Frequently asked questions

The software can only be purchased from Model Maker Systems or one of its appointed agents. It is recommended that you determine what you need and then request a quotation using the website option: “Get A Quote”. You may purchase the software with full ownership or lease it monthly without ownership.

Once purchased, you are able to download the product from our website. The product make-up you purchased will be activated over the internet using your software key. Nothing needs to be couriered to you.

Our website has a detailed description of each product and the functionality of its modules under the “Products” tab. On the “Get A Quote” page we also show recommended packages for some disciplines. Some modules may be dependent on others and they will automatically be selected for you. We can recommend modules to you if you send us an email with a detailed description of what your requirements and expectations are for the software. You are also welcome to phone us and discuss it with a sales representative.

If you are unsure about the modules it is of utmost importance that you liaise with us before making your purchase. We would normally suggest the most important modules as per your requirement.

We do not take back purchased products or exchange modules on a package for other modules. If functionality of modules not active in the purchased package is required, these modules may be added at the current pricing cost.

Yes. You may download the full version of a product from our website and activate it for a trial period of 30 days. While using the software in trial mode you must be connected to the internet. There are no restriction on functionality in trial mode and all modules of a product are available. A trial mode may be activated only once on a specific computer.

The software will stop working and you will be given the option to make a purchase. You will receive an email approximately 3 days before the expiry date to notify you.

We do not have a discounted student version but we do give substantial discounts to educational institutions wishing to use our software in educating their students. These institutions also receive free support and upgrades to the software. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Yes you can, but if you purchased only one workstation of a product you can only use it on one of your computers at a time. The workstation you are using must have your key authorised on it. You can move the authorisation between computers yourself — see “How do I transfer my key between computers?” below.

Our main versions’ changes and updates occur in January and July each year. Updates may be downloaded from our website, or a product can be set up to automatically check and download updates when available. Daily changes to the software are only available via the automatic updating facility. To update an existing installation, sign in and download the MMSAssistant tool from the Downloads page, under Utilities. It arrives as a zip file — extract MMSAssistant.exe from it and put that file in your Model Maker program folder, C:\Program Files\MMSystems\MM. Close Model Maker, run MMSAssistant, and follow the menu.

New licences all use a soft lock (SL) key. This is a virtual, internet-based key: there is nothing to plug in and nothing to lose. It needs an internet connection once in any 30-day period to confirm itself, and between those checks the software runs offline quite happily.

Older licences used a hard lock (HL) key — a physical USB device that had to stay plugged into the computer. We no longer supply hard lock keys. If you already have one it continues to work and we continue to support it, but because it is a physical item and an integral part of the software, it must be insured against theft or loss for the full price list value of the product it controls. If you would like to move from a hard lock to a soft lock key, contact us and we will arrange it.

Yes, once it is confirmed via an internet connection you may use it offline for 30 consecutive days. Any use of the software with an internet connection will reset the 30 day period again.

We have a function built into the software to authorize or un-authorize an SL key. To transfer use of the software it must first be un-authorized from the computer it is authorized on and then it can be authorized on another computer. For both these actions you must be online.

No. An SL key gives access to the use of a single workstation of a product.

An internet connection and access to our SL server is required to authorize or un-authorize an SL key. You will not be able to do authorization if a server is down. If your software is already authorized on a computer and the server is down or you have no internet, the software will still work in offline mode for a period of 30 days.

Each software package is modular and may have different modules purchased. We use what we call a “setup-file” to control what modules or products may be activated with a specific key. This file is also only valid for a specific version of the software. Where to save it is the question we are asked most often — see “Where must I save the setup file that MMS sends me?” above.

No we do not. We only develop, market and support our own products.

Close Model Maker first. Then save the setup file into the .MMSystems folder inside your own Windows user account folder — for example C:\Users\<your Windows user name>\.MMSystems, where the user name is the account you log into Windows with. Start Model Maker again afterwards and the new settings are picked up. If it does not take effect, email support@modelmaker.co.za.

Model Maker reads its setup file when it starts. If the program is running while you save the new file, the change is not picked up — and the settings already held in memory can be written back over your new file when you close the program.

Email support@modelmaker.co.za with your account number, your key number typed out in full (not only as a screenshot), the program, and the exact version installed on that machine. Support will send back the matching setup file with instructions.

Download and install the latest version from the Downloads page. If you use a soft lock (SL) key, un-authorise it on the old computer first, then authorise it on the new one. If the old machine is no longer available, support can un-authorise the key for you.

Some browsers warn about installer downloads by default. Choose the option to keep or allow the file. If your browser or your company's policy blocks it completely, contact support and we will arrange another way to get the file to you.

Two numbers, both shown on the activation form sent with your invoice: your account number and your SL key number. Install the latest version from the Downloads page first. Then open the program, click Softlock Key on the activation screen, enter the account number and key number exactly as they appear in the email, and choose your own password. A step-by-step guide is attached to your activation email.

A dongle number is printed on the hardware key itself. An SL key number is shown in the software's licensing screen. Please quote it in full — for example 3024:352 — on any account or support query, because it is what identifies your licence.

The same way as on a purchased one. The SL key is a virtual key activated over the internet, and it re-authorises itself once in any 30-day period. The software itself is downloaded from the Downloads page.

In the MM sub-folder — C:\Program Files\MMSystems\MM — not in the MMSystems folder above it. Saved in the wrong place, the tool will not run correctly.

It must be returned to MMS within seven days of the conversion. The switch is granted on that condition, which is set out in the documents provided with the process.

System Requirements for Optimal Performance

To ensure the best experience with our software, we recommend using a system that meets or exceeds the following requirements:

Operating System

• Minimum & Recommended: Windows 11 (or the most recent version of Windows that is actively supported by Microsoft).

CPU

• Minimum: Intel i5 processor (or equivalent).

• Recommended: Latest Intel i7 or equivalent, as it provides excellent performance for CPU-intensive tasks without the extra cost of higher-end models.

RAM

• Minimum: 8 GB (or the minimum requirement of the installed Windows version, whichever is higher).

• Recommended: 16 GB or more, especially for handling large datasets like DTM points in Model Maker.

Storage

• Minimum: 500 GB SSD for reliable and fast storage.

• Recommended: 500 GB+ NVMe SSD for the best performance and faster data access speeds.

Graphics

• Minimum: An onboard graphics card is sufficient. A discrete GPU (NVIDIA or ATI) is not required for the software, as it does not significantly improve performance. However, a modern GPU can enhance overall system performance and indirectly boost the responsiveness of our CPU-intensive software.

General Recommendation

For the best experience, we recommend choosing the highest available CPU, RAM, and storage options that fit your needs, especially if you work with large datasets.

It will always remain the responsibility of the user to ensure their data input and the resulting output from the software is correct and trusted. Certain functions will however have some checks available to cater for possible incorrect entries by a user.

Our software does not connect directly via cable or other method to any instruments. We do have a utility available for downloading data from instruments. Most instruments can however save data to files and we have various option for loading these data files.

Yes, we do have functionality to capture images and get elevations from GE or export CAD/DTM entities to GE. This is however operating system and GE version dependent. We do not guarantee that this functionality will always work because we don’t know what developments from GE may influence us.

We use a third party add-on utility called “VectorDraw” to read/write DWG, DXF and/or DGN files. This forms part of our installation setup and must always be installed in addition to our own software.

The basic unit of measurement and coordinates used is meter (SI) or feet (US imperial) in LO or UTM system format. We have functionality to convert to/from this to geographical coordinates using the WGS84 datum. Our software may be used with correct orientation in the southern or northern hemisphere. Data can be in any of the following datums : WGS84, Cape Clark, OSGB36, NzTM2000, GDA94.

Break lines are only honoured on normal lines used together with Intelligent Search, not Quick Search. On very complex models Quick Search is faster, but it will not respect break lines.

In Road Maker choose Help → Check for Updates and follow the prompts. That installs the current release.

It is C:\Users\<your user account>\.MMSystems\MM\Settings, inside your own Windows user account folder.

Use the Coordinate Converter utility, which you will find under Utilities on the Downloads page. If you would like to be walked through it, contact support@modelmaker.co.za.

There are two ways to buy, and they are priced on a different basis.

Buying online, on this website. The cart shows the price for the options you select, and you pay immediately by card or instant EFT through PayFast. PayFast adds 4.5% to the total — that is the payment provider's charge, and it is added in the cart before you pay. Your software is issued once the payment is received.

Buying on a quotation from our office. Ask us for a quotation and we price it from the official MMS price list. The most used payment option is an ordinary electronic bank transfer, which avoids the PayFast charge. South-African clients have the option of payment on account, 30 days from invoice date, or on a COD basis with payment prior to delivery or activation of the software. The COD option is currently discounted with 15% against the 30 day option. All exports must be paid upfront and will have the 15% discount applied.

Because the two routes are priced on a different basis, a cart total and a quotation for the same modules will not necessarily be the same figure. If you are unsure which suits you better, ask us.

There is no facility to finance the software through us. You are welcome to approach a financial institution for this.

Should it happen that the software is not what you expected, you may cancel your purchase within 7 days of your invoice date. This cancellation request must be in writing and must be accepted by us before it will be confirmed. If you hold a hard lock (USB) key issued under the older system and it was supplied as part of this purchase, it must be returned to us by courier. Only once the key is received by us will the purchase be cancelled. Once the purchase is cancelled you must provide us with bank details for a refund payment.

The cancellation charge will be fixed at ZAR 500.00 (South African Rand).

No, the software is purchased outright and will never expire. We do however, offer an Upgrade & Support Plan that also includes version updates.

The annual support fee is calculated at 9% of your software’s original purchase price. This remains permanently fixed unless you add modules to your package/s or you don’t renew your subscription within 30 days of the expiry date. Once the support has expired for more than 30 days, an upgrade must be purchased and the support fee will then be calculated according to the current price list at the time.

Ownership of the software will be granted if the same package makeup is leased for a uninterrupted period of 24 months.

No, the lease is a separate cost for using the software.

Approximately 3 days before a lease term expires you will receive an email to notify you of the expiry. You may then make a payment based on the previous lease invoice and send us the proof of payment. We then extend the lease term and invoice you accordingly. Should you wish to make changes to the leased product you must first send us an email with details on the required changes to then get a new quotation for it. Once your payment is received, MMS confirms it, extends the lease and tells you the new expiry date, and sends the current setup file so that you can update to the latest version at the same time. Renew before the expiry date on your lease so that cover stays continuous.

Your registered company name, VAT number, and the billing or physical address as they must appear on the quotation; the specific modules required for each product; and the software key the quotation applies to. For Model Maker, please also confirm the number of DTM points you need.

The signed Acceptance of Quotation — page 2 of the quotation — and the SL Key Terms and Conditions, together with either proof of payment or an official purchase order.

MMS issues the tax invoice and then sends your activation pack: the download details for the latest version, your key information and the setup file, so that you can install and activate.

Reply with the remittance advice to the MMS mailbox that sent your statement or invoice, quoting your account name so the payment can be matched to your account.

Once your payment has been received and the invoice issued, open the software, go to Settings → Configuration, and choose Reset Support Term at the top left. Your new term is then active.

Email support@modelmaker.co.za with your company name and your software key number and ask for the support renewal notice. The Support Subscription Renewal document is sent back as an attachment, setting out the period covered and the amount.

“OK” means that key currently has an active Upgrade & Support Plan. “No” means it does not. Please also note that modules cannot be moved between keys.

With an active Upgrade & Support Plan you are entitled to the latest released version. Install it from the Downloads page, or ask support for the current setup file.

Yes. MMS closes in mid-December and reopens in early January. Payments received after the closing date are only processed once the offices reopen, so please allow for that when planning a renewal or an activation over that period. The exact dates are announced each year.

While the plan is kept current, the renewal cost is based on the original purchase value. If it lapses and is reactivated later, the cost is recalculated on the current price list, which may add an upgrade fee and a higher annual support cost. Keeping the plan current is always cheaper.

No. Modules can only be added to software that carries an active Upgrade & Support Plan. If your key has no active plan, MMS will first quote to reinstate the plan, and then provide a separate quotation for the modules you want to add.

Each quotation is valid for the period stated on the document itself. Once that period has passed — or once an annual price adjustment takes effect — a new quotation is issued at current prices.

If payment reaches MMS more than two days after the lease expiry date, the renewal is treated as a new agreement and the 24-month lease term starts again from that date. Because a lease runs towards ownership, that 24-month term has to be continuous. The terms and conditions for leasing set this out in full.

If you expect to be late, contact us before the expiry date.

Invoices not paid within 60 days put the account, and the users on it, at risk of being suspended. If a statement shows an overdue invoice, confirm the expected payment date or send the remittance advice so that the account is not affected.

Yes. We provide a PDF guide that assists people with the installation of the software. There’s also a

No. We provide training at an extra cost as per user requirement. Please see a full explanation under the “Training” tab on our website.

There’s a

We provide both telephonic and email support as well as provide remote desktop assistance via the internet using TeamViewer. All our software products also come bundled with online help documentation.

The Model Maker Systems office in South-Africa is open between 08h00 and 16h30 (UTC+2) during weekdays. While we unfortunately do not have support outside of these hours, our team will make sure to attend to your email enquiries and provide you with the help you need as soon as they are available.

The most important aspect is the technical support we provide in making the use of our software a highly productive tool in any business. It also gives you access to always use the latest version of the software. Users close to any of our offices may make an appointment to see one of our support representatives for help on any problem they may have. This is not for training sessions however, and the maximum time allowed per appointment is limited to one hour. Please note that we only provide support to users with an active Upgrade & Support Plan.

You will not have access to any of our support services or software updates. The software will still work without a current Upgrade & Support Plan if the user remains on the software version he was entitled to during the support term. The onus is also on the user to retain a backup copy of his “setup-file” and installation files for that version.

Attendance certificates are emailed to the attendee and to the person who made the booking shortly after the course, normally within a day or two.

Email support@modelmaker.co.za with your name, company, contact number, security key number and current software version. Support will check the account and restore access.