Partner Spotlight Planstudio
Planstudio integrated Bentley’s MicroStation with its Progenio MAXX software to link CAD design with factory production, reducing errors for Paolini and driving 70% growth in the first year.
The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.
Planstudio, a small Italian CAD consultancy, has partnered with Bentley Systems for 35 years to address a long-standing manufacturing challenge: the disconnect between design offices and production floors. Historically, companies used separate software for technical design and shop-floor execution, leading to misaligned data, communication errors, and costly manufacturing defects. Massimo Franceschetti, Planstudio’s CTO and founder, noted that clients consistently prioritized error reduction to avoid delays and site-level problems during construction.
To resolve this, Planstudio built a digital bridge using Bentley’s MicroStation as the core engine for handling complex 2D and 3D CAD models. The company then integrated MicroStation with its proprietary Progenio MAXX software, which translates precise CAD data into direct machine instructions for cutting and processing equipment. This integration eliminated manual data entry, reducing human error and streamlining workflows between design and production.
The solution faced its biggest test with Paolini, a furniture manufacturer processing 200,000 components daily. Planstudio worked closely with Paolini’s team, refining the system on-site until midnight to ensure flawless operation. The collaboration led to Paolini becoming the first company in its sector to implement an RFID tracking system, enabling real-time location monitoring of every furniture component throughout production.
The results were immediate and substantial: Paolini achieved 70% growth in the first year after adopting Progenio MAXX with MicroStation, followed by sustained 30% to 50% annual growth. The success positioned Paolini as an industry benchmark, prompting other Italian manufacturers to seek Planstudio’s services. Planstudio plans to expand into Germany and Poland, leveraging Bentley’s global partner network to support international growth.