Scottsdale LGS Panelization System

KFS FRAMEMAKER 1420G3

 

KFS Framemaker is purpose-built software for cold-formed (light-gauge) steel framing. For a developer choosing steel, it’s attractive because it connects design → manufacture → site in one workflow, cutting waste, time, and risk.

 

1) Why it’s good for a developer wanting steel frame End-to-end control

•Designs steel wall, floor, and roof systems that are buildable, not just drawn.

•Outputs shop drawings, CNC data, and bills of materials (BOMs) directly from the model. Consistency & quality •Enforces steel rules (stud spacing, track sizes, openings, bracing logic), reducing site improvisation.

•Ideal for repeatable housing, hotels, apartments, schools, and mixed-use shells. Faster programs

•Enables panelized or kit-of-parts delivery, shortening the structural phase and reducing weather risk.

 

2) How it lowers costs (where the savings actually come from)Material efficiency

•Automated take-offs and optimized member lengths reduce steel over-ordering and offcuts.

•Clash-aware detailing lowers rework and scrap. Labor reduction

•Panelization shifts labor from site (slow, weather-dependent) to factory (fast, repeatable).

•Fewer site trades needed for layout and cutting. Time = money

•Faster framing means earlier dry-in and downstream trades starting sooner.

•Shorter prelims and financing carry due to compressed schedules. Risk & change control

•Early, accurate quantities support fixed-price procurement. •Fewer RFIs and variations once fabrication data is issued. Typical developers report savings via schedule compression (weeks) and waste reduction (often 5–10%+), with the biggest gains on multi-unit or repeat projects.

 

3) Does it require training?  Yes—but it’s manageable and role-specific

•Detailers/engineers: expect ~1–3 weeks to be productive (software + steel logic).

•Manufacturers: short onboarding to link CNC roll-formers and shop processes.

•Developers/PMs: minimal—mainly understanding outputs (BOMs, panels, schedules).Most teams either:

•Train an internal detailer, or

•Use a specialist steel designer/manufacturer who already runs Framemaker.

 

4) How it fits into a typical project

A. Early design / feasibility

•Import architect’s plans (DWG/PDF).

•Test steel layouts, spans, and panel strategies.

•Generate early quantities and cost checks.

B. Design development

•Coordinate openings, services zones, and bracing.

•Lock panel sizes for transport and crane strategy.

C. Pre-construction

•Issue shop drawings, BOMs, and CNC files.

•Factory fabricates panels or kits.

D. Construction

•Panels delivered just-in-time.

•Rapid erection with a small crew; fewer site cuts.

E. Handover

•As-built documentation matches what was manufactured.

 

5) When Framemaker makes the most sense

•Multi-unit residential (townhomes, apartments).

•Projects needing speed, cost certainty, or tight sites.

•Developments repeating a standard unit or core.

•Developers working with off-site manufacturing.

 

6) When it may be less ideal

•One-off, highly bespoke small builds.

•Teams committed to traditional on-site stick-build without panelization.

•Projects where steel isn’t part of the structural strategy.

 

Bottom Line: 

For a developer, KFS Framemaker pays off when steel framing is planned early and tied to off-site fabrication. It lowers costs by cutting waste, site labor, and program time—while improving certainty. Training is required, but many developers access the benefits through experienced steel designers or manufacturers rather than training everyone in-house.