Company Overview
Hexagon AB is a Swedish multinational technology company headquartered in Stockholm. Originally focused on precision measurement, Hexagon has expanded through acquisitions into a broad digital-reality portfolio spanning manufacturing intelligence, geospatial solutions, and autonomous systems.
In the CAD and BIM space, Hexagon is best known for its acquisition of Bricsys (the maker of BricsCAD) and its Leica Geosystems division for surveying and reality-capture hardware. The company's strategy centers on connecting sensor data with design and planning software to create "smart digital realities."
Key Segments for CAD/BIM Professionals
- Manufacturing Intelligence: CAD/CAM, metrology, and quality-inspection software for discrete manufacturing — includes the BricsCAD platform for DWG-native design.
- Geospatial Enterprise: Leica surveying instruments, point-cloud processing, and GIS solutions used in civil engineering and construction workflows.
- Autonomous Solutions: Machine-control systems for construction equipment, connecting design models to field execution.
Products in our knowledge base (1)
Market Position & Strategy
Hexagon AB is a Swedish industrial technology conglomerate with a measurement and positioning technology heritage. In the CAD space, Hexagon is primarily known through its subsidiary Bricsys (acquired 2018), which develops BricsCAD—a DWG-compatible CAD platform that directly competes with AutoCAD at a lower price point.
Hexagon's broader portfolio spans manufacturing quality (coordinate measuring machines, metrology software), mining and agriculture automation, geospatial solutions, and autonomous vehicle technology. The CAD business is part of Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division, which positions BricsCAD alongside metrology and quality tools for an integrated design-to-measurement workflow.
BricsCAD's multi-discipline approach (2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM, and mechanical design in a single application with tiered licensing) offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing separate Autodesk products for each discipline. This value proposition resonates particularly in price-sensitive markets and with firms that find Autodesk subscription pricing unsustainable.
Technology Platform
BricsCAD is built on the Open Design Alliance (ODA) DWG libraries, providing native DWG read/write compatibility. Unlike some DWG-compatible alternatives, BricsCAD has developed its own 3D modeling engine (including direct modeling and BIM capabilities) rather than limiting itself to 2D AutoCAD compatibility. The LISP, BRX (C++), and .NET APIs provide automation capabilities similar to AutoCAD's LISP, ARX, and .NET APIs, easing migration for firms with existing customization investments.
The BIM module in BricsCAD takes a distinctive approach: instead of requiring users to place parametric BIM families from scratch, it uses AI-based classification to detect walls, slabs, and other BIM elements in existing 3D geometry. This "BIMify" workflow targets the practical scenario where firms have existing 3D models (from direct modeling or imported geometry) that need BIM metadata added without full remodeling.
Learning Resources
- Bricsys Help Center: Official BricsCAD documentation covering 2D, 3D, BIM, and mechanical workflows.
- Bricsys Learning: Free training content and webinars covering BricsCAD features, migration from AutoCAD, and discipline-specific workflows.
- Bricsys Conference: Annual event with technical sessions, user case studies, and product roadmap presentations.