If you’re in the tower assessment world, you know there’s nothing quite as satisfying as software that works with you—not against you. Cue Shapemaker and MS Tower, two software platforms with very different vibes. Let’s dive into a fun comparison of these platforms!
Out with the Old, In with the New
MS Tower may be a nostalgic tool for some, but it’s a bit like using a flip phone in the age of smartphones. MS Tower relies on the British Standard BS 8100 for structural assessments, a standard officially retired in 2010. In contrast, Shapemaker is the new kid on the block, fully embracing Eurocodes (specifically, EN 1991-1-4 and EN 1993-3-1) for load assessments, which are the current standards in Europe. This gives Shapemaker a leg up by default; not only does it follow today’s rules, but it also means smoother compliance and modern calculations.
Flexing the Automation Muscles
If there’s one area Shapemaker absolutely shines, it’s automation. Imagine the frustration of manually entering every detail in a text file (like MS Tower requires) versus having Shapemaker automatically take care of ice loads, wind velocity maps, terrain roughness and topography. Shapemaker pulls in satellite and topographical data for terrain analysis! This level of automation not only saves time but also significantly reduces human error, meaning you’re spending less time rechecking data and more time getting results.
Loading Blocks: Shapemaker Comes First
In MS Tower, loading cases and partial factors can be a bit…well, manual. You have to organize load cases yourself, and every update demands you tweak those input files. Shapemaker is built to handle all this effortlessly. Its Eurocode-compliant load factors and reliability classes are pre-embedded, so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time. Whether it’s wind speed, directionality, or seasonal factors, Shapemaker does the heavy lifting, letting engineers focus on the bigger picture.
Member Checks: Rigidity and Reliability
Structural integrity checks (like compression, tension, and bolt checks) are core for any tower assessment software. MS Tower uses older standards, specifically BS 8100-3, which hasn’t been updated for over a decade. Shapemaker, however, offers assessments according to Eurocode’s latest annexes, which means these checks are current, robust, and align with today’s engineering best practices. In addition, Shapemaker automates all structural checks, lowering skill barriers for its users. Think of it as getting an upgrade from VHS to streaming in HD—clearer, more relevant, and user-friendly!
The Final Showdown: Modern Features for a Modern Age
Shapemaker uses API to pull data from your favourite Portfolio Management Platform, making obsolete manual input of antenna and other data. Shapemaker’s real charm is in its user-friendly features and automation. By reducing manual input and increasing assessment accuracy, Shapemaker shifts the focus from tedious tasks to meaningful analysis. MS Tower, although reliable in its time, struggles to keep up with today’s standards. So if you’re ready to work smarter (and not harder), Shapemaker just might be your new favorite tool.
In the grand duel of tower assessment software (especially in Europe and the UK), Shapemaker isn’t just a win—it’s a no-brainer! With Shapemaker, you’re not just following standards; you’re meeting them head-on with streamlined, modern software that understands your needs as an engineer. And that’s worth celebrating! 🎉
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