CS EWP Studio™ FAQ

To provide our customers with the best EWP solutions over the long term, Simpson Strong-Tie requires a robust EWP platform that can be developed in parallel with our new CS Truss Studio software. Many of our truss customers need an integrated EWP solution. We can add value for our EWP customers by making their products easily available to building material suppliers systems using our software. As we transition to our new truss software platforms, we want to ensure alignment between those platforms and a viable EWP program.

No, Simpson Strong-Tie and CSD have agreed on a strategic alliance to provide customers with a Simpson Strong-Tie–branded version of the iStruct™ EWP software, called Simpson Strong-Tie® CS EWP Studio.

There will be a new pricing structure for the new program. Each program will be evaluated individually.

We will transition to the new CS EWP Studio platform later in 2016. Existing customers will have the option to use the platform of their choice during the transition period. Any new software requests will be on the new platform starting in 2017.

We are committed to providing the highest level of personal and technical service to our current customers and are currently determining how we can best serve all our customers without supporting two independent EWP software platforms. We will communicate any service changes as soon as possible.

No. We will leave the current EWP software active and available to support jobs using it. It is possible to export current EWP software jobs to dxf and then import them into CS EWP Studio to reduce "rework."

No. We do not have plans to integrate EWP Studio™ with the existing EWP software (which includes the Estimate, Manage, Build, Structure, Beam, and Plot applications). We are evaluating the possibility of integrating elements of CS Director™ with EWP Studio™ and will provide more information as it becomes available.

We do not have such integration planned for 2016; however, we will evaluate its feasibility and make a determination over time.

No. Wall panel design and production tools will be available only through the existing CS Build application. It is possible that wall panel design tools will be integrated into the overall platform. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Currently, the iStruct software interfaces with Hundegger saws, MiTek MBA. iStruct can import and export via customizable csv/xml to virtually any POS system.

Yes. Many of our customers require an integrated EWP and truss solution. We can add value for our EWP customers by making their products easily available to building material suppliers systems using our software. As we transition to our new truss software platforms, we want to ensure alignment between those platforms and a viable EWP program. Our core connector product line is represented in EWP systems.

CSD has the best EWP platform on the market. Customers tell us that it is easy to use and meets most of their needs better than the alternatives on the market. Customers have also told us that this new platform has a small learning curve, allowing designers to be productive just days after training. We believe that the combined resources of Simpson Strong-Tie and CSD can develop better future solutions than either could alone.

CSD has a new EWP design solution geared toward efficiently creating layouts, material lists and corresponding reports. Simpson Strong-Tie has a long history of providing outstanding engineering, training and customer support. Combining CS EWP Studio with our new Simpson Strong-Tie truss platform, we provide a multifaceted business model that helps support an EWP-inclusive platform.

Simpson Strong-Tie CS EWP Studio was released on July 1, 2016. We will communicate additional key milestones and dates as we determine them.

Initially, CS EWP Studio will look very much like the existing iStruct™ program. As we link the programs in the future, the Simpson Strong-Tie version may expand to include whatever additional capabilities we determine our customers require.

A continuously evolving Help feature is currently accessible from within the software. Additional resources will be available in the online Customer Zone.

Online training sessions have proven to be very effective for CS EWP Studio for both the Design Tool (single member sizer) and the Plan Tool (full 3D modeling). These training sessions are the most efficient way for customers to get up to speed on operating the software effectively.

In addition, iStruct™ and CS EWP Studio include a "Live Support" tool, accessible from within the program, that facilitates quick and easy access to our support team.

We will provide training through a variety of methods, including in-person, onsite training and online training modules. We are also considering regional workshops at Simpson Strong-Tie facilities throughout North America.

Online training sessions have proven to be very effective for CS EWP Studio for both the Design Tool (single member sizer) and the Plan Tool (full 3D modeling). These training sessions are the most efficient way to come up to speed on operating the software effectively.

No. There will not be interoperability between the existing EWP software and the new products. CS EWP Edition and CS EWP Lite programs are installed and function independently from the new products.

Yes. The current CS EWP Edition and CS EWP Lite programs are installed and function independently from the new products. We are committed to providing the highest level of personal and technical service to our current customers and are currently determining how we can best serve all our customers without supporting two independent EWP software platforms. A plan will be developed for "sunsetting" the current EWP software. We will communicate any service changes as soon as possible.

Yes. CS EWP Studio can be configured to allow single-member design similar to CS Beam. This is a Simpson Strong-Tie–branded version of the CSD isDesign™ software.

Yes. Within CS EWP Studio the Wall Tool and Optimize Tool are available. Pricing programs will reflect access to the additional features.