CEVO SYSTEM · TRANSFER STORY
From Advance Steel to bocad
A practical migration story
Changing detailing software is a strategic decision. Today, steel construction companies expect more than powerful modeling capabilities. They need efficient workflows, reliable fabrication data and software that supports both their current projects and future business development.
Cevo System faced the same challenge. After many years of working with Advance Steel, the Belgian steel construction company began looking for a solution that would better support its engineering processes. The company chose bocad, SCHULLER&Company's BIM software. Together with Liemar, bocad's Dutch partner, the migration was carried out step by step – without interrupting ongoing project work.
Why Cevo System decided to move beyond Advance Steel
Cevo System, based in Tessenderlo, Belgium, has been designing, fabricating and erecting steel structures for almost 40 years. Over that time, its engineering tools evolved alongside the business. Around the early 2000s, the company moved from manual drafting to digital detailing, first with Advance Steel and later, for a period, with both Advance Steel and Parabuild.
As projects became more demanding, the company began asking a simple question:
Does our software still fit the way we work today?
Rather than comparing feature lists, Cevo System focused on practical day-to-day engineering. The goal was to find software that would better support its projects today while providing a reliable platform for future development.
The team was looking for software that could:
-
adapt to different project requirements,
-
provide greater flexibility during detailing,
-
simplify the creation of fabrication drawings,
-
support smarter engineering decisions,
-
offer long-term development security.
Why bocad was the best fit
When evaluating alternatives, Cevo System looked beyond technical specifications. The company wanted software that supported practical steel construction workflows and gave engineers the flexibility to solve projects in the way they considered most effective.
"You can do a great deal with bocad. There are also many different ways to solve the same task."
Donat Krafft, Cevo System
As engineers became familiar with bocad, the benefits quickly became apparent.
"I'm very satisfied with the generation of overview drawings, sections and fabrication drawings. You can achieve much more with bocad than with Advance Steel." Donat Krafft, Cevo System
For Cevo System, bocad offered:
-
flexible detailing workflows,
-
efficient generation of drawings and sections,
-
steel-specific functionality,
-
direct access to experienced support specialists.
How Liemar managed the transition
Changing detailing software affects much more than the engineering department. Existing projects, users and established workflows all need to be considered.
To ensure a smooth transition, Cevo System worked closely with Liemar. The migration was carefully planned so engineers could continue working on active projects while gradually adopting the new software.
"Companies don't change detailing software every few years. They are investing in the next stage of their business. That's why we focus not only on the software itself, but on helping customers make a smooth transition with confidence." Tom Smout, Liemar
Liemar supported the migration by:
-
reviewing existing workflows,
-
planning the transition in manageable steps,
-
providing implementation support and user training,
-
assisting engineers throughout the changeover,
-
coordinating closely with the bocad team whenever required.
What changed after the migration
Today, bocad is an integral part of Cevo System's engineering process. Alongside the software itself, the company values direct access to specialists at both bocad and Liemar who understand the realities of steel construction and provide practical support.
"It's important that support engineers understand steel construction. Knowing where to click is one thing. Understanding what happens in the workshop is what really makes the difference." Donat Krafft, Cevo System
Looking back, the migration from Advance Steel to bocad was more than a software replacement. Through structured planning, practical training and close cooperation with Liemar, Cevo System successfully introduced a solution that supports its engineering processes today and provides a strong foundation for future growth.