Comparison · 2026
Vector Intelligence vs Steel Genie
How Vector Intelligence and Steel Genie compare on detection breadth, integrations, pricing, and field results for steel estimators in 2026.
01 · In short
Vector Intelligence
Vector Intelligence positions on lineage, with the tagline 'Experts in Steel & Software', and it runs deep inside the Reliance Steel orbit. It reads a PDF and produces both a takeoff and a 3D model. The company is less visible publicly than the newer entrants, and more embedded inside a small handful of large customers.
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.
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.
Vector Intelligence Steel Genie
03 · Spec comparison
| Attribute | Vector Intelligence | Steel Genie |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Vector Intelligence (vectorintelligence.org) | ALLPLAN (Nemetschek) |
| Status | Active · Active 2026; multiple Reliance Steel subsidiaries integrated | Generally available · Launched April 2026 |
| Pricing | Not publicly disclosed | $9,950 per license (perpetual, single seat as marketed) |
| Detects | Beams, Columns, Structural framing | Beams, Columns, Joists, Studs, Braces, Brace frames, Seismic brace frames |
| Elevations | Not in public scope | Not in public scope |
| Integrations | PDF input, 3D model output | Tekla PowerFab, Excel, Marked-up PDFs, IFC |
| Named results | Not published | Master Steel · 67% increase in estimating throughput |
04 · What each does well
Vector Intelligence
- Two decades of steel detailing experience baked into the product.
- Embedded across multiple Reliance Carbon Structural Group subsidiaries.
- 3D model output alongside the takeoff.
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).
05 · Limitations
Vector Intelligence
- Limited public marketing. Feature breadth is hard to verify outside a demo.
- Field feedback has been uneven, and outside the Reliance subsidiaries the install base is smaller.
- No published pricing and no public throughput metrics. The roadmap isn't public either.
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.
The take
Both pair deep steel experience with automation, but their visibility differs sharply. Steel Genie is openly marketed, with a published price, a case study, and ALLPLAN distribution. Vector Intelligence is embedded inside the Reliance Steel orbit with little public detail, which makes outside diligence harder. For an independent fabricator, Steel Genie is easier to evaluate. Vector is most relevant if you are already inside its ecosystem.