Compare PypeServer Vs.
MSUITE
Is PypeServer an alternative to MSUITE?
For many customers, yes, but the platforms have different features and strengths. MSUITE 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.
MSUITE works primarily with Revit and offers a basic CSV and PDF upload for non-Revit workflows.
The difference: PypeServer Cloud+ offers direct integrations with a wide variety of BIM, CAD, and other design software while MSUITE is designed to work mainly 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.
MSUITE has integrations with some linear positioners and saws as well as manual tools, along with 3rd party integrations with two brands of pipe proilers but many MSUITE customers rely on PypeServer tool control software for use with MSUITE.
The Difference: PypeServer offers a far wider range of tool integrations than MSUITE and offers the advantages of a single tech stack when PypeServer’s tool control software is used with Cloud+. MSUITE users can purchase PypeServer’s tool control software for many of the tools that MSUITE 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.
MSUITE also has shipment tracking, BOM generation, and QR labels for shipment tracking.
The difference: PypeServer Cloud+ and MSUITE 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.
MSUITE has no mobile app.
The difference: PypeServer has a more full-function mobile app that functions wherever there’s cellular coverage, while the MSUITE doesn’t have a mobile app.
Metrics and Reporting
PypeServer Cloud+ includes 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.
MSUITE has no mobile app.
The difference: PypeServer has a more full-function mobile app that functions wherever there’s cellular coverage, while the MSUITE doesn’t have a mobile app.
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.
MSUITE is part of Stanley Black & Decker, so they have high overhead and long product development cycles. MSUITE itself 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 MSUITE implementation.
