Despite the AEC industry’s relentless pursuit of tools that can seamlessly integrate design, analysis, and construction processes, the dream of a truly integrated workflow has often felt more like a mirage than a tangible reality. Until now, that is. ALLPLAN, a global pioneer in BIM design to build software, SCIA, renowned for its structural design and analysis software, and FRILO, a leader in innovative calculation programs for structural engineers, are joining forces. Together, they will support a comprehensive BIM platform that spans from initial concept through detailed design, and multidisciplinary planning, to prefabrication and construction deliverables.
To take a closer look at the implications of this merger, we spoke with Jad El Alam, Director of Product at SCIA, and Eduardo Lazzarotto, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at ALLPLAN. Their insights shed light on how this collaboration will benefit architects and engineers by providing a seamless, end-to-end design to build workflow, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and innovation.
Integrating Diverse Expertise for a Seamless Workflow
The merger between ALLPLAN, SCIA, and FRILO is more than just a strategic alliance; it’s a commitment to overcoming the fragmented nature of AEC workflows. Speaking with Jad and Eduardo, it becomes clear that the synergy of these companies is designed to bridge the longstanding divide between different phases of the AEC process.
“With SCIA, the aim has always been to push the boundaries of what’s possible in structural engineering, making it easier to design complex, multi-material structures,” says Jad. This vision aligns perfectly with the merger’s goal: to provide AEC professionals with a unified platform that simplifies and streamlines every phase of a project, from inception to completion.
© S.C. Terifiant Prod S.R.L.; Underground parking in Oradea, Romania und full SCIA model of the underground parking.
Eduardo highlights how ALLPLAN’s expertise in BIM software complements this vision, offering architects and construction professionals robust design and planning tools. “ALLPLAN has been at the forefront of digital transformation in the AEC industry, empowering professionals to realize their creative visions with precision and efficiency,” Eduardo explains. “This merger amplifies our ability to offer an end-to-end solution, where design meets buildability in a seamless digital environment.”
“This isn’t the first time ALLPLAN and SCIA have worked together to improve our clients’ workflows,” continues Jad, referring to the groundbreaking AutoConverter tool, a direct result of their collaborative efforts. This cloud-based application epitomizes the merger’s core advantage: it enables the conversion of a structural model into an analysis model with just one click, dramatically reducing the time and effort traditionally required for this process.
“This kind of seamless integration between architectural modeling and structural analysis was unthinkable a few years ago,” admits Jad. “But today, it’s a reality that’s changing the game for architects and engineers alike.”
© S.C. Terifiant Prod S.R.L.; Underground parking in Oradea, Romania und full SCIA model of the underground parking.
Bringing Architecture and Engineering Together
One of the most significant impacts of the merger lies in its ability to dissolve the long-standing barriers that have traditionally separated architects from engineers and construction professionals. This segregation often leads to inefficient workflows, where the iterative exchange of designs and analyses becomes a source of frustration, delays, and increased costs.
Eduardo elaborates on this point: “By integrating our suite of products more closely, we’re not just streamlining workflows; we’re fostering an environment where architects can freely explore their creative visions while easily collaborating with experts for structural feasibility. This, in turn, empowers architectural offices and multi-disciplinary consultancies to push the boundaries of design with confidence, knowing that the structural integrity and buildability are considered from the very outset.” The merger will therefore create a seamless bridge between the creative and analytical realms of the AEC industry, facilitating a smoother, faster, and more cost-effective project delivery process.
Both leaders express enthusiasm about the potential for this merger to not only meet the current demands of the AEC industry but to anticipate and shape its future directions. “What changes for our customers,” Eduardo continues, “is not just the range of solutions at their disposal, but the depth of integration and innovation those solutions can achieve together. This is an exciting time for all of us in the AEC industry, and we’re just getting started.”
© Concon; The residential complex "THE VIEW" in Germany modeled with Allplan and calculated with FRILO.
Driving the Industry Towards Sustainability and Digitalization
These days, sustainability and digitalization are not just goals but necessities. The merger will be a decisive step towards achieving these imperatives. The combined expertise and technology of ALLPLAN, SCIA, and FRILO offer powerful solutions that address the increasing complexity of projects, the urgent need for climate-conscious construction, and the challenges posed by urbanization and housing affordability.
“Our unified approach goes beyond mere technological integration; it’s about empowering AEC professionals to make informed, data-driven decisions early in the design process. This proactive stance is crucial for enhancing sustainability, minimizing waste, and ensuring safety across the lifecycle of a project,” Jad points out.
Furthermore, the merger emphasizes the importance of digital fabrication and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) from design through to construction. “It’s not only about streamlining the execution of projects, but also significantly contributing to sustainable development goals by allowing for precise, efficient, and resource-conscious construction practices,” says Eduardo.
© Concon; The residential complex "THE VIEW" in Germany modeled with Allplan and calculated with FRILO.
A Vision for the Future
As ALLPLAN, SCIA, and FRILO move forward as a unified entity, the vision is clear: to revolutionize the AEC industry by fostering innovation, improving workflows, and making sustainability an achievable goal for every project.
“It’s not just about enhancing the capabilities of each brand; it’s about setting a new standard for what’s possible in architectural design and construction,” says Eduardo. “Through this merger, we are not only addressing the needs of today’s AEC professionals but are also laying the groundwork for the future of construction – a future where design excellence and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but are integral to every project undertaken,” he concludes.
Jad nods in agreement, adding, “This is just the beginning. The true potential of this merger lies in the possibilities it unlocks for AEC professionals worldwide – enabling them to realize their most ambitious projects with greater ease and impact.”
This new chapter in all three companies’ journey promises a landscape where architects, engineers, and construction professionals can collaborate more effectively, innovate without boundaries, and contribute to a more sustainable, efficiently built environment for generations to come.
For more details, watch the presentation of Jad El Alam, Director of Product at SCIA at the Build the Future ALLPLAN Summit 2024.
