SurfaceFabrication.com |

Fabricating isn't just saws and routers; there are a lot of other things that go along with the territory, from accounting to estimating to inventory. A lot of this can be handled by modern software. So we contacted a number of companies that provide software for fabricators; here you'll find the information they submitted for your review.

Aegis Commerce Solutions has released version 5.5. of its StoneLogic software suite for the fabrication industry. The company has added new software controls to enhance the overall performance of the system by more than 50 percent. This release has a new product/SKU builder that enables clients to quickly add new SKUs, catalogs and categories for products, labor and services. Within the new product builder the administrator can define the GL accounts for synchronization to the accounting system. The purchasing function has also been enhanced, to enable the establishment of pre-defined warehouses and locations for products at the time of PO creation. Please circle 63 on Reader Response card

Ashlar-Vellum offers Argon, a planning and visualization tool for solid surface fabrication. The program is designed to create the organic shapes and curves popular with today's top designers. The program is used by calculating surface area, optimizing the layout, and sending the file directly to a CNC cutter. The product offers a user interface that is designed to move with the user, anticipating actions and subtly presenting options rather than requiring constant specification. It is able to handle precision drawings, photorealistic renderings, machine-ready export and hard copy printout for life-sized templates. Please circle 64 on Reader Response card

Crystallyne Enterprises offers Quick Quote, visual pricing software designed to automatically generate shop-quality drawings while you price. The software requires no CAD experience and stores the user's entire product catalog in one location. It features a variety of pricing options for each individual product and exports work into accounting software and drawings to DXF/DWG formats. Purchase of single-user and multi-user versions of QuickQuote include installation of your entire product catalog, complete with pricing, colors, edge options and sinks, and all program updates for one year. Please circle 65 on Reader Response card

Global E-Sourcing offers Global Stone Pro, business management software designed specifically for fabricators. It features a drawing module built for countertop drawing and quoting. Drawing a countertop in the program consists of selecting work-piece shapes, sink cutouts, corner variations, edge profiles, etc. from a graphically displayed library and dragging and dropping them onto the drawing work space. CAD drawings with all fabrication details can be produced in just a few minutes. The program includes scheduling, inventory management, bar coding, production planning, a shipping interface, accounting integration, machine integration and shop floor management. The company also offers SeKon Top and SeCam, machine automation software with features such as automatic nesting and digitizing slab inventory. There is also a Web-based version that supports remote activities, such as lead management, quoting, scheduling, inventory and providing order status to customers. Please circle 66 on Reader Response card

KCDw's titular software is optimized for use with all major CNC routers through its one-button machining technology. It is open architecture software that works with all popular CAM programs and can automatically send parametrically machined parts to programs such as Enroute, MasterCam, CadCode, ArtCam and more. Also, KCDw can send nested machine code directly to CNC machines with no other software needed. The company's built-in one-button machining will automatically size, nest, machine and cut custom parts with the press of one button. Please circle 67 on Reader Response card

LightWork Design offers LightWorks, a suite of software components that provide software developers with a wide range of rendering functionality. The company's latest release, LightWorks 7.6, adds a number of enhancements with a focus on making the creation of photorealistic imagery even easier. The product is supplied as a complete package that includes the SDK, support, training and consultancy services to give customers fast and efficient access to leading-edge rendering technology. Please circle 68 on Reader Response card

Moraware's JobTracker software is designed to allow users to schedule jobs quickly, connect office staff, eliminate wasted time, analyze schedules over the Internet and analyze the overall workings of the business. The product also includes a calendar and quoting system as well as sophisticated business reporting. Please circle 69 on Reader Response card

Pinnacle Software offers Counter Intelligence, a fully integrated, single data entry software program for the countertop fabricator. The product is an office/shop management system that provides estimates, drawings, order acknowledgements, job tickets, scheduling, material ordering, reports, checklists, inventory control and an accounting interface able to transfer data with QuickBooks or Peachtree. New to the lineup is the company's integrated drawing/estimating program. Available separately, it can be used by fabricators to produce quick drawings and estimates in their showrooms. The program can be upgraded at any time, and thus can also be used as a lower cost entry-level system into the complete Counter Intelligence program. Please circle 70 on Reader Response card