TRICAD MS
TRICAD MS: A Windows desktop suite linking plant models, schematics, calculations and fabrication outputs. Ranked #9 of 16 in Plant Design Management Systems Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for plant teams needing integrated calculations.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forPlant teams needing integrated calculations
- 3D model coordinationYes
- Founded1983 · Bad Soden, Germany
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines 3D layouts, P&IDs, isometrics and engineering calculations.
- Adds clash checks, interdisciplinary planning, BOMs and weld lists.
- Connects with Bentley tools and DWG, DXF, IFC, IGES and STEP files.
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop deployment limits platform flexibility.
- Pricing uses a contact-sales licensing model.
- Support is offered by email and phone, not 24/7.
Our verdict on TRICAD MS
TRICAD MS is a modular 3D CAD application for plant design and building-services engineering. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise engineering organizations working on complex industrial or infrastructure projects. The workflow spans P&ID and block-flow diagram authoring, 3D plant layouts, pipeline isometrics generated through ISOGEN, interdisciplinary coordination, collision checks, reporting and integrated engineering calculations. Modules cover piping, steel construction and schematics, while automatic bills of materials and weld lists support downstream documentation.
The platform fits teams already working in Bentley-centered or standards-based environments. TRICAD MS is built on Bentley MicroStation or Bentley OpenBuildings Designer and provides interfaces for DWG, DGN, DXF, IGES, STEP and IFC files, plus Microsoft Excel connectivity. Those links support exchange with existing CAD, BIM and spreadsheet processes rather than isolating plant data in a single format. Deployment is desktop-based on Windows, and licensing is available for workstation or network use. The vendor uses a contact-sales pricing model, so organizations should discuss their required modules and license arrangement directly.
Its main advantage is breadth within plant engineering: one environment can connect diagrams, coordinated models, calculations, clash review and fabrication-oriented outputs. That scope suits teams that need integrated engineering data across plant trades. The trade-off is a narrower deployment profile than browser-based systems; Windows workstations and Bentley dependencies may not fit organizations seeking operating-system flexibility or cloud-first collaboration. Support is provided through email and phone, without 24/7 coverage. Choose TRICAD MS when integrated plant calculations and established desktop CAD workflows matter most; consider alternatives if continuous support or web deployment is a primary requirement.
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TRICAD MS pricing
TRICAD MS fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| 3D model coordination | Yes |
| P&ID authoring | Yes |
| Isometric drawings | Yes |
| Clash detection | Yes |
| Document control | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Email, Phone |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Bentley MicroStation, Bentley OpenBuildings Designer, IFC, ISOGEN, DWG, DGN … |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Website | tricad.eu |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
TRICAD MS integrations
TRICAD MS lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Bentley MicroStation
- Bentley OpenBuildings Designer
- IFC
- ISOGEN
- DWG
- DGN
- DXF
- IGES
- STEP
- Microsoft Excel
Alternatives to TRICAD MS
- AVEVA Unified Engineering (including E3D Design)A broad plant engineering environment for coordinating design data, deliverables and teams.9.4
- Bentley Plant Design WorkSuiteA broad plant engineering suite for projects spanning modeling, drawings and routing.9.1
- Hexagon CADWorx Plant ProfessionalSpecification-driven 3D plant design for established Windows-based piping teams.8.8
See all TRICAD MS alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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