Why Cost Estimation Matters in Design and Engineering
Up to 80 percent of the manufacturing costs of products are already determined during development. Traditional cost estimation methods, however, are often manual, time-consuming, and lack the precision required for engineering decisions.
Without reliable insights, companies face the risk of costly design changes, missed savings potential, and delayed quotations. Early and accurate cost estimation enables engineers to evaluate design alternatives, identify cost drivers, and align product development with profitability goals.
7 reasons why our software immediately improves your cost estimation process
Our solution calculates manufacturing costs automatically and directly from 3D CAD models. Instead of relying on rough estimates or manual calculations, engineers receive precise cost data within seconds. All geometric and topological information is taken directly from your 3D CAD model and automatically analyzed. In seconds, the software algorithm determines routings, calculates production costs and detects cost drivers at an early stage.
With this level of integration, cost estimation becomes an integral part of product development—fast, reliable, and data-driven.
At a glance: RED means EXPENSIVE
In order to display the cost structure of a part clearly for designers at one glance, the 3D CAD model can be colored in accordance with ‘traffic light colors’. ‘Expensive‘ faces are colored red, while ‘cheaper‘ faces are colored yellow or green.
Detailed information on manufacturing processes and costs
There is very detailed cost information for each surface. General calculation parameters of production technologies are already recorded in a technology database, e.g. cutting parameters for turning and milling processes. Individual parameters, e.g. hourly rates for machines, can be configured individually and easily in line with demands specific to the customer. Therefore, the work going into the maintenance of the basis of calculation basics is kept to a minimum.
Your Benefits with Automated Cost Estimation
By using our advanced cost estimation software, your company gains measurable advantages throughout the entire product development process:
Calculate 95% faster than before
Reliable cost estimation results available within seconds instead of hours or days
Higher accuracy
Reduced risk of errors compared to manual calculations. You don’t have to rely on the experience of individual employees.
Improved collaboration
A shared data basis for engineering, purchasing, and sales
Would you like to see our software in a live demo? Contact us today! ⇒
Our sales engineers are happy to advise you.
Trusted by Leading Manufacturing Companies

“For around 80 percent of our components, simus classmate calculates the manufacturing costs in advance with a hit rate of 95 percent. The designers build up their own knowledge and achieve their cost targets better without our support.”

“The fact that all material master data can be found quickly simplifies and speeds up the various maintenance and repair tasks.”

“We are very taken with the solution’s versatility and see classmate PLAN as a centerpiece for our efforts to make the manufacturing process leaner, more flexible and more cost effective.”







