Two Ways to Stay
Ahead of the Stack
The Vetting Lab is built for AEC professionals who need to make technology decisions without the noise. Browse our full directory of audited tools, or catch emerging products early with New Stack Alerts.
Tools & Products Directory
The most comprehensive independent directory of audited AEC technology tools. Every listing includes a scored audit, verdict, and use-case guidance.
We cover tools across all major categories:
- AI & Automation — copilots, computer vision, generative design
- BIM & Collaboration — Revit plugins, CDEs, clash detection
- Project Controls — cost estimation, scheduling, analytics
- Digital Twin & Reality Capture — scanning, IoT, asset management
- Modular & Prefabrication — DfMA software, factory automation
- Sustainability & Performance — energy modeling, carbon tracking
New Stack Alerts
Fast-track assessments of newly released or recently updated AEC tools. When something significant lands in the market, we test it and publish a verdict.
Each New Stack Alert includes:
- What the tool actually does (vs. what the vendor claims)
- Who it’s genuinely useful for
- Key limitations and interoperability flags
- An early AECO.digital Score with a Quick Verdict
- How it compares to existing tools in the same category
How Every Audit Works
Five-stage evaluation process. Sandbox environment. Zero vendor access to findings before publication. The same criteria, every time.
Intake & Scoping
Define criteria based on tool category, primary use case, and target user role.
Sandbox Setup
Controlled environment with real project data. No demo accounts.
Structured Testing
40+ test scenarios across performance, UX, interoperability, pricing, and support.
Scoring
Weighted scoring across 6 dimensions produces a final AECO.digital Score from 1–100.
Verdict
Buy / Wait / Avoid recommendation with use-case qualifications and alternatives.
Sample Audit — What You Can Expect
AI-Powered Quantity Takeoff Platform
We test the tool against real construction drawings — not vendor-supplied demo files. The audit covers accuracy across trade categories, workflow integration with common BIM platforms, and total cost of ownership relative to alternatives.
Scores range from 1–100. Verdict options: Buy · Wait · Avoid. All audits include a detailed per-dimension breakdown and use-case qualification section.
New Stack Alerts and full audits are emailed directly to subscribers before they’re indexed. No algorithm, no paywall.
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