Softree Technical Systems Testimonials

“McElhanney discovered “RoadEng” while looking for an easier way to deliver resource based road designs. We tested the software with immediate success, going from watching training modules on the weekend to project delivery without delay in the following weeks. Since that time, it has quickly become a companywide standard tool for the design of linear based projects including resource roads, construction access, pad design, pipelines, pedestrian trails, etc. We regularly us it to manage large LiDAR base plans, conceptual engineering, earthworks balance, and preparation of final drawings (plan-profile-cross sections-mass haul). We believe its greatest strengths are how easy it is to learn and fine-tune design alignments. The ability to have the plan, profile, cross section, and mass haul open at the same time provides a great visual aid for designers which leads to more effective designs. The addition of “Optimizer” provides valued engineering for large projects based on a wide range of criteria by automating the process. The Softree team is friendly and provides great support.”

"Franklin County is somewhat unique, compared to most counties in our state, as it pertains to our choices of highway design and drafting software. Franklin County made a conscious decision, many years ago, to follow suit with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). So, we made the switch from AutoCAD to Microstation and when the WSDOT switched from CEAL to CAiCE we went with them. As is the case with most privately owned companies that are doing things right, they were gobbled up (bought) by one of the giants. So, when CAiCE was purchased by Autodesk, which ultimately stopped maintaining CAiCE, we were left with another decision. Do we continue to pay maintenance on software that we love, but no longer supported, or do we stop paying maintenance and continue to successfully use the software we have? We chose the latter. Due to advancements in operating systems (OS) the writing on the wall became very clear. Our software would no longer be able to work on the new OS. Therefore, we needed to select new design software. We initially evaluated software from two (2) companies. Since we use MicroStation, the first software we evaluated was obvious. Since a majority of the counties in our state made the transition from Eagle Point Software to AutoCAD Civil 3D, we felt it necessary to evaluate it as well. In the economic times that we are all facing, especially public agencies, and in the wake of laying-off six employees (in our Engineering and Transportation Division alone) in the last three years, we had to ask ourselves the following: Can we justify to the people we work for (the taxpayers of Franklin County) the extremely high cost associated with purchasing, training, re-training, and implementing a software? Do we need extremely robust software? Software that we will only utilize a small percentage of its capabilities? With a staff that wears many hats, can we afford the downtime associated with re-training every time an employee returns to the office after spending 3-6 months in the field? The answer to all of the questions is a big fat NO Upon answering those questions truthfully and sincerely we looked for other options. The two (2) new options we explored for our new software package were Softree and Carlson Civil. Our final decision had to be based on the ultimate cost (purchasing, training, and implementation), and does the software meet our needs. Once we answered those questions our decision became very clear and extremely easy. Therefore, we chose Softree as our civil engineering solution. The initial cost of the software was unbelievable, and our staff was able to start using it out of the box with no physical training from Softree. Their support is amazing, no 3rd party retailer/training. Whether you call them direct, or send them an e-mail, there is nothing better than getting direct answers from an individual that has a part in the design of the software. Softree sticks to its word in providing a Clean Simple Approach. As they say The key to good software is its ability to deliver power without complexity. So true! I highly recommend Softree, and we are proud to be a client."