Software · head to head
UDEC vs Hexagon PPM Mining
UDEC
Software
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Hexagon PPM Mining
Software
Enterprise asset management for mining operations
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store; Hexagon PPM Mining pricing is custom and not publicly transparent, requiring direct negotiation with sales teams
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Hexagon PPM Mining covers Asset lifecycle management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and Hexagon PPM Mining actually diverge.
| Attribute | UDEC | Hexagon PPM Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows, Cloud |
| Founded | 1981 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 UDEC
- Distinct element modeling
- Joint network modeling
- Block interaction analysis
- Support interaction
- Dynamic analysis
- FLAC3D
- 3DEC
- Leapfrog
Only in Hexagon PPM Mining
- Asset lifecycle management
- 3D plant visualization
- Document management
- Work order management
- Reliability analytics
- Mobile inspections
- SAP
- Oracle
Both cover
- AutoCAD
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
UDEC
- Two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rocknot Hexagon PPM Mining
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot Hexagon PPM Mining
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot Hexagon PPM Mining
Hexagon PPM Mining
- Asset lifecycle managementnot UDEC
- Maintenance optimizationnot UDEC
- Document controlnot UDEC
- Work managementnot UDEC
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
UDEC
- The UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
- Fluid Flow, Barton-Bandis joint analysis, Creep, Thermal and User Defined Models are optional add ons charged on top of the base licence
- Writing custom constitutive models requires the separately licensed UDM option and C++ programming
- Purchases through the Buy Now route are prepaid annual subscriptions rather than a permanent licence
Hexagon PPM Mining
- Pricing is custom and not publicly transparent, requiring direct negotiation with sales teams
- Block model management traditionally lacked version control and audit trails, though the new Block Model Manager addresses this
- Manual configuration of pit optimization scenarios is time-consuming and limits the ability to evaluate multiple scenarios quickly
- Implementation and adoption require significant training due to the breadth of modules and complex workflows
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
Hexagon PPM Mining
On request- Hexagon PPM Standard$undefined/month
- Asset management
- Document control
- 3D visualization
- Hexagon PPM Enterprise$undefined/month
- All Standard
- Enterprise integration
- Advanced analytics
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose Hexagon PPM Mining if
- You need asset lifecycle management.
- You work on Windows, Cloud.
- You also want 3d plant visualization.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or Hexagon PPM Mining better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and Hexagon PPM Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or Hexagon PPM Mining?
- UDEC starts at On request and Hexagon PPM Mining at On request.
- Does UDEC or Hexagon PPM Mining run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. Hexagon PPM Mining runs on Windows, Cloud.
- What is UDEC best used for?
- UDEC is most often used for two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock, assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations, simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnelling. Of those, two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock and assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations are not what Hexagon PPM Mining is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that Hexagon PPM Mining cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Hexagon PPM Mining covers Asset lifecycle management, 3D plant visualization, Document management, Work order management. Both handle AutoCAD, Windows support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Hexagon PPM Mining: What does Hexagon MinePlan do?
Hexagon MinePlan is an integrated mine planning platform that handles 3D modeling, geological interpretation, block modeling, resource estimation, pit optimization, mine design, and scheduling for open pit and underground mines.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: Does Hexagon MinePlan have APIs for integration?
Yes. The Block Model Manager includes APIs for custom analytics and seamless integration with other mining software like Datamine and Vulcan, eliminating manual import/export of block model data.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: How much does Hexagon MinePlan cost?
Hexagon does not publicly list pricing. Costs are customized based on selected modules (geological modeling, pit optimization, scheduling, etc.), mine size and complexity, and support requirements. Licensing can be perpetual or subscription-based.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: What platforms does Hexagon MinePlan run on?
Hexagon MinePlan runs on Windows operating systems and supports cloud deployment options through Hexagon's cloud infrastructure.
SourceHexagon PPM Mining: Does Hexagon MinePlan offer training and support?
Yes. Hexagon provides comprehensive training programs, documentation, and customer support services for MinePlan users, with training resources available through their support portal.
Source