As fabricators navigating the demands of 2026, we often face the critical decision of which software best equips our teams to produce accurate, efficient, and truly fabrication-ready shop drawings. In the structural steel world, two powerhouses dominate the conversation: Tekla Structures from Trimble and SDS/2 from ALLPLAN (formerly Design Data). Both generate exceptional shop drawings, CNC files, BOMs, and erection plans—but their philosophies, strengths, and workflows differ significantly.

We work closely with detailers and fabricators daily, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right choice can shave weeks off schedules, reduce rework by double digits, and improve profitability. This in-depth comparison focuses squarely on what matters most to you as a fabricator: the quality, speed, and reliability of shop drawings that go straight to the shop floor and CNC machines with minimal intervention.

We’ll break down key differences, highlight 2026-specific advancements, weigh pros and cons, and provide practical guidance to help you decide which platform aligns best with your operation—whether you’re handling complex high-rises, industrial facilities, repetitive commercial buildings, or a mix.

Core Philosophies: Modeling Flexibility vs. Automated Intelligence

Tekla Structures: The BIM-Centric Powerhouse

Tekla Structures treats every project as a true constructible BIM model. In 2026, this means object-based intelligence where every beam, plate, bolt, and weld carries rich data throughout the lifecycle—from conceptual design through fabrication, erection, and even asset management.

We appreciate how Tekla empowers detailers with granular control. You build the model exactly as it will be fabricated and erected, supporting multi-material environments (steel + concrete + rebar + timber) and handling intricate geometries that demand custom connections or irregular framing.

Shop drawings in Tekla shine through advanced cloning, associativity, and AI-assisted tools introduced in recent releases. The software’s AI Cloud Fabrication drawings service accelerates creation by suggesting optimal templates, enhancing cloning logic, and maintaining tight links between model changes and drawing updates—reducing manual adjustments dramatically.

SDS/2: The Fabrication-First Automation Engine

SDS/2 approaches detailing from the fabricator’s perspective first. Its rule-based, intelligent system automates connection design based on engineering loads, codes (AISC, Eurocode, etc.), and fabricator preferences—often generating fully designed connections with minimal input.

In 2026, SDS/2 doubles down on this strength with a redesigned Drawing Editor for faster performance, bulk editing for revision charts, smarter welding automation, custom profiles, and expanded material support beyond traditional steel (aluminum, stainless, FRP). These updates make it even quicker to produce shop drawings tailored for direct CNC output and shop processes.

We find SDS/2 excels when speed and standardization matter most—think production-driven shops where repetitive framing and code-compliant connections dominate.

Key Comparison: Shop Drawing Quality and Efficiency in 2026

Accuracy, Customization, and Clash-Free Deliverables

Both platforms deliver high-accuracy shop drawings, but their paths differ.

Tekla offers superior flexibility for complex projects. Its parametric components, advanced clash detection, and multi-user cloud collaboration ensure drawings reflect real-world constructability. In 2026, enhancements like improved drawing cloning associativity and AI-powered template selection mean fewer orphaned views or mismatched details when the model evolves—critical for fabricators who hate rework.

SDS/2 counters with automation depth. Built-in connection engineering often produces cleaner, more optimized details faster. The 2026 release’s smart grouping for connections and bulk revision editing streamlines updates across large drawing sets, minimizing errors in high-volume production.

For fabricators prioritizing zero-interpretation drawings, SDS/2’s rule-driven approach frequently yields more “press-play” readiness, while Tekla rewards teams willing to invest in customization for bespoke or multi-disciplinary coordination.

Speed of Production and Drawing Generation

Time-to-drawing is where differences emerge sharply.

SDS/2 typically wins on raw speed for standard steel projects. Its automation generates shop drawings, NC files, and BOMs rapidly—often in batches with less manual cleanup. The 2026 redesigned Drawing Editor and performance boosts make drawing manipulation noticeably snappier, especially for large assemblies.

Tekla may require more upfront modeling effort but catches up through powerful tools like AI-assisted cloning and cloud-based drawing services in 2026. Once the model is solid, producing hundreds of drawings becomes highly efficient, particularly with custom macros or extensions tailored to your shop standards.

We see fabricators report 20-40% faster detailing cycles with SDS/2 on straightforward jobs, while Tekla pulls ahead on projects needing extensive coordination or irregular framing.

Integration with CNC, Fabrication, and Downstream Workflows

Both export excellent CNC data (DSTV, DXF, etc.), but integration styles vary.

Tekla integrates deeply with Trimble’s ecosystem (PowerFab, Connect) and third-party tools, supporting advanced tracking, piece marking, and AR/VR for erection. Its open API allows heavy customization—ideal if your shop uses diverse machinery or ERP systems.

SDS/2 focuses on seamless shop-to-field handoff with direct BIMPLUS cloud integration for sharing CNC/BOM data. 2026 additions like smarter weld modeling and material tracking enhance traceability, reducing shop-floor questions.

Fabricators embedded in US/Canadian markets often favor SDS/2’s straightforward fabricator setup, while those with global or multi-stakeholder projects lean toward Tekla’s broader interoperability.

Pros and Cons: A Fabricator’s Perspective

Tekla Structures Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unmatched flexibility for complex, multi-material, or geometrically challenging projects
• Superior BIM coordination and clash resolution
• Powerful 2026 AI and cloud tools for smarter drawing production
• Extensive customization via macros, templates, and open API
• Strong for large-scale industrial, infrastructure, and high-rise work

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve and higher initial setup time
• Can feel overkill for simple, repetitive steel jobs
• Higher licensing costs in some configurations

SDS/2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional automation for connection design and shop drawing speed
• Tailored for fabricators with intuitive job setup and code-based intelligence
• 2026 updates deliver faster drawing editor, bulk tools, and material versatility
• Often lower barrier for teams focused on production efficiency
• Excellent for standard commercial, industrial, and warehouse projects

Cons:

• Less flexible for highly irregular or non-steel elements
• Limited multi-material support compared to Tekla
• Smaller global footprint may affect collaboration on international bids

Choosing the Right Software for Your Fabrication Shop in 2026

Assess Your Project Mix and Workflow Needs

Evaluate honestly: Do most jobs involve standard framing with emphasis on fast, automated connections? SDS/2 likely delivers better shop drawing ROI through speed and minimal tweaks.

Handling stadiums, bridges, complex industrial plants, or projects requiring tight BIM integration with architects/engineers? Tekla Structures provides the depth and coordination edge.

Many progressive fabricators maintain dual capability or partner with detailers proficient in both—using SDS/2 for production runs and Tekla for bids needing advanced modeling.

Consider Team Skills, Costs, and Future-Proofing

Factor training investment, licensing (Tekla often higher but scalable; SDS/2 competitive for steel-focused shops), and 2026 trends like AI assistance and cloud collaboration. Both evolve rapidly—Tekla with broader BIM innovation, SDS/2 with sharper fabrication focus.

We recommend pilot projects or demos: Model the same job in both and compare drawing quality, time invested, and shop feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which software produces better shop drawings for high-volume fabrication shops?

SDS/2 typically edges out for high-volume, standard steel projects thanks to its deep automation, faster drawing generation, and fabricator-centric workflows—especially with 2026’s performance upgrades and bulk tools. For varied or complex work, Tekla often matches or exceeds through intelligent cloning and AI features.

Is Tekla Structures worth the steeper learning curve for fabricators?

Yes—if your shop handles complex geometries, multi-material coordination, or large-scale BIM projects. The investment pays off in reduced clashes, better constructability, and future-proofing. For purely steel-focused production, SDS/2’s easier ramp-up may deliver quicker returns.

How do 2026 updates impact the choice between Tekla and SDS/2?

Tekla’s AI Cloud Fabrication and enhanced cloning make drawing production smarter and more associative. SDS/2’s redesigned Drawing Editor, bulk editing, and expanded materials boost speed and versatility. Both strengthen their positions—choose based on whether you prioritize BIM depth (Tekla) or fabrication automation (SDS/2).

Conclusion

In 2026, neither Tekla Structures nor SDS/2 holds an absolute crown for shop drawings—excellence depends on alignment with your specific needs. Tekla remains the go-to for intricate, BIM-heavy, or multi-stakeholder projects where modeling precision and coordination drive value. SDS/2 continues to dominate production-oriented fabrication with unmatched automation, speed, and shop-tailored intelligence.

We encourage you to map your current pain points—rework volume, drawing turnaround, connection complexity, team expertise—and test both platforms against real jobs. The right choice empowers your shop to deliver flawless steel faster, safer, and more profitably.

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