Ferra

Ferra vs SteelFlo

Both are self-serve AI takeoff for structural steel. Ferra adds revision comparison, exports into PowerFab, STRUMIS, and IFC, and a go or no-go read on every job.

Book a demoStart for free

Ferra and SteelFlo, side by side

What each tool does today, row by row. Bring one of your own sets to a demo and test the rows that matter to your shop.

Built for
FerraStructural steel only. Built and tested by Ferra's in-house structural steel estimators.
SteelFloStructural steel.
Takeoff scope
FerraBeams, columns, joists, and braces, plus base plates, cap plates, anchor bolts, and studs. Column properties come off the schedule, each linked to where it was read.
SteelFloBeams, columns, plates, angles, and braces, with connection, cope, and bolt detection. Reads schedule sheets.
Misc metals
FerraIn beta, starting with stairs, ladders, and railings.
SteelFloNot named on its site.
Revisions
FerraCompares two sets side by side. The estimator confirms each change, so nothing gets double-counted into tonnage.
SteelFloNo revision comparison is published.
Pricing the job
FerraEnter your labor rates, material prices per ton, and buy items. Ferra works out shop hours, erection hours, labor, material, and paint. Rapid Estimate gives a conceptual price before the takeoff.
SteelFloPrices the job in the app from your own rates, overhead, and margins.
Which jobs to bid
FerraBid Intelligence reads the ITB, specs, and drawings for scope, risk, and fit, so you can make the go or no-go call before committing estimator hours.
SteelFloNo go or no-go scoring is published.
Exports
FerraTekla PowerFab CSV, custom CSV formats, Excel, STRUMIS, IFC for Tekla Structures and SDS2, and Bluebeam markups.
SteelFloCSV and Excel, plus a PDF with the detection boxes overlaid.
How you buy it
FerraSoftware your estimators drive. Plans are tiered by shop size, and the standard plan has unlimited users and sets.
SteelFloSelf-serve software with a free tier, takeoff credit passes, and monthly plans with a set number of AI takeoffs.

SteelFlo details come from SteelFlo’s own website, checked . Something out of date? Tell us at hello@bidferra.com.

Where SteelFlo is strong

  • You can start on your own with a free tier, with no setup call.
  • It reads schedule sheets and resolves marks to section sizes.
  • It detects connections, copes, and bolts, and prices the job from your own rates in the app.

What you get with Ferra

Ferra revision compare between two drawing sets: added, resized, and removed members with their grid location and tonnage change, each confirmed by the estimator

Revisions without recounting

Two sets side by side. Ferra surfaces what changed and the estimator confirms each change, so tonnage stays clean.

Ferra Bid Intelligence for a distribution center: a risk score, scope findings with their source sheets and spec sections, and a go recommendation

Know which jobs to bid

Scope, risk, and fit pulled from the ITB and specs, each finding linked to its source, before anyone starts counting.

Ferra steel takeoff for one floor: beams, columns, joists, and braces with piece counts, tons, and each family marked reviewed

Takeoff the estimator can check

Beams, columns, joists, and braces detected across the set, with every member in a review list before anything is exported.

A three-level steel frame in Ferra's 3D model with one floor highlighted, member counts, and IFC export to Tekla Structures and SDS2

3D model and IFC

The takeoff becomes an estimating-level 3D model, exported as IFC for Tekla Structures and SDS2.

Which one fits your shop

Pick SteelFlo if

  • You bid a few jobs a month and want to pay per takeoff.
  • A CSV or Excel bill of materials is all you hand off.

Pick Ferra if

  • Addenda and revisions eat your days.
  • Your quantities need to land in Tekla PowerFab, STRUMIS, or an IFC model.
  • You want a go or no-go read on a job before you count it.

From a Ferra customer

“Ferra gives us clarity on which jobs are worth bidding before we commit estimator time. Being able to quickly understand scope and risk upfront has changed how we evaluate opportunities and where we focus our effort.”

TH
Trent Hollis
President, Holley Steel

FAQ

Ferra vs SteelFlo questions

What is the main difference between Ferra and SteelFlo?

Both are self-serve AI takeoff for structural steel. Ferra adds revision comparison with the estimator confirming each change, Bid Intelligence for the go or no-go call, a 3D model, and exports into Tekla PowerFab, STRUMIS, and IFC. SteelFlo exports CSV and Excel.

Does Ferra compare drawing revisions?

Yes. Ferra compares two sets side by side and surfaces what changed. The estimator confirms each change, so nothing gets double-counted into tonnage.

Can I try Ferra on my own drawings?

Yes. Create an account at app.bidferra.com and upload a set, or book a demo and bring one; we run it with you on the call.

How is Ferra priced compared to SteelFlo?

SteelFlo sells takeoff credits and monthly plans with a set number of AI takeoffs. Ferra's plans are tiered by shop size, and the standard plan has unlimited users and sets.

Bring a set you know

Send us a job you already ran through SteelFlo, or one you're bidding now. We'll run it in Ferra with you on the call.

JF

Send me a drawing set. We’ll run it and show you what Ferra found.

Josh Ford · Co-Founder, Ferra