Exactal is pleased to announce the release of version 3.00 of its advanced estimating system, CostX®. The release of version 3.00 represents years of development to build a totally new graphics engine capable of rendering buildings in 3D as well as 2D. The new interface retains the simple approach taken for dealing with 2D drawings and measurements can now be taken directly from the 3D model with a few simple clicks of the mouse. The new architecture is also designed around the use of extensible plug-ins so new file formats can be added without needing to release new versions of the CostX® product. Initially version 3.00 ships with inbuilt support for all the existing formats supported by version 2.82 as well as 3D DWG and DWF. Support for IFC files will be released shortly and other file formats are currently being investigated.
The ability to extract measurements automatically from BIM drawings has also been significantly enhanced and new scripting technology used by version 3.00 allows the customisation of any BIM import from any source to extract as much information as possible direct from the BIM data.
Commenting on the release Exactal’s CEO, Mr Mark Kefford, stated "Version 3.00 is a major step forward in our measurement technology and continues to ensure that Exactal and CostX® remain at the forefront in the ability to extract measurements from CAD drawings." Mr Kefford then continued "Exactal has always developed its graphics engines without the need for the use of any external programs and Version 3.00 is once again all our own code. Clients do not need to purchase any other CAD product in order to be able to get full use of our technology."
Apart from the new graphics engine and 3D rendering capabilities, version 3.00 also includes the following features:
· Improved revisioning system to further simply updating dimensions.
· User definable colours for dimension groups.
· Ability to take raster style measurements from vector drawings.
· Extended support for PDF drawings.
· Support for Autodesk® 2010 file formats including Revit®.
· Improved memory usage for larger drawings.
· Extensions to reporting formats and reporting keywords.
· Integrated Office 2007 style ribbon provides simplified user interface.
Version 3.00 is a major upgrade for CostX® and existing users under maintenance should contact Exactal or their local reseller in order to obtain their free upgrade.
About Exactal
Established in Brisbane, Australia in 2003 to develop software specifically for the quantity surveying and estimating market, Exactal has continued to expand its worldwide presence and now has offices in the UK and NZ and sales and channel partner support across much of the globe. Its main product line, CostX® provides a unique integration between the cost estimates and the elements on the CAD drawings that the estimate represents. This unique approach allows fast revisions of drawings to be easily handled and eliminates traditional scope creep in construction projects.
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CostX® is a registered trademark of Exactal Technologies Pty Ltd.
Revit® is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.