The software sector is characterised by its ability to react to the demands of its customers on an almost daily basis and Consultec UK, part of the Eleco group, is certainly a case in point. It carries out twice-yearly major updates to its software packages, comprising around 40 “enhancements” for each release.
The Whole House Engineering module (TTJ June 26/July 3), the forthcoming add-on to the company’s Timber Frame and Floor software, represents a quantum leap for timber frame manufacturers and designers. It also gives Consultec the opportunity to introduce a new licensing concept to its customers.
The sale of the product is based on an annual licence fee, and Consultec is forecasting to sell this add-on to the existing users of the software. “The fee is relatively small for an annual basis,” explained managing director Jason Ruddle, “but we’re working on the principle that it’s not the only fee we’ll be receiving back from the product.”
Consultec has built in a control mechanism within its existing security systems known as a dongle, a small hardware device that acts as an authentication key for a particular piece of software and attaches to the user’s computer terminal. When a client buys the WHE package, he or she also buys a number of tokens, which are licensed to the dongle, and each time the structural calculations are run, a token is deducted. Each token is a nominal cost regardless of the size of the structure for which the calculations are being made, and the total fee is paid up front.
When the dongle is down to its last two tokens, the user receives an alert and, upon contacting Consultec and paying for a further supply of tokens, is supplied with an updated authorisation code.
“Last year 13,000 timber frame structures were built within the UK,” said Mr Ruddle. “I don’t expect to get to the level where all the timber frame engineering in the UK is done through our product, but we certainly envisage that over the coming years the existing user base will add this valuable tool to their day-to-day usage of software.”
The dongle system benefits the client because, unlike security devices built into a computer’s hard drive, it can be used on different terminals. It also provides significant cost benefits.
“For a set fee, Consultec software users can offer quick and accurate design calculations for a timber structure, which greatly benefits both the customer and the structural engineer by substantially shortening the approval process,” said Mr Ruddle.
