CAD-PLAN
CAD-PLAN GmbH is a German software vendor that develops CAD/BIM tools — ATHENA, APOLLON, CRONOS and flixo — exclusively for metal-construction companies and facade engineering consultancies, distributed globally via direct sales and partner channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersFrankfurt, Germany
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What CAD-PLAN does
CAD-PLAN GmbH is a privately held German software vendor founded in 1993 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It develops and distributes a specialized CAD/BIM software suite exclusively for metal construction and facade engineering. The portfolio comprises four product lines: ATHENA (2D/3D parametric CAD for metal construction with IFC import, STEP export, camQuix CNC export, and cutting optimization); APOLLON (3D parametric CAD for curtain wall design with visibility filters, BOM generation, Logikal/ERPlus integrations, and stepped-glass support); CRONOS (a product data management layer for AutoCAD-native team workflows); and flixo (2D thermal-hygro analysis of building components, supporting EN ISO 10077-2, integrated via the 2024 acquisition of Swiss vendor infomind GmbH). A complementary Revit plugin, ATHENA Exchange for Autodesk Revit, is available on the Autodesk App Store and bridges CAD-PLAN tooling with the broader Autodesk ecosystem.
The firm monetizes primarily through software licensing and recurring maintenance (collected via monthly direct debit on suitable storage medium or download), supplemented by paid training (online and in-person across ATHENA, APOLLON and flixo curricula), custom development, and partner-managed distribution. Pricing is quote-based rather than published, with a free 30-minute ATHENA online trial training acting as a low-friction funnel into the sales motion. Distribution is hybrid: direct sales from Frankfurt headquarters and CAD-PLAN North America (Greenwood Village, CO) and CAD-PLAN Czechia (Prague) plus an authorized sales-partner network spanning 13 partner offices across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Customer segments are tightly defined — metal-construction companies (Metallbau), facade engineering and planning offices, and — to a lesser extent — architects requiring facade design and BIM exchange — served through a vertical go-to-market approach.
The installed base is anchored in German-speaking Europe but extends globally (55+ countries), with marquee reference projects such as Tower 185 Frankfurt (c. 40,000 sqm facade), ThyssenKrupp Quartier Essen (c. 15,500 sqm facade and sunshade) and Eastgate Shopping Center Berlin (c. 25,000 sqm facade) demonstrating use on large, complex commercial schemes. The company is led by Managing Director Dr. Stefan Gutberlet, with no parent company disclosed in the available materials although the website logo references 'CAD-PLAN logo part of Refyne'.
CAD-PLAN firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CAD-PLAN
- Legal name
- CAD-PLAN GmbH
- Website
- https://cad-plan.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- CAD-PLAN GmbH is a German software vendor that develops CAD/BIM tools — ATHENA, APOLLON, CRONOS and flixo — exclusively for metal-construction companies and facade engineering consultancies, distributed globally via direct sales and partner channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CAD-PLAN industry classification
Industry- Product category
- AEC Software for Facade and Metal Construction
- NAICS
- Engineering Services (541330), Industrial Design Services (541420), Architectural Services (54131)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering Services (8711), Fabricated Structural Metal Products (3440)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services (BPAHAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Architectural & Miscellaneous Metals (Stairs, Railings, Ladders) (IMADACAE), Industrial/Product & Furniture Design (BPAHAKAM)
Keywords
Where CAD-PLAN is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Frankfurt
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices14 records
Markets served
CAD-PLAN business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses and Subscriptions: CAD-PLAN generates revenue through software sales and licensing. The AGB states that software is made available only after complete payment on suitable storage medium or as download. Maintenance and rental amounts for software products are collected via direct debit on monthly due dates.
- Professional Services and Training: The company offers training courses including ATHENA, APOLLON, and flixo training, both online and in-person. Training is provided by the manufacturer/distributor. The AGB mentions hourly or man-day rates for services outside agreed scope.
- Custom Development and Works: CAD-PLAN creates custom designs, concepts, graphics, datasets, templates, and software (Werk) for clients, granting limited usage rights in exchange for remuneration.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | One-time | ATHENA Online Trial Training - Free 30-minute introductory session |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
CAD-PLAN product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CAD-PLAN develops and sells a specialized CAD/BIM software suite for the metal construction and facade engineering industry. The portfolio covers 2D and 3D parametric construction (ATHENA), 3D parametric curtain wall and facade engineering (APOLLON), product data management (CRONOS), and 2D thermal-hygro analysis for building components (flixo). The software targets metal construction firms, facade engineers, and architects needing BIM-interoperable design, production documentation, CNC data export, and building-physics analysis.
Product overview
CAD-PLAN is a specialized software provider focused exclusively on the metal construction and facade technology industry for over 30 years. The product portfolio consists of five distinct offerings: ATHENA as the core 2D and 3D parametric modeling platform for facade construction; APOLLON as the dedicated 3D parametric CAD solution for curtain wall design and facade engineering; CRONOS as the product data management (PDM) system for organizing team-based workflows; flixo (acquired from infomind GmbH in June 2024) as the thermal analysis and reporting tool for building physics and energy performance; and ATHENA Exchange for Autodesk Revit as a BIM integration plugin connecting ATHENA to the Autodesk Revit ecosystem. Together, these products cover the full workflow from design and engineering through data management and energy analysis for facade projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ATHENA ATHENA is the core 2D and 3D parametric CAD software for metal construction and facade design. It supports full parametric modeling, IFC import, STEP exports, camQuix (camProx) export for CNC machine integration, cutting optimization, automatic filling generation, sheet metal cross-sections, foil creation, library management, and insulation types. It is built on the AutoCAD platform and used by metal construction firms and facade engineers.
- APOLLON APOLLON is a 3D parametric CAD solution specifically designed for curtain wall design and facade engineering. It features fully parametric modeling, visibility filters, block editor for profile contours, free alignment, multi-field element transfer, Logikal connectivity, ERPlus interface, BOMs with tagging, single-part drawings with interruption, parametric sheets, and stepped glass creation. Used by facade engineering firms and metal construction companies.
- CRONOS CRONOS is a product data management (PDM) software system that enables team-based block management across ATHENA Complete or AutoCAD, external reference management, PDF export of layouts without opening AutoCAD, ZIP folder extraction into project structures, and automated package sharing. Used by teams to organize facade construction project data.
- flixo flixo performs thermal-hygro analyses of building components. Developed by architects, computer scientists, and physicists for architects, planners, energy consultants, and building physicists, it analyzes 2D component nodes under stationary boundary conditions, detects thermal bridges at planning stage, and assesses condensation and mold risk. Supports the EN ISO 10077-2 standard and is used by certification bodies including ift, BFH, ITC CNR, and CSTB.
- ATHENA Exchange for Autodesk Revit ATHENA Exchange for Autodesk Revit is a Revit app available in the Autodesk App Store that enables bidirectional BIM data exchange. It converts Revit dummy families to AutoCAD drawings for editing in ATHENA and imports ATHENA-edited elements back into Revit with automatic replacement of rectangular representations with the corresponding profile contours.
Companies that use CAD-PLAN
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CAD-PLAN technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature5 records
CAD-PLAN partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AutodeskcoreAutodesk is a key technology partner. CAD-PLAN products are built on AutoCAD and offer integration with Autodesk Revit through the ATHENA Exchange app available in the Autodesk App Store. The partnership enables BIM data exchange between ATHENA/APOLLON and Revit for facade planning workflows.
- Infomind GmbHcoreCAD-PLAN acquired Infomind GmbH, the Swiss manufacturer of flixo thermal analysis software, in June 2024. This acquisition strengthens CAD-PLAN's product portfolio by integrating thermal analysis capabilities directly into their offerings.
- OrgadatacoreOrgadata is a technology partner providing integration with their Logikal software. APOLLON offers seamless connectivity with Logikal, allowing users to import profiles and elements and transfer elements between the two platforms.
- Logikal (Orgadata)coreAPOLLON features deep integration with Logikal: users can insert Logikal profile combinations and bar assemblies, and transfer elements from APOLLON to Logikal projects. Changes in Logikal are automatically applied in APOLLON.
- SchuecominorSchueco is a manufacturer partner in the facade systems industry.
- heroalminorheroal is a manufacturer partner specializing in aluminum systems.
- BM AluminiumminorBM Aluminium is a software sector partner.
- National Glass Association (NGA)minorNGA is an association membership providing industry networking and standards alignment.
- VFT (Verband für Fassaden)minorVFT is a facade industry association membership in Germany.
- VMRG (Vereniging Montage Glas Resultaat)minorVMRG is a Dutch association for facade and glazing contractors.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CAD-PLAN competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Graitec (Advance Steel): Graitec's Advance Steel is used for steel detailing and fabrication, overlapping the metal construction segment CAD-PLAN serves. It is more general-purpose for structural steelwork than CAD-PLAN's facade-specialized tooling.
- Bricsys (BricsCAD): Bricsys offers BricsCAD, a DWG-based CAD platform positioned as a lower-cost alternative to AutoCAD. While it does not target facade engineering specifically, it could serve as an alternative platform foundation for some of CAD-PLAN's customer workflows.
- Strucsoft (MWF): Strucsoft provides MWF Pro, a Revit-based framing and metalwork detailing add-on. It targets a similar metal construction workflow as CAD-PLAN but lives natively inside Revit rather than on AutoCAD, representing an alternative architecture choice for the same buyer.
- Solibri (Nemetschek): Solibri specializes in BIM model checking and quality assurance. It is complementary to CAD-PLAN's facade BIM authoring tools but increasingly relevant as customers demand coordinated, code-compliant BIM deliverables.
Broad incumbents
- Nemetschek Group: Nemetschek owns Vectorworks, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, and Solibri — AEC software brands that overlap CAD-PLAN's BIM/architecture customer base. It is a broad AEC incumbent rather than a niche facade specialist.
- AVEVA: AVEVA provides plant and industrial design software (E3D, PDMS) used by fabricators and engineers. It overlaps CAD-PLAN's industrial design and fabrication workflows for metal construction customers operating in plant and infrastructure settings.
- Trimble (Tekla Structures): Trimble's Tekla Structures is a leading 3D BIM software for structural and detailed engineering, including steel and metalwork. It serves overlapping customers in steel/metal construction but as part of a much broader construction technology portfolio.
- Autodesk: Autodesk provides AutoCAD and Revit, the foundational platforms on which CAD-PLAN builds and integrates. Autodesk competes at the broader CAD/BIM level but does not specialize in metal construction and facade engineering the way CAD-PLAN does.
- Graphisoft (ArchiCAD): Graphisoft's ArchiCAD is a BIM authoring tool widely used by architects in Europe. CAD-PLAN's ATHENA Exchange targets Revit and ArchiCAD-adjacent workflows, making Graphisoft a tangential platform competitor for facade design collaboration.
Direct peers
- Orgadata (Logikal): Orgadata develops Logikal, a competing CAD/ERP platform for curtain wall and facade engineering. It directly overlaps CAD-PLAN's APOLLON offering in target customers, feature set, and global distribution through partners in the same geographies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CAD-PLAN social profiles
Digital presenceCAD-PLAN financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CAD-PLAN leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
CAD-PLAN subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
CAD-PLAN funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CAD-PLAN M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CAD-PLAN
What does CAD-PLAN do?
CAD-PLAN develops and sells a specialized CAD/BIM software suite for the metal construction and facade engineering industry. The portfolio covers 2D and 3D parametric construction (ATHENA), 3D parametric curtain wall and facade engineering (APOLLON), product data management (CRONOS), and 2D thermal-hygro analysis for building components (flixo). The software targets metal construction firms, facade engineers, and architects needing BIM-interoperable design, production documentation, CNC data export, and building-physics analysis.
Is CAD-PLAN a public or private company?
CAD-PLAN is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was CAD-PLAN founded?
CAD-PLAN was founded in 1993. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is CAD-PLAN based?
CAD-PLAN is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does CAD-PLAN make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses and Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are professional Services and Training and custom Development and Works.
Who are CAD-PLAN's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Graitec (Advance Steel), Bricsys (BricsCAD), Strucsoft (MWF) and Solibri (Nemetschek). Broad incumbents are Nemetschek Group, AVEVA, Trimble (Tekla Structures), Autodesk and Graphisoft (ArchiCAD). Orgadata (Logikal) is listed as a direct peer.
Does CAD-PLAN have an API?
No public API is recorded for CAD-PLAN.
What industry is CAD-PLAN in?
CAD-PLAN's product category is AEC Software for Facade and Metal Construction. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAKAK, Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services, with a secondary code of IMADACAE, Architectural & Miscellaneous Metals (Stairs, Railings, Ladders). Its NAICS code is 541330 and its SIC code is 8711.