Design Data

What Design Data does

Design Data Corporation, operating as SDS2 by ALLPLAN, develops 3D BIM-based steel detailing software for the structural steel industry. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, the company serves steel detailers, steel fabricators, steel estimators, steel erectors, and structural engineers across more than 100 markets, with documented projects ranging from Ford's 47,000-ton BlueOval SK Battery Plant to Salesforce Tower Chicago (9,000 tons) and the OSU Wexner Medical Center (~10,000 tons). Its flagship SDS2 platform features proprietary automated connection design with full-node erectability intelligence, AISC/CISC code checks, and direct integration with downstream fabrication equipment.

The product suite is organized as four annual subscription tiers - SDS2 Basic, Drafting, Modeling, and Ultimate - augmented by add-on modules including SDS2 Cloud (cloud-based 3D modeling), Steel Genie (AI-powered steel takeoff and estimating using computer vision on structural drawings), Bimplus (cloud BIM collaboration from parent ALLPLAN), the SDS2 Toolbox (RISA import, Revit roundtripping, BIMPLUS upload), and pre-erection planning modules (Load Planning, Site Planning). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales via Solutions Consultants, regional resellers, Authorized Training Centers with a certification program, and student licenses feeding the academic pipeline. The company hosts the annual Build Forward conference (formerly SDS2 Summit) and runs the ALLPLAN Awards (formerly Solid Steel Awards) recognizing customer projects.

Design Data has been a subsidiary of Germany's Nemetschek Group since the 2016 acquisition of ALLPLAN, operating within ALLPLAN's prefabrication portfolio with access to cross-sell into the broader AEC software stack. The company employs 51-100 people and reports revenue as part of Nemetschek's segment disclosures rather than standalone. No venture funding rounds have been disclosed; the business operates on subscription, training, certification, and reseller economics.

Name

Design Data

Legal name

Design Data Corporation DBA ALLPLAN and SDS2

Website

https://sds2.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Design Data (SDS2 by ALLPLAN) develops 3D BIM steel detailing software for structural steel detailers, fabricators, estimators, erectors, and engineers, with automated connection design, CNC integration, and AI-powered takeoff via Steel Genie.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Structural Steel Detailing Software

NAICS

Drafting Services (541340)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services (BPAHAKAK)

Keywords

• Steel detailing software
• Structural steel BIM
• Steel fabrication software
• AEC software
• 3D modeling software

Headquarters

HQ city

Lincoln

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses (SDS2 Packages): SDS2 offers tiered software packages: SDS2 Basic (2D drafting), SDS2 Drafting (shop/erection drawings), SDS2 Modeling (3D BIM), and SDS2 Ultimate (all-in-one). Licensing includes standalone, server, and client installation options with software maintenance requirements.
2. SDS2 Cloud Subscriptions: Cloud-based 3D modeling offered as subscription plans including SDS2 Cloud Admin (4 core, 8GB RAM, 2 monitors) and SDS2 Cloud for Detailers (8 core, 24GB RAM, 4K monitors), with customizable specs upon request.
3. Steel Genie: AI-powered steel estimating software offered as a separate product for steel estimators to automate takeoffs from structural drawings, generating quantities and 3D models in minutes.
4. SDS2 Toolbox & Add-ons: Additional tools including SDS2 Viewer, SDS2 Toolbox (various integrations), Bimplus Upload, and specialized tools for specific workflows such as Load Planning for pre-erection planning.
5. Training & Certification: Authorized Training Centers provide SDS2 certification programs. SDS2 also offers student licenses for educational purposes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Design Data sells the SDS2 suite of structural steel detailing software, providing 2D drafting, 3D BIM modeling, automated connection design, fabrication-ready shop drawing generation, and AI-powered steel takeoff. Offerings include tiered software packages (SDS2 Basic, Drafting, Modeling, Ultimate), the AI-based Steel Genie estimator, SDS2 Cloud for collaborative 3D modeling, the SDS2 Toolbox of integrations, and the Bimplus BIM collaboration platform, sold primarily via subscription and direct enterprise sales to steel detailers, fabricators, estimators, erectors, and structural engineers.

Product overview

SDS2 by ALLPLAN (Design Data Corporation) offers a comprehensive steel detailing software platform with multiple tiered product packages: SDS2 Ultimate (all-in-one solution), SDS2 Modeling (BIM-focused), SDS2 Drafting (2D), and SDS2 Basic (entry-level). The platform includes AI-powered estimating through Steel Genie, cloud collaboration via SDS2 Cloud and Bimplus, specialized tools in the SDS2 Toolbox, and pre-erection planning modules (Load Planning, Site Planning). The product suite supports steel detailers, fabricators, engineers, and erectors throughout the project lifecycle from design through fabrication. SDS2 is a product of ALLPLAN, which is part of the Nemetschek Group.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SDS2 Ultimate: All-in-one solution for advanced steel detailing and fabrication-ready drawings.
• SDS2 Modeling
• SDS2 Drafting
• SDS2 Basic
• SDS2 Cloud
• SDS2 Viewer
• SDS2 Toolbox
• Steel Genie
• Bimplus

Products and services

• SDS2 Ultimate SDS2's all-in-one solution for advanced steel detailing and fabrication-ready drawings, including 2D drafting, 3D modeling, automated connection design, quantity takeoff, shop and erection drawing creation, and full BIM integrations. Targeted at steel detailers who need a complete steel detailing workflow.
• SDS2 Modeling BIM-focused 3D modeling software package providing 3D model input, automated connection design, quantity takeoff, load planning & delivery, imports/exports, and BIM integrations for teams focused on structural modeling without drafting deliverables.
• SDS2 Drafting Precision 2D drafting software package for steel detailers, delivering code-compliant drawings, shop drawings, and erection placement drawings without 3D modeling.
• SDS2 Basic Entry-level SDS2 package providing foundational steel detailing capabilities as the base for the other SDS2 packages.
• Steel Genie AI-powered steel takeoff and estimating automation by ALLPLAN that analyzes structural drawings to detect beams, columns, braces, joists, and other structural members, generating estimating-level 3D models and quantities in minutes for structural steel fabricators and estimators.
• SDS2 Cloud Cloud-based 3D modeling software platform enabling smart collaboration, remote work, global team connectivity, and multi-user modeling environments with configurable hardware tiers (Admin and Detailer plans).
• SDS2 Toolbox Collection of specialized tools including Bimplus upload, RISA import, Revit roundtripping, and other integrations that extend the core SDS2 functionality.
• SDS2 Viewer Free viewer application for reviewing SDS2 models, enabling stakeholders to view in-model changes, design calculations, and approve changes without a full SDS2 installation.
• Bimplus Cloud-based open BIM platform by ALLPLAN enabling project collaboration across construction disciplines with direct SDS2 model export, centralized project data management, revision control, and version tracking.
• SDS2 Load Planning Pre-erection planning tool for optimizing steel shipping and delivery, transforming IFC building models into clear 3D and 2D trailer models for loading optimization.
• SDS2 Site Planning Site planning module for crane placement visualization, critical lift reports, and erection sequence planning with model-based 3D visualization.
• SDS2 Training Programs Training programs including SDS2 certification courses, Authorized Training Centers, and self-paced online training for SDS2 users and teams.
• SDS2 Certification Certification program for SDS2 users to validate proficiency and expertise with the software, delivered through Authorized Training Centers.
• SDS2 Resellers Authorized reseller and distribution network for SDS2 software sales, support, and localized service in various regions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Most users report saving 20-40% of detailing time within first 30 days
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• RISA StructurescoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partnership enabling SDS2 users to import structural models from RISA for quick cost estimation and material takeoff. Seamlessly brings RISA analysis data into SDS2 detailing workflows.
• Autodesk RevitcoreTechnology or IntegrationRevit Roundtripping integration allows bidirectional data exchange between Autodesk Revit and SDS2, enabling structural engineers and detailers to coordinate BIM workflows effectively.
• Tekla PowerFabcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with Tekla's fabrication management system enabling smooth data transfer for shop management, production tracking, and complete fabrication planning from SDS2 models.
• STRUMIScoreTechnology or IntegrationBIM Review integration allowing STRUMIS users to coordinate and review SDS2 model data within their fabrication management workflows.
• Bimplus (by ALLPLAN)coreTechnology or IntegrationCloud-based BIM collaboration platform developed by parent company ALLPLAN. Enables centralized project data sharing, revision control, version tracking, and one-click upload of complete SDS2 model packages including drawings, CNC, and BOM data.
• CNC Equipment ManufacturerscoreTechnology or IntegrationSDS2 integrates directly with leading fabrication equipment including beamlines, saws, and other CNC machines. Toolbox provides seamless connection from model to shop floor for automated production.
• Nemetschek GroupflagshipOthersParent company of ALLPLAN (Design Data Corporation DBA). Nemetschek Group is a global provider of AEC software. SDS2 by ALLPLAN is part of the Nemetschek Group's portfolio of design and construction solutions.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tekla Structures (Trimble): Trimble's flagship structural BIM and steel detailing software, the global market leader and most direct head-to-head competitor to SDS2 across detailers, fabricators, and engineers.
• Autodesk Advance Steel: Autodesk's steel detailing solution tightly integrated with Revit and AutoCAD, competing directly with SDS2 for structural steel detailing and connection design workflows.
• Graitec (Advance Design / PowerConnect): European AEC software vendor offering steel connection design and structural analysis tools with overlapping detailer/fabricator use cases.

Broad incumbents

• RISA Technologies: Structural analysis software widely used by structural engineers who also consume SDS2; SDS2 has a native RISA integration making it a complementary incumbent in the same ecosystem.
• STRUMIS: Steel fabrication management software integrated with SDS2; competes for the fabricator's MIS/MRP wallet and is a complementary/adjacent incumbent.
• SCIA Engineer (Nemetschek): Nemetschek's structural analysis software sister brand; offers overlapping structural engineering functionality and represents an internal Nemetschek portfolio peer.
• Procore Technologies: Construction management platform that touches the GC/erector persona SDS2 serves through Site Planning; broader incumbent across the AEC software stack.
• Bentley OpenBuildings / ProSteel: Bentley's structural steel detailing and multi-discipline BIM portfolio; competes in the structural engineering and detailing space with broader infrastructure reach.

Emerging players

• IDEA StatiCa: Emerging connection design software competing for the connection-engineering workflow that SDS2 automates; an emerging challenger in the same persona space.

Others

• Bluebeam (Nemetschek): Nemetschek-owned construction collaboration and markup software; not a direct competitor but a sister brand representing cross-sell and AEC ecosystem overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sds2_designdata
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJoGc8rwqb_SMB0gZSP8jWg
• Facebookfacebook.com/sds2bydesigndata
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/67854
• Instagraminstagram.com/sds2_software

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Design Data