Comparison · 2026
Steel Genie vs Alkali
How Steel Genie and Alkali compare on detection breadth, integrations, pricing, and field results for steel estimators in 2026.
01 · In short
Steel Genie
Steel Genie is ALLPLAN's AI takeoff product. It launched in April 2026 after starting life inside Masters Metals, a fabricator near Hilton Head. The software reads framing off a drawing set and calculates connections under AISC LRFD and ASD. It also builds an estimating-level 3D model. The pitch is straightforward: a fabricator already running the Nemetschek stack gets its estimating tool from the same vendor.
Alkali
Alkali is the closest direct comparison to Lift on member coverage. It detects the same six categories of structural steel and runs AISC weight math automatically. It also supports collaborative bid markup. Its Column Scanner ships as a named feature, a gap Lift is still closing.
02 · Head-to-head score
Editorial scoring, 0 to 100, based on public claims, product surface area, field reports, and 2026 positioning. It is not a benchmark.
Steel Genie Alkali
03 · Spec comparison
| Attribute | Steel Genie | Alkali |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | ALLPLAN (Nemetschek) | Alkali (alkali.engineering) |
| Status | Generally available · Launched April 2026 | Generally available · Active 2026 |
| Pricing | $9,950 per license (perpetual, single seat as marketed) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Detects | Beams, Columns, Joists, Studs, Braces, Brace frames, Seismic brace frames | Beams, Columns, Joists, Braces, Base plates, Miscellaneous steel |
| Elevations | Not in public scope | Partial |
| Integrations | Tekla PowerFab, Excel, Marked-up PDFs, IFC | Tekla, Excel, Bluebeam, Adobe, PDF markup |
| Named results | Master Steel · 67% increase in estimating throughput |
Aggregate · Users take off 7% of monthly U.S. structural steel volume |
04 · What each does well
Steel Genie
- Backed by ALLPLAN/Nemetschek distribution and the existing SDS2 channel.
- Connection-aware: applies AISC LRFD and ASD methods during takeoff.
- Estimating-grade 3D model alongside the BOM in under three minutes.
- A strong launch case study at Master Steel (67% throughput, 54% more steel year over year).
Alkali
- Wide member coverage, including base plates and miscellaneous steel.
- Column Scanner shipping as a named feature, with stock-aware nesting downstream.
- Real-time collaborative estimating with live cursors.
- Aggregate footprint: 7% of monthly U.S. structural steel volume runs through the product.
05 · Limitations
Steel Genie
- Detection is reported as plan-focused. Elevations are a known gap in field tests.
- One launch case study so far. Outside Master Steel, results are not yet third-party verified.
- Vendor gravity: pricing and roadmap follow Nemetschek priorities, not the shop's.
- Newer to market than Lift, with less production telemetry to date.
Alkali
- Public pricing not disclosed.
- Throughput claims are aggregate volume, not customer-by-customer outcomes.
- Elevation telemetry is less battle-tested than Lift's.
The take
Steel Genie and Alkali both court serious fabricators, from different positions. Steel Genie brings ALLPLAN's distribution, a published price, connection calculations, and an estimating-grade 3D model, backed by a single strong case study. Alkali brings wider independent traction, a Column Scanner, collaborative markup, and nesting. Its pricing isn't public, and its results are aggregate rather than customer-named. Steel Genie suits shops that value vendor backing and a known number. Alkali suits shops that want breadth and collaboration and will trial before they buy.