Compare PypeServer Vs.
EVOLVE Mechanical
Is PypeServer an alternative to EVOLVE?
For many customers, yes, but the platforms have different features and strengths. Evolve Mechanical provides MEP fabrication management with limited tool control capabilities and is designed for large contractors who can manage its cost and complexity. In contrast, PypeServer offers a fully integrated fabrication platform with extensive design software integrations and broad tool control capabilities for contractors of any size, large or small.
Integration with Your BIM and CAD Design Software
PypeServer’s Cloud+ integrates with your BIM and CAD software via PypeServer’s Connect plugins for Revit, AutoCAD (Fabrication CADmep, Plant 3D, MEP, Advance Steel), Inventor Tube & Pipe, SDS2, and Tekla Structures. PypeServer also lets you send PCF, CSV, PDF, and other cut files and documents to Cloud+ using our Cloudinator desktop app for Windows.
EVOLVE Mechanical works primarily with Revit.
The difference: PypeServer Cloud+ offers direct integrations with a wide variety of BIM, CAD, and other design software while Evolve Mechanical is designed to work exclusively with Revit.
Fabrication
PypeServer’s Enterprise and Lyte tool control software integrate with the widest range of manual and automated tools on the market. Enterprise is compatible with every major brand of pipe profiler and tube laser on the market. Lyte handles linear positioners, automated saws, snappers, tee pullers, duct lines, and manual tools. Both Enterprise and Lyte feature advanced nesting and label printing capabilities. In addition, Cloud+ integrates with automated welders, groovers, and benders via API connections to their native software.
Evolve Mechanical has integration with Crippa conduit benders so many EVOLVE customers rely on PypeServer tool control software for use with EVOLVE.
The Difference: PypeServer offers a far wider range of tool integrations than EVOLVE Mechanical and offers the advantages of a single tech stack when PypeServer’s tool control software is used with Cloud+. EVOLVE Mechanical users can purchase PypeServer’s tool control software for many of the tools that EVOLVE can’t support.
BOMs and Shipment Management
PypeServer Cloud+ uses “containers” for shipment tracking. A container can be a mobile cart, a truckload, or anything in-between. Items can easily be added or subtracted from a container and each container includes a BOM (bill of materials) and a unique QR code for easy tracking.
EVOLVE Mechanical has shipment tracking and BOM generation.
The difference: PypeServer Cloud+ and EVOLVE Mechanical have comparable capabilities for BOM generation and shipment tracking but PypeServer’s tracking extends beyond shipping, all the way through installation and sign-off.
Field Use
PypeServer Cloud+ include a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that’s optimized for Field and Shop crews who need to focus on the task at hand without getting bogged down in software complexity. The app lets people quickly inspect fabrication sheets and other documents, log the shipping and delivery of containers, update spool status, place field orders, and other select functions. The field app can take advantage of any internet connection, including cellular.
EVOLVE Mechanical has no mobile app.
The difference: PypeServer has a more full-function mobile app that functions wherever there’s cellular coverage, while the EVOLVE doesn’t have a mobile app.
Metrics and Reporting
PypeServer Cloud+ tracks an extensive number of metrics and includes numerous standard and custom reports. You own your Cloud+ data, so any graph or report can be downloaded in spreadsheet format for analysis via AI, PowerBI, or just for archival purposes..
Evolve Mechanical also offers an extensive number of metrics and reports. However, their policy on data ownership is unclear.
The difference: PypeServer explicitly affirms your data ownership.
Pricing
PypeServer Cloud+ is designed and priced to be affordable for any size organization, including small and medium sized shops. For example, a Cloud+ Starter Pack includes 10 read/write seats of Cloud+ (and unlimited guest seats) plus one copy of Lyte for a cut station for only $5,000. PypeServer doesn’t have large investors to satisfy so we can keep our profit margins reasonable. At the same time, our independence from Autodesk’s cloud infrastructure keeps our costs down and allows us to pass the savings on to our customers. Finally, Cloud+ itself is designed to be simple to use so our customers don’t need full-time personnel dedicated to managing their project tracking system.
EVOLVE Mechanical is a powerful but complex product that generally requires their customers to have at least one full-time person to administer. All of this leads to higher direct and indirect costs.
The difference: PypeServer’s business model and product designs allow us to offer a full project tracking and tool automation solution that’s typically less than half the cost of a comparable EVOLVE implementation.
