What Dietrich's does

Dietrich's Technology GmbH, founded in 1982 by Josef Dietrich and Uwe Emmer and headquartered in Neubiberg, Germany, develops 3D CAD CAM software purpose-built for timber construction. The company's portfolio centers on D-CAD (Flex, Pro, Premium editions) for timber construction planning and machine handover, Timber-Engineering (Basic, Premium) and Horizontal Statics (Basic, Professional) for structural analysis and verification, PlannerSuite for architects and draughtsmen, and a modular TechOns extension layer covering joinery, BIM/IFC, automation (Logic-Blocks), visualization, and machine control interfaces for Hundegger, SCM, Weinmann, and Essetre CNC systems. In October 2025 it launched Dietrich's neo, a subscription platform built on Version 26 with a modernized interface and an integrated AI assistant (D-Bot) for documentation-grounded support, followed by Update V26.3 in June 2026 adding unbounded point-cloud processing and D-AI Visualization.

The company sells to small carpentry firms through industrial prefabricated-house manufacturers and jointing centers, with a secondary reach into structural engineers, architects, and apprentices (via the free PlanCAD-L educational version and DC-Calcs demo). Its distribution model is sales-led with regional contacts across DACH, the Baltics, Scandinavia, the UK/Ireland, France, Italy, Poland, the Czech/Slovak/Slovenian region, and North America (US/Canada via a sales/marketing office in Aylmer, Ontario), complemented by a wholly-owned Polish subsidiary and an indirect PLG channel for downloads and educational use. Revenue is generated through monthly subscriptions (Dietrich's neo editions), legacy perpetual licenses, TechOns add-on modules, training and consulting via Dietrich's Academy, and bespoke custom solutions under the Dietrich's Individuell offering.

Strategically, Dietrich's has invested heavily in interoperability, holding buildingSMART membership since 2019 and announcing a strategic partnership with ALLPLAN (Nemetschek Group) in February 2025 to integrate BIM workflows end-to-end into timber prefabrication. The platform-plus-modules architecture, 40+ years of timber-specific R&D, an 18,000+ element component library, software available in 13 languages, and integration with the major European CNC OEMs collectively define a defensible niche position in a vertical undergoing structural growth driven by sustainable construction demand.

Name

Dietrich's

Legal name

Dietrich's Technology GmbH

Website

https://dietrichs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dietrich's Technology is a German software firm founded in 1982 that builds 3D CAD CAM and structural-analysis software exclusively for the timber construction industry, serving carpenters, prefabricated-house manufacturers, jointing centers, architects, and engineers across Europe and North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Timber Construction CAD/CAM Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Mass Timber & Structural Engineered Wood (CLT, Glulam, NLT/DLT) (IMADADAC), Prefabricated Engineered Wood Building Components (Trusses, SIPs, EWP Kits) (IMAMACAJ)

Keywords

• Timber construction software
• CAD CAM software
• Structural analysis software
• BIM timber construction
• Prefab timber engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Flawil

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Software Subscriptions (Dietrich's neo): Subscription-based licensing model offering flexible access to software with editions (Flex, Pro, Premium). Includes automatic updates, premium support, and access to e-learning platform. Customers can switch between editions based on needs.
2. Traditional Software Licenses: One-time perpetual license purchase option available alongside subscription model. Provides full ownership of software with maintenance and updates included.
3. Professional Services and Training: Training courses, webinars, and consulting services offered through Dietrich's Academy. Includes basic training, advanced training, online training, expert training, update training, and webinars.
4. Customized Solutions (Dietrich's Individuell): Customized individual and special solutions along with comprehensive consulting services for specific customer requirements.
5. TechOns Add-on Modules: Individual technological extensions and add-on modules that customers can purchase to enhance their existing Dietrich's software products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Dietrich's develops and sells 3D CAD/CAM software specifically engineered for the timber construction industry. The software covers the complete end-to-end workflow from initial 3D design and structural analysis through to machine-controlled prefabrication of timber building elements. Products are available as perpetual licenses (D-CAD, Timber-Engineering, Horizontal Statics, PlannerSuite) or via the modern Dietrich's neo subscription platform enhanced with AI capabilities.

Product overview

Dietrich's offers a comprehensive software portfolio for timber construction with a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core products include D-CAD (Flex/Pro/Premium tiers) for 3D timber construction CAD/CAM planning and production, Timber-Engineering (Basic/Premium) for structural analysis, Horizontal Statics (Basic/Professional) for wind load and bracing calculations, and PlannerSuite for architects and planners. The ecosystem is extended through TechOns — optional modules covering BIM, machine control (Hundegger, Essetre, SCM, Weinmann), automation, visualization, and specialized construction functions. The newer Dietrich's neo platform (subscription-based) adds a modern interface and D-Bot AI assistant across three editions. Supporting tools include DC-Calcs for dimensioning, PlanCAD-L for free 2D CAD training, and D-AI Visualization for AI-powered rendering. Products are available via traditional perpetual license with D-Subscription or modern subscription model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dietrich's neo: Next generation of Dietrich's software available as a subscription with modern interface and AI assistant D-Bot
• TechOns
• D-CAD
• PlannerSuite
• Timber-Engineering
• DC-Calcs
• PlanCAD

Products and services

• D-CAD 3D CAD/CAM software for timber construction available in three editions: D-CAD Flex for entry-level 3D design of roof components, carports and timber buildings; D-CAD Pro for complete building structure including stories, walls, ceilings and trusses with structural component design; and D-CAD Premium with automatic component generation, freely configurable rule sets for timber frame and CLT, automatic center of gravity and lifting point determination, and enhanced IFC import with automatic function assignment.
• Timber-Engineering Structural analysis software for timber construction available in two editions: Timber-Engineering Basic for fast pre-dimensioning and complete verification of ceiling and roof structures with automatic load calculations and standards support (EC-DE, EC-AT, EC-FR, EC-UK, EC-PL, NTC, SIA); and Timber-Engineering Premium for full flexibility with extensive material catalogue, 2D framework with automatic load determination, timber connection modules, and CLT/hardwood/LVL design capabilities.
• Horizontal Statics Wind load generation and load distribution analysis software available in two editions: Horizontal Statics Basic for determining bracing loads for wall areas and partial diaphragms based on stiffness for various construction methods; and Horizontal Statics Professional for complete verification of timber frame walls and beam ceilings with determination of top loads and anchoring forces based on horizontal load distribution.
• PlannerSuite Digital planning subscription for draughtsmen, architects and planners specializing in timber construction. Provides integrated work in a model from the first mouse click, process-oriented overall system, end-to-end planning without error-prone interfaces, and outstanding visualization options.
• TechOns Modular technological extensions that add individual functions to existing Dietrich's products, organized into categories including Joinery and Roof, External Input Devices, Logic-Blocks for Automation, BIM, Import/Export, Communication and Collaboration, Construction, Machine Control, Engineering, Visualization, and Planning.
• DC-Calcs Dimensioning software for timber construction available as a demo version that is not time-limited but operates without save or verification document capabilities.
• PlanCAD-L Free 2D CAD software for vocational training and schooling, built on the same program core as the full PlanCAD version, available to students, apprentices, and CAD beginners.
• Dietrich's neo Next generation subscription platform combining familiar performance with enhanced features including intelligent interaction logic with context menus, preselection with live preview, consolidated program modules, and integrated AI assistant. Available in three editions (Flex, Pro, Premium) on monthly subscription.
• Dietrich's Bespoke (Individuell) Customized individual and special solutions along with comprehensive consulting services for specific customer requirements in timber construction.

Quantifiable outcome

• Automated workflows reduce error-prone transfer points between design and production
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration18 records

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ALLPLAN (Nemetschek Group)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2025Strategic partnership announced February 13, 2025 between ALLPLAN (global BIM solutions provider and part of Nemetschek Group) and Dietrich's for digital and sustainable transformation of timber construction. Enables end-to-end digital workflows from design of timber houses to automated prefabrication of building elements. Integration of ALLPLAN BIM solution with Dietrich's timber construction software.
• Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit trade association representing manufacturers, suppliers, dealer/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels. In existence since 1990.
• Structural Building Components Association (SBCA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational trade association representing manufacturers of structural building components, established in 1983.
• Holzbauwelt.deminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline platform for timber construction providers featuring timber homes, multi-storey residential and commercial buildings, timber construction companies, planners and architectural offices. Career portal for timber construction jobs. Exclusive feature since January 2023.
• Bundesverband Deutscher Fertigbau e.V. (BDF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman Prefabricated Building Association founded in 1961 representing industrial manufacturers of prefabricated timber houses. Operates Europe's most modern show home exhibitions (FertighausWelt).
• NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to reorganizing tertiary education in engineering in the UK. Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) founded in 2020.
• 81fünf high-tech & holzbau AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNationwide association of timber construction companies, carpenters, planners, architects, building technicians and timber construction experts operating as pioneer of ecological timber construction since 1992. Dietrich's joined as industry partner in expert network.
• Restauratoren im Zimmererhandwerk e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNationwide interest and action group for comprehensive quality assurance in conservation and restoration of buildings with careful and delicate approach.
• Verband HIGH-TECH-ABBUND im Zimmererhandwerk e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNationwide association of companies offering professional contract jointing, founded in April 1995 with 100 members. Supporting member relationship.
• Förderverein der Hochschule und der Fachschule Rosenheim e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation for Promotion of Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences and Technical College specializing in timber, acting as link between industry and education.
• buildingSMART e.V.coreTechnology or IntegrationMember since early 2019 of BIM in timber construction expert group, which specifically caters to needs of timber construction industry within buildingSMART Germany. Promotes open interfaces and open BIM standards.
• Timber Framers GuildminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit educational membership association dedicated to craft of timber framing, founded in 1985. Serves as center of timber frame information and design for professionals and general public.
• Aus- und Weiterbildungs- Arbeitsgemeinschaft (AWAG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation between Dietrich's and Constance Chamber of Trade for promotion and qualification of timber trade.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• MiTek Industries: MiTek is a US-based global leader in software, engineering, and manufacturing solutions for structural building components (trusses, wall panels, framing). Its software-driven design-to-fabrication workflow for component manufacturers competes directly with Dietrich's in industrial timber prefab, particularly in North America and the UK.
• hsbcad: Belgian hsbcad provides specialized 3D CAD/CAM software for the timber frame and prefab industry, with strong machine-control integrations for Hundegger and Weinmann CNC lines. It is a focused direct competitor in the European timber frame prefab segment that Dietrich's also serves.
• Hundegger: Hundegger is a German CNC machinery manufacturer for timber construction whose machines are deeply integrated with Dietrich's via the CAMBIUM interface; Hundegger also offers its own CAM software (Cambium). The strategic relationship is both partnership and competitive overlap at the production-planning layer.
• SEMA: SEMA is a German software company providing CAD/CAM and BIM solutions specifically for timber construction, stair manufacturing, and the woodworking trades. Its product scope (3D timber design, automated component generation, machine control) closely mirrors Dietrich's D-CAD/TechOns portfolio, making it a direct head-to-head competitor in the DACH market.
• Cadwork: Swiss-based Cadwork is the closest direct competitor to Dietrich's, offering 3D CAD/CAM software specialized for timber construction, including roof, frame, and CLT workflows with CNC machine integration. Cadwork and Dietrich's have historically split the European timber prefab software market, with Cadwork dominant in parts of DACH and Dietrich's in others.
• WOLF System: Austrian WOLF System is a major prefabricated timber and concrete manufacturer with its own design-to-fabrication software stack (referenced as an integration partner of Dietrich's). It represents a partial vertical-overlap peer where WOLF's in-house tooling competes in some scenarios with Dietrich's in industrial prefab.

Broad incumbents

• Autodesk (Revit): Autodesk Revit is the dominant architectural BIM platform used by ATP architekten and many other Dietrich's customers as the design authoring tool. While not a direct timber-construction CAD competitor, Revit shapes the upstream BIM ecosystem that Dietrich's must interoperate with via IFC and other interfaces.
• ALLPLAN (Nemetschek Group): ALLPLAN, part of the Nemetschek Group, is a broad BIM/CAE platform for architects, engineers, and contractors that has overlapping timber-design capability. Since February 2025 it is also Dietrich's strategic partner, so it is simultaneously the largest broad incumbent and the most important commercial ally.
• Trimble (Tekla Structures): Trimble's Tekla Structures is a broad BIM/structural-engineering platform with significant timber and prefab component design capability. It competes for the same structural engineer and prefab manufacturer customer base as Dietrich's, but as part of a much larger AEC software portfolio.

Emerging players

• WEINMANN (Homag Group): WEINMANN, part of the Homag Group, is a leading German supplier of multifunction timber framing and panel processing lines for prefab house manufacturers. Its production systems include software for panel/frame design-to-production that overlaps with Dietrich's machine-control TechOns, and the two are paired in many customer factories.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/buildingsoftware
• Facebookfacebook.com/dietrichssoftware
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dietrichs-software

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Dietrich's