Tool comparison
Plan together instead of sending files.
Traditional software for factory and layout planning usually runs locally on individual workstations, and versions travel back and forth as files. With matflow everyone works in the same model, operated in the EU cloud or on your own network. Here is what that means in practice.
| Criterion |   | Typical desktop planning software |
|---|---|---|
| Cost and access | ||
| Price | matflow From €79 per planner per month with annual billing, €99 with monthly billing. Viewers are free. | Typical desktop planning software Often several thousand euros per licence per year, training usually comes on top |
| Licences | matflow Fulfilled: Every planner has their own account. No floating licences and no waiting for a free seat. | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Floating licences: seats are shared, and when all are taken someone has to wait |
| Installation | matflow Fulfilled: None, runs in the browser | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Local installation on each workstation |
| Operating system | matflow Fulfilled: Platform-independent (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Usually tied to one operating system |
| Updates | matflow Fulfilled: Automatic, for all users at once | Typical desktop planning software Partly fulfilled: Updated on each workstation separately |
| Planning | ||
| 2D/3D layout planning | matflow Fulfilled: In the browser, with DWG/DXF import | Typical desktop planning software Fulfilled: On the desktop, with CAD import |
| Configurable objects | matflow Fulfilled: Over 250 parametric objects. A pallet rack, for example, is set up by bays, levels, bay width and depth. | Typical desktop planning software Partly fulfilled: A few configurable systems, many models are fixed |
| Map as background | matflow Fulfilled: Satellite image or map of the site, true to scale and georeferenced beneath the layout | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Only an image or screenshot as background, scaled by hand |
| Captured as-built | matflow Fulfilled: Siteviewer integration: plan inside the real building, captured from photos and videos | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Usually only via manually redrawn CAD plans |
| Large 3D models | matflow Fulfilled: Imported models are simplified automatically, down to a simplified hull, so the overall model stays smooth. | Typical desktop planning software Partly fulfilled: Removes whole small and internal parts, no simplified hull |
| Analysis | ||
| Material flow analysis | matflow Fulfilled: From-to matrix, transport intensities, visualisation in the layout | Typical desktop planning software Fulfilled: Integrated, data usually imported from Excel |
| Variant comparison | matflow Fulfilled: Several variants with KPIs side by side | Typical desktop planning software Partly fulfilled: Often kept as separate files |
| Collaboration | ||
| Working in the same layout at once | matflow Fulfilled: Several planners work live in the same layout, with pointers, selection and follow mode | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: File-based: one person edits, everyone else waits for the next version |
| Sharing and comments | matflow Fulfilled: Share links, comments in the plan, version history | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Files sent by email or shared drive |
| Involving stakeholders | matflow Fulfilled: Open a link, view and comment without a licence or installation | Typical desktop planning software Partly fulfilled: Free viewer without editing, needs installing |
| Data and AI | ||
| Hosting / data location | matflow EU cloud (Microsoft Azure, Frankfurt data centre) or on-premise on your own servers | Typical desktop planning software Locally on workstations or company servers |
| Export | matflow Fulfilled: IFC, GLB, OBJ, STL, USD, DWG, DXF, PDF and Excel: the formats other planners need from you | Typical desktop planning software Partly fulfilled: Usually DWG/DXF, OBJ and PDF, IFC and GLB are often missing |
| AI assistant | matflow Fulfilled: Optional: Matty carries out instructions in everyday language, always as a preview you can undo. The extended AI can be switched off per organisation | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Usually not available |
| MCP interface | matflow Fulfilled: AI assistants such as Claude read and edit your layouts via MCP, always with your own permissions | Typical desktop planning software Not fulfilled: Usually not available |
The right-hand column describes typical characteristics of locally installed planning software and does not refer to any specific product. Individual solutions may differ. Prices exclude VAT, as of October 2026.