THS Concepts specializes in detailed surveying services, providing data-rich CAD drawings and reports for clients across London and the UK. Their range of services includes monitoring, measured, and topographical surveys. From the initial survey to the precise setting out of the building, THS Concepts ensures seamless project support from start to finish. Their work spans prestigious UK sites such as Wembley Stadium, Hyde Park, Southend Pier, and Whitehall (Westminster), as well as international projects in Liberia, Scotland, and Spain.
The Challenge
As a small company, THS Concepts is always looking for opportunities to maximize operational efficiency. With six surveyors relying heavily on CAD software to process data and produce deliverables, finding a cost-effective, reliable solution that integrates well with geomatic surveying tools was crucial. The high annual costs and limited licensing options for individual users of their previous CAD software also made it difficult for the company to spend in other areas, such as investing in their staff and new equipment.
Additionally, any CAD alternative had to meet THS Concepts’ high standards for quality and functionality. The team needed a CAD platform that could seamlessly support their workflow, which involves creating detailed 2D drawings, working with point clouds, and developing topographical and measured survey drawings. Maintaining the quality of their deliverables was key, as their clients choose them for producing designs that are both rich in detail and easy to understand.
The Solution
After evaluating CAD platforms, THS Concepts chose Octave BricsCAD based on three key factors: reducing costs, gaining greater licensing flexibility, and ensuring long-term value from a platform that continues to advance with new features. From the available product levels, they use Octave BricsCAD Pro for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and land surveying.
“Once you get used to BricsCAD, you can’t imagine going back. Our staff can operate in the same efficient manner. Our output is just as good. There’s absolutely no difference, because the transition is so simple for us,” explained Chris Horton, Operations Director at THS Concepts.
Ongoing Project at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium features a distinctive roof structure built around a 133‑meter-high arch that spans the venue. At each end of the stadium, large retractable roof panels can open and close to regulate sunlight and airflow, helping the field’s grass grow. THS Concepts carries out precision monitoring of the stadium’s steel structure, focusing on how the main arch and the heavy retractable roof sections behave over time. Their surveys track tiny shifts in the steelwork caused by the movement and weight of these roof elements, providing essential data that helps the stadium’s operators assess structural performance and plan ongoing maintenance.
“The significance of using BricsCAD at Wembley Stadium is that we can plot the positions of where things should be and the positions of where things are (on the roof). Then we put those points into a drawing so the client can visually see the differences,” explained Tom Ayre, Managing Director at THS Concepts.
Smooth Migration to BricsCAD
The transition to BricsCAD was seamless, with a short adjustment period for staff, thanks to a familiar interface and similar commands and processes to their previous platform.
"It was a no-brainer for us. The challenges we anticipated during the transition turned out to be minimal. I have used different CAD software in the past with different companies, and it can take months to adjust. Fortunately, in this case, that wasn’t what happened,” noted Horton.
The Results
Since migrating to BricsCAD, THS Concepts has experienced significant benefits:
Cost Savings
BricsCAD’s cost-effective model allows each surveyor at THS Concepts to have their own license, with more than 35% savings per license per year. These savings have been reinvested into the business to enhance equipment, improve workflows, and expand employee benefits.
Efficiency and Functionality
BricsCAD has proven to be just as efficient and functional as their previous software. The THS Concepts team creates precise 2D drawings, works with point clouds, and produces topographical surveys. Being able to import different point cloud file extensions into BricsCAD also saves the team about one hour per job.
Enhanced Workflow
BricsCAD’s user-friendly interface and features, such as dynamic and parametric blocks, have streamlined the team's workflow. The software’s stability and smooth operation ensure that projects are completed efficiently without compromising on quality.
Client Satisfaction
THS Concepts places strong emphasis on the presentation of their drawings, ensuring clients receive clear, professional deliverables. Unlike competitors who rely heavily on automation, THS Concepts uses BricsCAD to create drawings with meticulous attention to detail. This focus on quality has set them apart in the industry.
Seamless Collaboration
The team easily shares files, including PDFs, DWGs, and point cloud data, with their clients. BricsCAD’s compatibility with these formats ensures smooth collaboration and data exchange.
Product Documentation and Tutorials
Using the Help Center resources, the team finds clear explanations of BricsCAD functionality and updates.
"The support requests I've sent have always been replied to very quickly, which is great. And the Help articles often explain what we're trying to find out about a new tool or feature," said Ayre.
Overall, BricsCAD has become a practical tool that fits naturally into their processes, helping them maintain high standards and support projects across the UK and beyond.
To see why BricsCAD is the true CAD alternative and how it can support your company’s success, download a free trial today.
UK
Civil & Surveying
THS Concepts
- ths-concepts.co.uk
