What Does Engineering Automation Cost?
Honest pricing guidance based on 50+ delivered projects. No hidden fees, no surprise scope creep — just clear ranges so you can plan with confidence.
Most Vendors Won't Share Pricing
Most automation vendors won't share pricing because every project is different. That's true — but it doesn't help you plan. You shouldn't need a sales call just to know if automation fits your budget. Here's what we can tell you from 15+ years of project data.
Typical Project Investment
Real ranges from real projects — not marketing numbers.
CAD Plugin / Add-in
Single-purpose automation tool, custom commands, UI panel. Automates one specific workflow or repetitive task within your CAD environment.
Variant Drawing Automation
Rule-driven drawing generation from parametric templates. Automatically produces accurate drawings, BOMs, and annotations for product variants.
Product Configurator (Web-based)
Sales-to-engineering automation with 3D visualization, BOM generation, and system integration. Eliminates engineering bottlenecks in quoting.
Enterprise Integration
Multi-system automation connecting CAD, ERP, PDM, and manufacturing. End-to-end digital thread from sales through production.
Ranges reflect typical projects. Your investment depends on scope, complexity, and integration requirements.
What Drives the Cost
Six factors that most influence where your project falls within these ranges.
Variant & Rule Complexity
Number of product variants and the complexity of engineering rules that drive configuration.
CAD Platforms Involved
Single-platform automation is simpler. Multi-platform (e.g., Inventor + AutoCAD + Revit) adds scope.
Integration Requirements
Connecting to ERP, PDM, web portals, or other business systems adds integration development.
Output Types
Drawings, BOMs, calculation reports, 3D models, PDFs — each output type adds development scope.
User Interface Requirements
Internal engineering tools vs. polished customer-facing configurators have different UI demands.
Regulatory & Compliance
Industry standards (IS, AISC, Eurocode) and audit trail requirements add validation complexity.
How to Think About ROI
Most projects pay for themselves within 3–6 months. Here's why.
Want to run the numbers for your specific workflow? Use our ROI Calculator →
Engagement Options
Choose the engagement model that fits your needs and risk tolerance.
Fixed-Scope Project
Defined deliverables, fixed price, clear timeline. You know exactly what you're getting and what it costs before we start.
Phased Development
Start with a proof of concept, validate results, then scale. Each phase has its own scope and budget, so you control risk at every step.
Long-Term Partnership
Ongoing development, maintenance, and feature expansion. Dedicated resources with deep knowledge of your systems and workflows.
Pricing FAQ
Do you charge for the initial consultation?
No. Our free automation audit evaluates your workflows and provides a detailed assessment with ROI estimates. There's no obligation — it's designed to give you clarity before any commitment.
What's included in the price?
All development, testing, documentation, deployment, and initial training. Source code ownership transfers to you. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Are there ongoing costs?
Only if you want ongoing maintenance and support. We offer optional annual maintenance agreements that cover version upgrades, bug fixes, and priority support. Many clients manage their systems independently after deployment.
Can we start small and expand?
Absolutely. Most clients start with a single automation and expand once they see results. Our phased approach is designed exactly for this — prove value quickly, then scale with confidence.
How do you handle scope changes?
Transparently. If scope changes during a project, we discuss the impact on timeline and cost before proceeding. You'll never be surprised by a bill. Changes are documented and approved before any additional work begins.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Every project is different, but the conversation starts the same way — tell us about your workflow, and we'll give you an honest assessment of what automation would cost and what it would save.