H.P. Kaysser faced the challenge of streamlining the complexity and time required for quote calculations. With a product portfolio ranging from simple sheet metal parts to ready-to-install assemblies comprising up to 400 components and 17 individual trades, establishing a fast, comparable, and reliable basis for cost estimation became a critical competitive advantage. Thanks to simus classmate, the family-owned business can now generate accurate quotes more quickly.
Since 1947, H.P. Kaysser GmbH + Co. KG in Nellmersbach near Stuttgart has grown dynamically and innovatively into a leading supplier of components and systems for metalworking, with approximately 450 employees. From engineering through the entire metalworking and finishing process chain to logistics, customers receive intelligent and cost-effective solutions. The product range extends from simple sheet metal parts to complex, electronics-equipped assemblies. In the partially climate-controlled machining technology center, high-precision assemblies and large components are produced for demanding projects and customers. On over 100 mostly interlinked, automated systems, experts process steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum in all variations.
With over 75 years of experience, H.P. Kaysser offers a one-stop solution for everything from design to mass production.
“We have to quote prices for small sheet metal parts in medium-volume runs of up to 10,000 pieces, as well as for assemblies consisting of 300 to 400 parts or complete machines. Because the complexity and number of quotes are constantly increasing, we began looking for suitable software in 2021.”
Tobias Scheffel, Sales Engineer and Project Manager at H.P. Kaysser
“When we receive an inquiry, we look for solutions that are faster, better, and more reliable than what other providers can offer,” explains Tobias Scheffel, who joined H.P. Kaysser seven years ago as a sales engineer. To prepare a quote, you need not only technical expertise across the entire range of services but also solid cost data. “We have to quote prices for small sheet metal parts in medium-volume runs of up to 10,000 pieces, as well as for assemblies consisting of 300 to 400 parts or complete machines. Because the complexity and number of quotes are constantly increasing, we began looking for suitable software in 2021,” says Tobias Scheffel. In her bachelor’s thesis, Karola Roth – who now also works in sales – researched possible solutions.
A careful selection process among three potential vendors led to a three-month pilot project in 2022 using the classmate PLAN software from simus systems. Using 3D CAD models, the program identifies the necessary work sequences and manufacturing parameters and automatically assigns them to the available manufacturing equipment. It also displays setup and production times for each operation and calculates costs based on individual specifications. For the pilot project, three typical assemblies were provided, and a technology database was populated with appropriate values. “As a small stress test, we transferred a component from a 3-axis to a 5-axis milling machine and incorporated various other nuances,” recalls Tobias Scheffel. “The entire sales team was thrilled with the project results. An impressive range of technologies was analyzed in great detail.”
“The entire sales team was thrilled with the project results. An impressive range of technologies was analyzed in great detail.”
Detailed Breakdown of Costing Results in classmate PLAN
Thus, in mid-2023, the decision was made to implement classmate PLAN in the sales department. “Since we wanted to drive the project forward alongside our sales responsibilities, we deliberately took the time to ensure a detailed and robust implementation,” reports Tobias Scheffel. An initial challenge for the project manager was data quality: The STEP models from the various CAD systems differed in terms of data quality. These compatibility issues were resolved. The team realized: “The higher the data consistency, the better the calculation results will be.”
This applies equally to the content of the technology database, which had to be meticulously researched in each case so that all services could be mapped to the specific data of the manufacturing facilities. How long can parts be for processing in the trowalizing drum? For some technologies, simus systems had to create new capabilities. For instance, the calculation module for laser tube processing was developed in six months. “We fully appreciate the effort involved in such customizations, which simus has always implemented promptly,” says Tobias Scheffel. “Once we had a good understanding of how classmate PLAN works and its requirements, the collaboration on the implementation project was very professional and effective.”
Since October 2025, Karola Roth, Marco Kurz, and Tobias Scheffel have been working with classmate PLAN as “power users”. Colleagues are now being introduced to the solution through internal training sessions. But the benefits of the new solution for the sales department are already becoming apparent: “We save a significant amount of time in the costing process. We use the time we’ve freed up to develop technically sophisticated solutions,” explains Marco Kurz. A deeper understanding of assemblies, the combination of welding and machining processes, and the comparison of different approaches ultimately benefit customers. This makes it easier to respond quickly to inquiries with complex requirements, which pleases Karola Roth: “We can now submit reliable quotes in significantly less time. With classmate PLAN, we achieve greater accuracy in our calculations and eliminate both commercial and technical sources of error.”
Every calculation can be transparently tracked by any employee. This offers two additional strategic advantages for the company: “Given the ever-expanding range of technical capabilities and the high technical standards in sales, the software enables faster and more effective training of additional sales staff,” says Tobias Scheffel. This reduces reliance on the expertise of individual cost estimation specialists. “Colleagues can quickly get up to speed on the cost estimates for complex assemblies and understand the logic behind them using the comment feature and detailed information.”
“We can now submit reliable quotes in significantly less time. With classmate PLAN, we achieve greater accuracy in our calculations and eliminate both commercial and technical sources of error.”
Karola Roth, Sales Representative at H.P. Kaysser
“If you can’t sell your products, even the most advanced digitalization of manufacturing is of no use. We are convinced that classmate PLAN is the right solution for sales, and we are proud to have implemented the software.”
By implementing classmate PLAN in its sales department, H.P. Kaysser has taken a significant step toward ensuring its competitiveness. The ability to generate more qualified quotes increases market availability. For manufacturers, it makes sense to launch digitalization projects in their sales departments: “If you can’t sell your products, even the most advanced digitalization of manufacturing is of no use. We are convinced that classmate PLAN is the right solution for sales, and we are proud to have implemented the software,” says Tobias Scheffel. In the future, the benefits of classmate PLAN will be further expanded and leveraged for work planning and manufacturing.
