEC GmbH; new partnerships in Europe (Baltic Countries, etc.), in Asia (Philippines, South Korea, etc.) and the first client obtained in Latin America (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.).
* 2007: acquisition of Adris Ltd. in the UK and expansion of the GRAITEC Suite with MILLERCAD (Office layout design); acquisition of CivilDesign Inc. in Canada and expansion of the GRAITEC Suite with VisualDesign, a finite element analysis software for concrete, steel and timber.
* 2008: launch of Advance Design - America. Advance Design - America is based on the VisualDesign technology from CivilDesign.

ubsidiaries

* GRAITEC Inc., North America, is located in Longueuil, Québec, Canada. GRAITEC started localizing Advance Steel for North America in fall 2003 and by June 2004 the product was ready for distribution. In 2007, GRAITEC opened an office in Fort Worth (Texas) and began activities in Spanish speaking Latin America. The Americas subsidiary is currently the number 2 sales unit worldwide for Advance Steel after less than 4 years of operations.
* CivilDesign [cite web|url=http://www.civild.com|title=CivilDesign] , Canada - established in 1994 and acquired in 2007 by the GRAITEC Group. CivilDesign is specialized in the development of civil engineering applications, also providing consulting services in modeling, structural and seismic analyses, bridge and tower design and industrial racking. Moreover, CivilDesign offers development services such as the design of timber floors and reinforced concrete slabs.
* AB Studio spol. s.r.o. [cite web|url=http://www.abstudio.cz|title=AB Studio spol. s.r.o.] Created in 1990 and acquired by Graitec in 2003, AB Studio is a leading Czech software provider for Architecture & Civil/Building design offices and contractors. This subsidiary is developing and selling CADKON in addition to offering engineering service on this modular CAD solution for AutoCAD®. AB Studio is a successful longtime Autodesk reseller. In 2007, the subsidiary became the top Autodesk reseller in Central and Eastern Europe (CHS area).
* GRAITEC SARL France. In 2002, GRAITEC France was created as a subsidiary of GRAITEC SA, which become the holding business unit of the group. The regional organization of GRAITEC France is further bolstered, in 2007, with additional local engineers trained to perform local hotline and on-site assistance.
* GRAITEC GmbH Germany. Founded in 1983, DSC CAD/CAM-Technologien GmbH was acquired by GRAITEC in 2002 thus becoming the German subsidiary of the Group. As a German specialist in steel construction, the company developed two software solutions: SDDP and HyperSteel. When DSC became a member of the GRAITEC Group, HyperSteel was further developed and marketed as Advance Steel by GRAITEC. The Software is distributed worldwide.
* GRAITEC Romania SRL. Founded in 1999 in Bucharest, GRAITEC Romania is mainly the Research & Development division of the Group. In addition to developing state-of-the-art software for the entire group, GRAITEC Romania also provides design and detailing services for international customers using client feedback to fine tune GRAITEC software solutions prior to market launch. Like all group branches, Graitec Romania distributes GRAITEC products in its market.
* GRAITEC Iberica, Spain. Launched in June 2007, the GRAITEC Iberica sales activities are focused on the CAD market and more precisely on steel detailing. A lot of effort is set on localization and on building partnerships. To better meet the regional requirements, GRAITEC Iberica is dealing with regional distributors: EICAD in central area (Madrid), STI in central and Basque regions (San Sebastian), Steel Cad Sevilla in Andalusia.
* Adris Ltd. [cite web|url=http://www.adris.co.uk|title=Adris Ltd.] United Kingdom. Acquired in 2007 by Graitec, Adris Computing Concepts (created in 1982) is the longest established Autodesk reseller in the UK. Adris Ltd. has developed an in-house team of over 30 skilled staff, with a customer care culture that has made Adris an award winning Autodesk Authorised Reseller. It has also enabled Adris to build one of the largest installed bases of Autodesk software in the UK. Since 1999 the Adris CAD Studio has created visuals for Precor including 2D symbols & 3D equipment models. Adris Ltd. supports Precor throughout Europe & U.S.
* Integer Software Ltd. [cite web|url=http://www.integer-software.co.uk|title=Integer Software Ltd.] United Kingdom. Established in 1983 by a group of civil engineers and managed by Brian Munton, Integer has created an integrated range of structural design and analysis software used by 9 of the top 10 UK engineering consultancies. The business has been predominantly focused on Modelling, Analysis, Design and Detailing for engineers in Bridge and Structural Projects. In addition, Integer offers a complete maintenance and development services to its clients.
* Computer Service im Ingenieurbau GmbH [cite web|url=http://www.csi-gmbh.de|title=CSI] Germany. Established in 1980, CSI specializes in the development of static analysis software for Civil Engineering and Construction, mainly for the German speaking markets in the areas of Steel, Concrete and Timber with their CS-STATIK and CS-PONS applications. They also provide a complete range of services (Education, Hotline, software updates).

References

External links

* [http://www.graitec.com GRAITEC official site]
* [http://www.cadsglobal.com/advance_steel_home.html Advance Steel features]