When it comes to drawing a hydraulic design, good software can add a lot of value in helping us be more efficient, accurate, and ensure quicker delivery to our customers. But how to evaluate if the software will add value to your work and assess its true cost? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you assess the true cost of your hydraulic software.
Time spent on evaluation
Think about the cost of your time to test out new hydraulic software. Ask yourself these questions:
Is it easy to get started with the software?
Is it easy to try it out and see if it will be useful in your work?
Does the demo version allow you to truly test all the features?
Ease of acquisition
After you are satisfied with the testing of the software, consider the actual acquisition of it:
Are there lengthy contracts to consider?
What about hidden fees?
Are there additional system requirements?
Will you need to purchase other software programs in order to actually be able to use the software?
Installation
Once acquired, think about if there are any installation requirements to consider. Ask yourself these questions:
Does the software have to be adapted to be used for your work?
Are programming hours necessary to make customizations?
If a third party needs to be hired for said customization, is it easy to find experts that have experience with this software?
Every single one of these items is a cost that can come with your software, but one you don’t necessarily consider if you’re just looking at the price of the software itself.
Training and support
The only way your hydraulic software will add value to you, your team, and your company, is if you are successful in using it. Think about these things:
Does the software come with any kind of training?
Are there training videos and clear resources available online?
If necessary, is live training offered?
Maintenance and continuity
As shown above, even free software can come with hidden costs: your valuable time, third party (or internal) services to customize it for you, and a learning curve to adopt it. Even if you’ve done all this, there is one final hurdle — maintenance. Ask yourself the following:
Do you feel confident that the company that created the software will stay in business?
Will they maintain the software, providing necessary updates and tweaks?
Will they consider customer wishes in updating the software?
If the software is free, there is a high risk that the company’s business model is not solid enough to ensure that the software continues to work.
HydroSym Software by Paro
HydroSym software has been created specifically for hydraulic engineers to design hydraulic schematics. While the software isn’t free, we do offer a 1-month free trial, followed by which you can subscribe, starting at 39€ per month. Let’s see how HydroSym measures up according to our selection criteria.
Evaluating and getting started with HydroSym
The evaluation process for HydroSym starts with a one month free trial. During the trial you have complete access to all features of the software, meaning you can use it in your day-to-day work from day one to ensure it fits your needs.
Requesting the trial and downloading the software is a quick and easy process. See for yourself, just click here and fill out the form.
No credit card information is required, and as soon as the software is downloaded you can simply get started with drawing your first schematic in minutes.
Ease of acquisition of HydroSym
After the trial period, you can turn your trial into a paid subscription to continue to use the software. We offer flexible plans depending on your needs, and the payment can be done either monthly, yearly, or every two years — compare plans and pick what suits you best.
If you need a custom solution, don’t hesitate to contact us. We want to make HydroSym work for you. HydroSym is a completely stand-alone software solution: no additional software programs required.
Installation and customization of HydroSym
HydroSym comes with access to the Paro Component Library, a unique up-to-date database of over 40.000 hydraulic components and symbols, with all manufacturer information and datasheets. You can easily upload your own custom components to the library to fit your customization needs.
If you need more customization but don’t have the resources or possibility to do it yourself, the Paro team is more than happy to help. HydroSym can also be integrated with your company’s ERP/PLM system — and once again, you can either do this yourself or outsource it to the Paro team.
Training and support with HydroSym
Paro Software strives for 100% customer satisfaction. We are dedicated to making you successful in using HydroSym — your success is our success.
This is why we offer live demos even during the trial period, free of charge, of course. You’re always more than welcome to call us with any questions as well! Yes, even if you’re still on your free trial. One of our experienced hydraulic engineers will help you on your way.
If you prefer flying solo, we have a vast video library of tutorials to help you get started with the software. We recommend starting with this 4-minute quick start tutorial! [link]
When you sign up and would like to train your whole team, we can organize an online video training or travel to your location for an in-person training. On-going support is always free — just send us an email or give us a call.
Maintenance and continuity of HydroSym
Paro Software has its roots in Paro Engineering, a dedicated hydraulic engineering company established in 1974. Since 1988, Paro has been developing software specifically dedicated to hydraulics. By hydraulic engineers, for hydraulic engineers — that’s the Paro Promise.
Our engineers work with the software every day. That’s why we’re also committed to maintaining and updating the software. We have a team of developers who are continuously working on making HydroSym work better for you.
In the development of our software, we are always looking to our customers. If you have a request of a feature you would like to see, just let us know! Working with our customers is, we believe, the key to success.
Free trial of HydroSym software
Get your free trial of HydroSym software for flawless hydraulic schematics. As you evaluate the right hydraulic software solution for your company, we stand by to help you test HydroSym and answer any questions you or your team may have.
Get your free trial today.
