Note: This is a repost from Modern Steel Construction's Hot Products 2025 Feature. Read the full article here.

NASCC: The Steel Conference was loaded with tools for designing and building successful steel structures.

More than 6,500 steel industry professionals convened in Louisville, Ky., in early April for the 2025 edition of NASCC: The Steel Conference. Every one of them had the chance to visit 310 exhibitor booths featuring products, services, equipment and machines that target at least one corner of the steel industry and supply chain. This year, conference attendees voted for their favorite exhibit hall offerings from a list of candidates. Here are the top vote-getters. (Congratulations to Bartek Bugala, who won an iPad in the drawing all voters were entered into)!

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SketchDeck.ai LIFT

Every steel fabricator knows the math of success: more bids = more wins = more profit.

The bottleneck?

Manual takeoffs.

LIFT by SketchDeck.ai is the Al-powered material counting software reshaping the structural steel industry. While traditional estimators spend hours tediously counting elements, LIFT users are submitting bids and winning contracts.

These numbers sound too good to be true, but this is the reality of a tool that delivers on the promise of Al. Our customers have reported some astounding figures, including:

• Reducing takeoff time by up to 80%
• Single estimators going from completing three to 15 bids in a month
• Increasing their monthly bidding output by 200%
• Increasing their bottom line from more bids won

For most steel fabricators, time isn't just money; it's opportunity. Every hour spent manually counting is an hour not spent on high-value analysis or additional bids. LIFT doesn't just count steel faster. It transforms how your estimating team operates, turning your experts from manual counters into strategic bidders who can focus on the nuances that win contracts.

Visit www.sketchdeck.ai for more information.

We're thrilled to announce that our Head of Product, Grayson Ingram, was recently featured in The Fabricator magazine's coverage of NASCC 2025: The Steel Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Read the original article here.

In an industry often perceived as slow to adopt new technology, Grayson stood alongside other innovators like Kereshmeh Afsari from Virginia Tech's Myers-Lawson School of Construction, David Wright of Schuff Steel, and Darren Hartman of Thornton Tomasetti Construction Engineering—all challenging the status quo in structural steel fabrication.

As Grayson explained in the article:

"Across the structural steel industry, we hear a lot about labor shortages and scheduling constraints, all while the documentation associated with jobs [are declining] in quality. On top of this, we're dealing with pricing fluctuations. All this, if you think about it, is really quite aligned with AI technology, if you think about what AI is really trying to do."

Our AI-based platform addresses these challenges head-on by scanning PDF-based bid material for key inputs and performing connection analysis to ensure they integrate well with shop floor processes. This significantly accelerates the takeoff process for fabricators, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.

Grayson further emphasized the industry's readiness for innovation:

"There's a perception that construction and the structural steel space are slow to adopt new technology. My experience tells me this is not true. If you identify a good fit between a problem and a technology to solve it, people in the structural steel space are very receptive to adopting it."

The article also highlighted other technological advances in the industry, including Virginia Tech's quadruped robots for construction site monitoring, Schuff Steel's connected model delivery platform, and impressive 3D printing innovations from Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions and Cast Connex.

We're proud to be part of this technological revolution in structural steel fabrication and gratified to see The Fabricator recognizing the pioneers who are pushing the industry forward.

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Want to see how our LIFT software can transform your estimating process from hours to minutes? Request a demo today.

The NASCC (North American Steel Construction Conference) in San Antonio was a thrilling event for all attendees, especially those interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and the steel industry. Automated Data Extraction in Construction | SketchDeck.ai | Edmonton had the privilege of hosting an AI session that delved deep into how AI is revolutionizing steel fabrication and erection processes. Industry experts Dave Clark from MacDougall Steel Erectors Inc. (MSE) and JP Martinez from Metals Fabrication Company shared their valuable experiences, shedding light on the practical applications and benefits of AI-powered take-off tools.

Key Takeaways from the AI Session

Our session was packed with insights and actionable advice. Here’s a brief overview of the most important points discussed:

Lessons Learned from Building AI Technology

1. Problem-First Approach: Identify the biggest challenges your organization faces and target AI solutions to address these issues. This ensures that the technology is not just a novelty but a real problem-solver.
2. Building the Technology: Start small and iterate quickly. Developing AI solutions is a complex task, but by starting with manageable projects and refining them over time, organizations can gradually build robust AI systems.
3. Finding the Right Expertise: Assembling a talented and diverse team is crucial for developing cutting-edge AI technology. The right mix of skills and perspectives can drive innovation and ensure successful implementation.

Learning Objectives of the Session

The session aimed to educate attendees on several key aspects of AI in the steel industry:

• Understanding Different Types of AI: From machine learning to neural networks, we covered various AI technologies and their potential applications.
• Benefits for Fabricators and Erectors: Attendees learned how AI can streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and reduce costs.
• Insights from Fabricators' Experiences: Real-world examples from industry leaders provided a practical perspective on AI adoption.

Why Now is the Time to Embrace AI

The timing for exploring AI’s potential in the steel industry couldn’t be better. With increased investment from both government bodies and venture capitalists, the resources and support for AI development are more accessible than ever. This surge in interest and funding presents a golden opportunity for steel fabricators and erectors to leverage AI and tackle some of the industry’s most persistent challenges.

Fabricators' Experiences in Adopting AI Tech

Dave Clark and JP Martinez shared firsthand accounts of their journey with AI adoption. They highlighted several benefits, including:

• Time Savings: AI tools have significantly reduced the time required for various tasks, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities.
• Improved Quality of Bids: Enhanced accuracy in take-offs and estimates leads to more competitive and reliable bids.
• Early Identification of Scope Risks: AI helps in identifying potential risks early in the project, enabling proactive management.
• Increased Bid Capacity: By automating routine tasks, AI enables companies to handle more projects simultaneously without compromising quality.

These experiences underscore the transformative potential of AI in the steel industry, from operational efficiencies to strategic advantages.

The Future is Bright

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into structural steel workflows, the opportunities for innovation and improvement are vast. We at Automated Data Extraction in Construction | SketchDeck.ai | Edmonton are excited about the future and are committed to helping our clients harness the power of AI to achieve their business goals.

For more information and to learn how AI can benefit your organization, feel free to reach out to us at Automated Data Extraction in Construction | SketchDeck.ai | Edmonton . Let's build the future of the steel industry together!