For Custom Fabrication Shops in Construction & Manufacturing

Stop Manual Data Entry Bottlenecks With Custom AI Automation Built for Your Shop

You're probably thinking, 'Another tool to add to the pile?' Here's the thing: our tailored AI solutions eliminate up to 40 hours of weekly data drudgery, turning your fabrication workflow into a seamless, error-free powerhouse.

Join 150+ fabrication shops with streamlined operations and <span class="gradient">30% faster project turns</span>

Cut data entry time by 70% on blueprint uploads
Reduce errors in material tracking by 90%
Integrate shop floor data with your ERP in real-time

The "Manual Data Entry" Problem

Endless typing of beam dimensions and tolerances from hand-drawn shop sketches into AutoCAD or SolidWorks

Double-entry errors between shop floor logs and inventory systems causing material shortages

Manually updating load-bearing specs and alloy grades across multiple spreadsheets for custom I-beam and channel orders

Time lost reconciling punch lists with fabrication schedules after site visits

Siloed data from CNC plasma cutters and lathes not syncing with ERP order management, delaying steel plate shipments

Welders spending hours entering AWS-compliant quality checks for penetration and porosity into paper forms before digitizing

Our Tailored AI Solution for Your Fabrication Needs

With over a decade in construction tech, we've field-tested these automations on shop floors just like yours.

Why Choose Us

Let's be honest—off-the-shelf software treats your custom fabrication shop like every other business, ignoring the chaos of variable orders and tight deadlines. We build AI-powered systems from the ground up, custom-fit to your exact workflow. Imagine scanning a blueprint with your phone, and AI instantly pulls dimensions, materials, and tolerances into your ERP—no typing required. It's flexible, scalable, and owned by you, not some subscription trap. We're talking deep integrations with tools like AutoCAD, Procore, or your legacy CNC software, creating a unified hub that handles everything from quote-to-cut.

What Makes Us Different:

AI scans and extracts data from sketches, photos, or PDFs tailored to fabrication specs
Seamless two-way sync with your shop's machinery and inventory systems
Custom rules engine that adapts to your unique processes, like handling variable weld tolerances

Unlock Real ROI in Your Daily Operations

Slash Production Delays

Slash Production Delays: No more waiting on manual inputs—AI automates data flow from Revit designs to CNC fabrication queues, cutting lead times by 25% on custom structural steel projects like bridge girders. Your team focuses on welding and assembly, not clerical work, ensuring deadlines are met without overtime rushes during peak building seasons.

Boost Accuracy and Cut Waste

Boost Accuracy and Cut Waste: Field-tested error reduction means fewer scrapped parts from mismatched tolerances in aluminum extrusions. We've seen fabrication shops save $15K annually on rework alone, with AI validating beam lengths and hole patterns against ASTM standards before they hit the shop floor.

Scale Without Hiring More Admins

Scale Without Hiring More Admins: As orders ramp up for seasonal construction booms in commercial high-rises, your custom ERP-integrated system handles the load effortlessly. Grow from 50 to 200 custom ductwork jobs a month without adding headcount, keeping your margins intact and cash flow steady amid fluctuating material costs.

What Clients Say

"We used to lose two full days a week just entering cut lists and flange dimensions from hand-sketched blueprints into our SolidWorks system. After AIQ Labs built our custom sketch-to-CAD extractor, it's down to minutes. Last quarter, we finished a highway bridge truss component order three days early—no dimension errors, no headaches during the rush."

Mike Harlan

Shop Foreman at SteelFab Solutions, a structural steel fabricator in Texas

"Manual entry was killing us on inventory tracking for custom galvanized HVAC duct fittings—constant shortages on sheet metal coils. Their AI syncs our CNC punch press outputs directly to the ERP, and we've cut material mismatches by 85%. It's like having an extra fabricator on the floor without the payroll hit, especially during summer install seasons."

Sara Nguyen

Operations Manager at Precision Metalworks, specializing in HVAC fabrication for commercial buildings

"In our line of custom 6061 aluminum extrusions for curtain walls, data silos between weld bays and quoting meant constant rework on joint fits. AIQ's solution unified everything—now ultrasonic weld reports feed straight into customer quotes. Saved us $8K in scrap last month on a high-rise facade project, and the team's actually excited about the tech integration."

Tom Reilly

Lead Fabricator at BuildCore Manufacturing, an aluminum extrusion specialist for architectural construction

Simple 3-Step Process

Step 1

Discovery and Mapping

We dive into your shop's workflow— from initial sketches to final assembly—identifying every manual entry point. No cookie-cutter audits; this is built around your tools and processes.

Step 2

Custom AI Design and Build

Our engineers craft the AI model to your specs, integrating with your existing software. We test on real fabrication runs to ensure it handles the grit of shop life, like variable tolerances.

Step 3

Deployment and Training

Roll it out shop-wide with hands-on sessions for your crew. We monitor the first few weeks, tweaking for peak performance, so it's second nature faster than pouring a foundation.

Why We're Different

We build from scratch with code, not no-code hacks, so your system evolves with your shop's growth, unlike rigid templates that break under heavy fab loads.
True ownership means no endless subscriptions— you control the code, data, and updates, freeing you from vendor lock-in that plagues most construction tools.
Field-tested on actual shop floors, our solutions handle the dust and deadlines of fabrication, not just office scenarios.
Deep, bidirectional integrations with niche tools like Mastercam or Viewpoint ensure seamless data flow, avoiding the superficial links that fail during peak seasons.
ROI-focused from day one: we prioritize measurable wins like reduced scrap rates, not vague 'efficiencies' that sound good on paper.
Scalable architecture that grows with your business— from 10 welders to 100— without rebuilding everything, unlike off-the-shelf apps that cap out.
No 'subscription chaos'— we replace your patchwork of tools with one unified asset, saving thousands in annual fees.
Expertise in construction-specific AI, like OCR for blueprints, honed from our own manufacturing ventures.
Ongoing support that's proactive, not reactive— we anticipate shop bottlenecks before they hit, based on real-world data patterns.
Custom UIs designed for gloved hands and quick glances, making adoption effortless in a fast-paced fab environment.

What's Included

AI-powered OCR for extracting dimensions, tolerances, and BOMs from scanned blueprints or photos
Real-time data sync between shop floor devices, ERP, and CNC machines for instant updates
Custom validation rules to flag inconsistencies in material specs before fabrication starts
Automated reporting for quality checks, punch lists, and compliance logs with timestamped audits
Mobile-first interface for foremen to input or verify data on-site without laptops
Predictive error detection that learns from your past jobs to prevent recurring issues
Seamless export to tools like QuickBooks or Procore for end-to-end project tracking
Scalable cloud hosting with offline mode for remote fab sites
Role-based access to keep sensitive job data secure while enabling team collaboration
Built-in analytics dashboard showing data entry savings and workflow efficiencies
Easy integration with legacy systems via robust APIs, no rip-and-replace needed
Voice-activated entry for hands-free updates during welding or assembly

Common Questions

How does this handle the variability in custom fabrication orders?

Great question—custom fab is all about the unique, right? Our AI is trained on your specific patterns, like varying beam lengths or alloy mixes, so it adapts without constant tweaks. We start by mapping your typical jobs, then build rules that flex for one-offs. For instance, it can parse a sketch for a bridge girder differently from an HVAC bracket, pulling exact specs into your system. Shops we've worked with see it nail 95% accuracy on first pass, saving hours of manual verification. And if a job throws a curveball, our team refines it on the fly—no downtime.

What if our shop uses older CNC software—can it integrate?

Absolutely, we've dealt with legacy systems plenty. Think dusty Windows XP-era machines spitting out G-code. Our solution uses flexible APIs to bridge the gap, pulling data without forcing an upgrade. We recently hooked a 15-year-old Haas controller to a modern ERP, automating cut list entries that used to take a full shift. It's plug-and-play where possible, with custom scripts for the tricky bits. Your data stays secure, and we test everything in a staging environment first to avoid shop disruptions.

How long until we see a return on this investment?

You're ROI-driven, so let's talk numbers. Most shops break even in 3-6 months by cutting 20-40 hours of weekly entry time— that's real labor savings at $25-40/hour. One client shaved $12K off quarterly overtime alone. We focus on quick wins like automating blueprint data first, so you feel the impact fast. Long-term, it's 30% faster project turns and less waste, compounding your margins. We even provide a custom ROI calculator during discovery to project your specifics.

Is training our team a big hassle?

Not at all— we keep it practical, like teaching a new rigging technique. Sessions are hands-on, 2-4 hours max, using your actual tools and jobs. Foremen learn to scan a part photo and watch AI populate the system; it's intuitive, no coding required. We've onboarded roughneck crews in under a week, with 90% adoption rates. Plus, we build in simple overrides for those 'trust but verify' moments. Follow-up check-ins ensure it's sticking, turning skeptics into fans.

What happens if our workflow changes mid-project?

Fab shops evolve— new contracts, equipment upgrades— it's the nature of the beast. Our systems are modular, so changes are straightforward. Say you switch from aluminum to stainless runs; we update the AI rules in days, not weeks. Because it's custom-built and owned by you, there's no waiting on vendor patches. Past clients have pivoted for a big commercial build, and we scaled the automation seamlessly, keeping them on schedule without extra costs.

How secure is this for sensitive project data?

Security is non-negotiable in construction, especially with proprietary designs. We encrypt everything end-to-end, with SOC 2 compliance baked in. Data stays in your controlled environment— no cloud leaks. Role-based access means only authorized eyes see job specs, and audit logs track every entry. We've secured systems for shops handling government contracts, passing audits with flying colors. If a breach risk pops up, our monitoring flags it instantly.

Ready to Get Started?

Book your free consultation and discover how we can transform your business with AI.