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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs acQuire GIM Suite

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
acQuire GIM Suite logo

acQuire GIM Suite

Mining

Geoscientific information management platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; acQuire GIM Suite pricing is not published
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, acQuire GIM Suite covers Drill hole data management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and acQuire GIM Suite actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and acQuire GIM Suite differ
Attribute3DECacQuire GIM Suite
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows, Web
Founded19811996

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 3DEC

  • 3D distinct element analysis
  • Block motion tracking
  • Contact detection
  • Support design
  • Dynamic simulation
  • FLAC3D
  • Python
  • Linux support

Only in acQuire GIM Suite

  • Drill hole data management
  • Sample tracking
  • QAQC management
  • Data validation
  • Reporting tools
  • Surpac
  • Micromine
  • ArcGIS

Both cover

  • Leapfrog
  • Vulcan
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

3DEC

  • Three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materialsnot acQuire GIM Suite
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot acQuire GIM Suite
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot acQuire GIM Suite
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot acQuire GIM Suite
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot acQuire GIM Suite

acQuire GIM Suite

  • Capturing and validating drillhole and geological datanot 3DEC
  • Maintaining a single source of truth for geoscientific recordsnot 3DEC
  • Field data capture on mobile with offline workingnot 3DEC
  • Delivering geological data to modelling and reporting toolsnot 3DEC

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

3DEC

  • Pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options
  • A specialist geomechanical tool rather than general purpose simulation, so it assumes the user is a rock mechanics engineer

acQuire GIM Suite

  • Pricing is not published
  • Built specifically for mining geology rather than general data management

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

On request
  • 3DEC Professional$25000/year
    • 3D distinct element analysis
    • Block-to-block interaction
    • Support installation modeling

acQuire GIM Suite

On request
  • GIM Suite Standard$8000/year
    • Data management
    • QAQC tools
    • Validation rules
  • GIM Suite Enterprise$18000/year
    • Multi-site deployment
    • Advanced workflows
    • Integration APIs

Which should you pick?

Choose 3DEC if

  • You need 3d distinct element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want block motion tracking.
3DEC review

Choose acQuire GIM Suite if

  • You need drill hole data management.
  • You work on Windows, Web.
  • You also want sample tracking.
acQuire GIM Suite review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or acQuire GIM Suite better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and acQuire GIM Suite at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or acQuire GIM Suite?
3DEC starts at On request and acQuire GIM Suite at On request.
Does 3DEC or acQuire GIM Suite run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. acQuire GIM Suite runs on Windows, Web.
What is 3DEC best used for?
3DEC is most often used for three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials, slope stability and pillar analysis for mining, blast and earthquake dynamic analysis, groundwater flow through fractured rock. Of those, three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials and slope stability and pillar analysis for mining are not what acQuire GIM Suite is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that acQuire GIM Suite cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. acQuire GIM Suite covers Drill hole data management, Sample tracking, QAQC management, Data validation. Both handle Leapfrog, Vulcan, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

3DEC: Does 3DEC offer a free trial before purchasing?

Yes, 3DEC provides a free demo download available via the REQUEST DEMO button on their website. However, the specific trial period length is not stated on the product page.

Source
acQuire GIM Suite: Is there a trial period or free evaluation?

The page does not mention a free trial or evaluation option. Pricing and trial details would need to be requested through the 'Contact us' link on the page.

Source
3DEC: What licensing models does 3DEC support?

3DEC offers both subscription-based licenses (annual) and perpetual licenses. Subscription licenses are available through their FastSpring store with annual subscription terms.

Source
acQuire GIM Suite: How is GIM Suite priced?

No pricing is published on this page. The product appears to use a custom sales model where pricing is determined through direct contact with Acquire's sales team.

Source
3DEC: How is 3DEC pricing determined?

3DEC uses a quote-based pricing model rather than publishing fixed rates. Customers can request a quote through the website or purchase through their software store, with pricing customized based on specific needs.

Source
acQuire GIM Suite: What is included with a standard subscription?

The page describes features like geological data management, mobile integration, and compliance features, but does not disclose what is included in different pricing tiers or subscription levels. This would need to be clarified during sales consultation.

Source
3DEC: What support resources are included with 3DEC?

3DEC includes documentation, tutorials, forum access, FAQs, applied examples, and training courses. Support appears to be included with purchases rather than sold separately.

Source
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