Comparison · 2026
Steel Genie vs Ferra
How Steel Genie and Ferra 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.
Ferra
Ferra is the most marketing-forward entrant in the category. It runs a Bid Intelligence summary on a drawing set, scoring risk and pulling scope before you commit to a bid. Validated takeoffs convert into 3D models. The interface is quick. The detection underneath is younger than the marketing makes it sound.
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 Ferra
03 · Spec comparison
| Attribute | Steel Genie | Ferra |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | ALLPLAN (Nemetschek) | Ferra (bidferra.com) |
| Status | Generally available · Launched April 2026 | Private beta (free trials at trade shows) · Active 2026 |
| Pricing | $9,950 per license (perpetual, single seat as marketed) | Not disclosed; private beta with selective onboarding |
| Detects | Beams, Columns, Joists, Studs, Braces, Brace frames, Seismic brace frames | Beams, Columns |
| Elevations | Not in public scope | Partial |
| Integrations | Tekla PowerFab, Excel, Marked-up PDFs, IFC | 3D model export |
| Named results | Master Steel · 67% increase in estimating throughput |
Not published |
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).
Ferra
- Clean, low-latency interface. Page-switching and click-through to detail callouts work well in demos.
- Bid Intelligence framing: pitched around 'which jobs to bid', not just 'how to take off'.
- Matchline overlay and revision diffing as headline features.
- Heavy NASCC presence and a visible customer logo wall.
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.
Ferra
- Currently scoped to beams and columns. Other structural members aren't emphasized yet.
- Operationally a beta. Pricing and SLAs are not public.
- Some customer logos are aspirational, and reference checks vary by account.
- The revisions-to-export workflow has reported friction at scale.
The take
Steel Genie and Ferra are the two highest-profile new entrants, and they sit at opposite ends of the maturity-versus-polish trade-off. Steel Genie brings ALLPLAN's distribution, a published $9,950 price, connection-aware takeoff, and a documented Master Steel case study. It detects a wider set of members, though it is reported to be weaker on elevations. Ferra has the cleaner, faster interface and a sharper 'which jobs to bid' story. It also remains private beta, scoped to beams and columns, with undisclosed pricing. Choose Steel Genie if you want a priced, shipping product from a major vendor. Trial Ferra if interface quality and bid triage matter more than breadth today.