Sketch Up Demo

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Transmutr is a great complement to Skatter. It converts various 3D formats to SketchUp files, with powerful features such as automated render-ready materials and proxies, geometry simplification, as well as essential options like scaling, unit conversion, axes/origin transformations and much more. Buy Skatter + Transmutr. The SketchUp Trial is 30 days from the day you sign up, unlimited access. Any files you create and store in Trimble Connect will remain available after the trial. If choose not to subscribe, you can still access the file from SketchUp Free, though it will contain the SketchUp.

ITQlick Score: 74/100
ITQlick Rating: (3.6/5)
Pricing: 4.6/10 - average cost
Category: Computer aided design ->SketchUp Pro ->SketchUp Pro demo
Ranking:Ranked 7 out of 32 Computer aided design systems
Company: Trimble
Pricing: starts at $299 per year
Typical customers: Small, medium and large size businesses
Platforms: Desktop
Links: SketchUp Pro review, SketchUp Pro pricing, SketchUp Pro alternatives

Shlomi Lavi / updated: Feb 26, 2021

We publish unbiased reviews, our opinions are our own and are not influenced by payments from advertisers. Learn more in our advertiser disclosure.

65 Questions to ask during SketchUp Pro demo

Are there any current known bugs in the software?

When you are planning to buy a software application, do not forget to find out about the existing bugs in the app. You should be made aware about the existing bugs and any scheduled updates for fixing them. You can use a software solution more effectively when you know about their pros and cons.

Can SketchUp Pro be used as a standalone?

An understanding of whether the business app can be used standalone or with integrations can save you from investing in a product that was not designed for your type of business. If you want a standalone product, do not forget to make it clear to the software vendor earlier.

Who will handle the implementation process?

Before finalizing a business app, you want to understand that the implementation would be smooth. So you should be interested to find out about the person responsible for handling the implementation process. Do not hesitate to ask about their qualifications.

Which implementation strategy does the software vendor propose?

Try to find out about the vendor's implementation strategy. There are several software rollout options – all at once or in phases. Since your business has different goals, risks, requirements, budgets, and time frames, make sure the software vendor can adapt to your preferences.

What is the project control strategy of SketchUp Pro for scope and budget management?

You should always look for a software provider who has a track record of successful rollouts so that they can give you an accurate estimate of time and budget. You should be looking at their entire project control strategy, from the requirement gathering to deployment.

Does SketchUp Pro integrate with other tools?

The solution should provide easy integration with existing apps as well as any third-party applications that can come in handy for your business.

Does the software provider provide an API for integrating 3rd party apps?

A growing business is always in need for expansion and integration with third-party apps is a part of the growth model. When it comes to choosing software, make sure the business app provides an application programming interface for easy integration.

How easy it is to import and export data to and from SketchUp Pro?

Ask the software product vendor if the tool will allow you to export data to an external file or import data from external sources.

Ask for any hidden feed SketchUp Pro might have?

Of course, nobody wants to pay hidden fees. So you want to make sure you get your hands on a tool that is offered for a transparent price.

Are there any consulting hours available as part of SketchUp Pro price/package?

Ask the software vendor is the software package includes consulting hours. Do not hesitate to ask if there are any hidden charges involved.

What will it cost if the software vendor sends an engineer on-site or off site support to solve a problem concerning our business?

You do not want to be caught unawares when a software vendor sends a technician to resolve an issue that may crop up due to varied reasons. You want to make sure the charges are reasonable. Better still, you should be aware of what needs to be paid to the technician sent by the vendor to fix a problem.

What kind of skills are needed to operate SketchUp Pro/customize reports?

some tools requires engineers, databases people, developers, and other software are much easier to operate. understand the required skills set needed to estimate the real cost and complexity

What are the minimum hardware requirements to install, implement, and run SketchUp Pro on the server?

You do not want to fall in love with the front end unless you are 100% sure that the software is compatible with your existing system. Ask the software vendor is you need any specific hardware to install the software. Will the business application run on your existing workstations. How much space will the software take on the disk drive? Is there a need for RAM upgrade to successfully run the software for optimum performance?

SketchUp Pro offers ongoing support?

Does the vendor have a knowledge base, where solutions to common problems can be easily found? Do they have a support team to assist you any time you are facing some issue with the system. If so, how do they offer support? Is available by email, phone, or live chat? Make sure you'll have help when you need it.

Training is included?

As an enterprise or medium sized business, with an extensive list of products, it is important to look for a vendor offering a personalized training process so you can get off to a great start with their software and don't have to waste time struggling with the tool. If the vendor offers organized training as to how to use the tool, it can save you from hassle and stress and facilitate your adoption process.

Does SketchUp Pro integrate with other software?

When it comes to purchasing a new software solution, you want to make sure that it integrates with existing on-premise tools, besides other third party apps that may be crucial to your business processes. If you are a wholesaler, you seek a solution that seamlessly syncs with your sales order management solution. It is important that the software has integration capabilities.

Can SketchUp Pro be used offline?

The software should be accessible offline so your sales reps in the field are able to access SketchUp Pro even without an Internet connection.

Can I import my history to SketchUp Pro?

Having all of the customer order information and sales history imported will ensure that you have the data at your fingertips.

Can SketchUp Pro handle unlimited amount of data? Is it scalable?

Is there any cap on the number of users per app? Can it handle huge amounts of data? You want to make sure that the software can scale with the growth of your business.

Is the app customizable?

Your business needs change with the change in customer demands. It is therefore important that the software is easy to customize, depending on your marketing or sales strategy. For example, you have customer-specific pricing and discounts or a list of different materials, colors, or sizes. So you would want an app that can be customized with your logo and branding.

Are privacy controls allowed?

You may want to find whether SketchUp Pro allows you to control the information certain reps can see. It is important to ask the vendor whether you can exercise privacy controls.

Sketchup Demo Indir

Is the application updated frequently?

You want an up-to-date application to remain updated with trends in the industry. An outdated app may not be the best investment. Ask the vendor about the software updating schedule, since you are looking for a vendor that constantly works on improving and optimizing the product. Is there a long interval between updates?

Is SketchUp Pro designed for a specific audience/vercial-industry?

You may want to know about the vendor's current customers to ensure that they can handle and serve other businesses in your industry. You do not want to spend your money on an application that was designed for a specific audience, as it may not be apt for your industry.

What makes SketchUp Pro different from the alternative software?

As a customer, you want the best product in the market that adds value to your business. By asking SketchUp Pro vendor about their unique selling point, you are asking them what makes them different from others in their space. This also gives you ample insight into their industry knowledge. If they can't answer your question, they may not be the perfect choice.

Is SketchUp Pro scalable?

Perhaps your business is growing and will expand in the future. So you would be interested to know if the software is scalable and can grow with you. It's no use investing in a solution that can be scaled.

How SketchUp Pro can improve the efficiency of our business?

The prime purpose behind investing in the software solution is to boost efficiency and growth. Ask the software vendor how their business app would improve efficiency of your enterprise.

How SketchUp Pro can contribute to your bottom line?

Can you generate more revenue/profits with this software? Will it rrplace employees? Does the software vendor guarantee it? Ask them how.

Can SketchUp Pro help your business make better business decisions?

When it comes to selecting a software product, you are interested to know if the product will help improve your decision making. Seek clear explanation from the software vendor in this regard.

Can SketchUp Pro help your business with better compliance requirements?

Ask the product vendor if the solution is compliant with your regulatory and legal requirements.

Can the software speed up your workflow processes?

How efficiently can the software product handle your business requirements? Ask the software vendor how their solution can help improve workflow processes for your enterprise.

Can I speak directly to 3-5 customers from my industry?

When selecting a software solution, you may want to talk to an existing user of the business tool to find out about their experience with the same. This should give you an idea as to whether this is the right product for you.

What is the ROI for SketchUp Pro?

The software vendor should answer how their business software will improve your bottom line and ROI. Most service providers make tall claims, so you want to make sure you get your hands on the best solution.

Does SketchUp Pro support multiple locations/languages?

Is the software designed to support one location or it can support multiple locations? If you have a business that expands across locations, you want to make sure the software supports all your requirements.

Can you point toward any tangible benefits that SketchUp Pro can provide our business with?

When it comes to selecting a software app, it would help to find out about the tangible and intangible benefits the app promises to accrue. The software vendor should be able to answer this clearly.

Ask for the full list of features and reports for SketchUp Pro

Go over the full list of reports and features and compare between the reports your management are using and the software's offer.

Does the software product have built-in templates for the type of reports required?

Not every software app may have the type of report templates you are looking for. So ask the vendor if there is any customized report option available with the business app. If the software doesn't have built-in templates for the type of reports required, is there any tool that can enable customization of reports? If so, is the custom report-builder easy to use?

Can SketchUp Pro add value to your customers/vendors

Try to find out if the software is capable of allowing your business to focus on adding value to customers.

What is the total cost of ownership of SketchUp Pro?

When it comes to selecting a software tool, you have to consider direct & indirect costs that the software entails. This includes the software price, hardware & data center cost, upgrade cost, implementation cost, ongoing support and maintenance cost, and end-user licensing. a good place to start is here: SketchUp Pro pricing

How customizeble the softwae is?

Each business has different needs. Yours is no different. When it comes to selecting a software solution, you are looking for a tool that can be easily customized and configured to cater to your specific business needs. So you want to understand if the software you want to buy is easy to customize.

Is it web-based/cloud?

Software on the cloud are usualy handled by the vendors and they are responsible to the security and updates of the software - does it match your business style? do you have special security considerations? make sure this model fits your needs

Does SketchUp Pro require an installation?how long can it take and who's responsible?

In a business, time is money. So you should be keen to ask the software vendor about the time it will take them to install and implement the business app in your enterprise setting. It's hard to meet deadlines as there are different factors that can make implementation complicated. Make sure you have realistic expectations. Additionally, the vendor should have a proven track record to meeting project time-frame.

What is the unique selling proposition that makes SketchUp Pro different from a competitor selling a similar software product?

You should be interested to know what makes this software company and their services different from their competitors. Ask them why a customer should choose to work with them instead of a competitor offering a similar software product.

Can I get access to a community forum for current users of the software? Can i see the current list of bugs?

Such a community forum is the best way to engage users. Getting access to software forums can help new or proposed users connect with product experts through peer-to-peer discussions.

Does SketchUp Pro best of breed?

A best-of-breed software product is designed specifically for the type of business you are in. So if you want such a product, you should enquire about it first. Else, you may want to settle with a fully integrated product that works for all kinds of businesses.

Does the software vendor charge per location or per terminal?

You should enquire about the cost of having more than one terminal in your store. While some software vendors charge on the basis of the number of store locations, others charge per terminal.

Is there a fee to participate in SketchUp Pro training?

What type of training is provided along with the software to make the learning curve easier for you? Does the software vendor provide training for everyone in your organization or is it for a handful of employees? Is the training available live, so that you can ask questions to any specific issues?

Is there a cost/termination fee to cancel the agreement with SketchUp Pro?

When buying a software product, you want to get a clear picture on termination clauses and contract term commitments.

How does the software vendor guarantee data backup?

Data loss can prove extremely risky for any business. So you should always ask the vendor about their backup policy. How often is data backed up and what is the cost for the same?

Does SketchUp Pro provide a free disaster recovery support in the event of a catastrophic failure?

What is the software vendor's policy on disaster recovery? Are any charges involved for disaster recovery support if a catastrophic hardware failure affects your system?

How easy SketchUp Pro is to use?

Let key users play with the software before making a commitment. How easy is the software to work on? Is it user friendly for your end users? Does it involve any complexities that are difficult to understand for the team? Even a feature-rich solution is of no use if end users find it difficult to use.

How many training hours SketchUp Pro require to get your team up to speed?

The software provider should clearly mention whether the solution is complex or simple to use. If it is not an easy-to-use software solution, then do they provide training? What is the level of training your team requires to make the most of the solution?

Is documentation/videos included with software upgrades?

When selecting a software product, you do not want to land in a tool that is extremely difficult to understand and does not come with any documentation. The same applies to any system upgrades that will be carried out in the future. Unless there is detailed documentation to back up any changes or upgrades, you cannot understand the system.

How often the update SketchUp Pro?

You will be interested to know about the software updates. When is it updated? Does the service provider notify customers when the upgrades are scheduled? Does the software work when the upgrades are under way? How long does the process take?

what is the service level SketchUp Pro provide?

Of course, you would be interested to find if the software vendor provides remote support. This would save you time and money if the service provider offers online support for his software solution, making things easier for you.

Do the provide 24/7/weekends support?

The software vendor should be willing to answer all of your queries any time. So you should go with a software vendor who provides 24/7 technical support so that your system remains up and running for your customers.

What is the average response time for a support request?

How long does the customer support staff take to respond to a query? Your business cannot depend on a customer support team that takes hours to reach out to your requests. You want a quick response time.

Where is the support team of SketchUp Pro are located?

When using a software product, any glitch in the product can make things difficult for you, so you should try to find out about the vendor's support team. Ask them about the location of the support infrastructure and team.

What is the project management, data conversion, and implementation services that the software vendor will provide to get your organization live using their software products?

Ask thorough answers to these questions from the service provider. If they do not explain it clearly, move on to the other business app vendor.

How long SketchUp Pro been to business? do they have happy customers in your niche/vertical/industry/country?

Of course, you do not want to experiment with a vendor who has just stepped into the software industry. You want to get your hands on a tried-n-tested product that adds value to your business. So the experience of the software vendor matters here.

How vast is the software vendor's client base?

If the software vendor is widely popular, chances are that they have a good product. So always check their client base to measure their product's competence in the market.
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Who develops SketchUp Pro on behalf of the vendor?

Perhaps you want the best business product in your hand. So when it comes to selecting a software solution, do not forget to ask the vendor a thing or two about the software development process. Does the software vendor develop the product? Or they outsource it? Or a contractor is responsible for the same?

What is the strength of the software vendor's company?

Try to find out about the software provider's staff numbers. Is the number increasing or falling? You should also be interested to learn about employee skills, qualifications, and experience. Do not forget to enquire about the sales and support staff employed in your location.

What are SketchUp Pro's strengths and weaknesses?

When it comes to comparing software vendors, you want to work with the best. So it is a good idea to learn about their strengths and weaknesses so that you know who you are working with and what you can expect.

Sketchup 30 Day Trial

What was the most complicated installation or implementation that the software vendor has experienced thus far?

Get a feel of how the software vendor will manage onboarding, implementation, or installation. Learn about their most difficult implementation projects to date.

Does the software vendor have done similar integrations earlier?

Onboarding will get easier if the service provider has an experience of similar integrations earlier.

SketchUp Pro Demo With Software Vendor V/s Unbiased Consultant

Good product demos have to be perfect for the audience, not for the product. Vendors try to motivate customers to buy their product by showing that it will have a long-term positive impact on their business. They try to harp on its benefits, as they clearly understand that the audience has a short attention span and thus try to take advantage of the same. Since the vendor is making a sales pitch, the standard demos focus on highlighting the strengths of the app while trying to breeze through its weaknesses. Vendors primarily try to get to the point quickly, telling a compelling story to retain the audience's interest and convert prospects to leads and sales. On the other hand, a software demo by an unbiased consultant gives you a better picture of things. While a biased consultant or vendor may refer only to the positive aspects of a product, even if you highlight a negative feature, an unbiased consultant would be fair in their approach and agree to the pointed weaknesses.

They will not try to call wrong is right; rather, they will keep the customer's best interest in mind and highlight the product weaknesses. Additionally, they are expected to give unbiased advisory service and make best recommendations for the customer's specific needs. A neutral consultant negotiates a lower price to get you a better deal.

When looking for a software solution, you must look for a fair software demo so that you get your hands on the best product that can optimize your business growth. While a vendor may not give you honest answers about their product, try seeking an unbiased consultant's insight into the software and get the best recommendations.

Do your research and due diligence like an informed consumer to get real sight into the system before going ahead with the purchase.
If you are looking for the best software demo advice, please come in touch with us at ITQlick - fill out the form BELOW to access unbiased demo and advice whether SketchUp Pro is the right choise for you.
Author

Shlomi Lavi

Shlomi holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information System Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel. Shlomi brings 15 years of global IT and IS management experience as a consultant, and implementation expert for small, medium and large size (global) companies.

Want to see SketchUp Pro in action?

Building the React UI

The App Component

In React a UI is built out of components. The top level component App creates the header and footer (green) and displays the list compontents in its main area (orange).

The Component State

The main component also manages the state of the app and communicates changes of the state to the sub-components. In our application we only have one component that needs to handle state.

The state object holds the following keys:

match
The name of the selected matching material
error
If an error happens during the execution of Ruby code this value will hold the error message.
materials
A JavaScript object with the materials used in the SketchUp model. The materials names are used as keys.
source
The name of the selected source material
status
The status holds the message displayed in the footer. If it is set to `error` the message in the error property is displayed instead.
thumbnails
Thumbnails are generated in Ruby and sent to the dialog as Base64 encoded strings. The strings are held in this object by their material name.

In the constructor we also need to bind all methods to the App component that refer to the app state via this.state. We only have functions to select the source and match material and to trigger the material replacement. These functions will be passed to the sub-components to act as the onClick action of the list elements.

Lifecycle Methods

A React component has several hooks - or lifecycle methods - that are invoked at specific times. We will use two of these in our component:

componentDidMount This method is invoked after the component was created in the DOM. We use it to automatically load the list of materials after the dialog has been created. Think of it as an onload event for React. The loading happens in two steps: The first only loads the material description to populate the UI with the material names. The second generates and loads the thumbnails. This could take a while but the user already has the material names to make a selection.

componentWillReceiveProps is invoked every time an existing component is updated with new data. Our component receives new data after a Ruby function is executed. This data may only update a small part of the state so we need to merge it with the existing data that's already held in the state.

Note: In the code below we use the helper function sketchupAction. This function provides an abstraction around the global sketchup object, which is not available during development with the dev server.

Action Methods

The following methods implement the behavior of the app. In the React model a user action does not directly affect or change the elements in the browser. Instead, the action changes the state of the application. React will then rerender the DOM based on the new state and this generates the change in the user interface.

In our app, the selectMatch and selectMaterial functions use the component's setState function to update the state with new information (the name of the selected material and a status message). setState also triggers React's render function so the new state is displayed in the browser.

In both select functions we also reset the error value of the state to an empty string. This makes sure that the new status is displayed, even if there was an error present before. The second argument to setState is a function that logs the current action to the console so we can follow the events in the browser console.

In addition to setting the state, the replaceMaterial function also calls sketchupAction with an action of type REPLACE_MATERIAL and the names of the materials. Because the call to the SketchUp callback function is asynchronous the interface will be updated even if the Ruby action is still ongoing. In a more complex UI we could show a spinner to show the user that the action is still ongoing. In our case we just update the status bar with a suitable message.

Status Message

The status message for the footer is generated from the error and status properties of the state. We check if the status indicates that there is an error present and if so wrap it in a span with the CSS class error. Otherwise we just displays the latest status message. This can easily be extended to show a modal overlay to catch the user's attention.

The Render Method

The render method returns the ESX markup for the component's content. The App component generates the header and footer and calls the list components for the content of the App-body div.

The list components take the list of materials, any existing selections and the callbacks and build the panels with the header and ul element. Each li element has the callback as its onClick function so that a click on the element triggers a state change in the app.

Next steps

Google Sketchup 2017 Free Download

Our app is now running in the webpack dev server. In the next steps we will connect the JavaScript UI with the Ruby backend.





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