Customer Reviews (126)

KC 89 Sam • 2024-01-31T06:48:53-07:00

This is a quick and handy reference.

Tony of Avelon • 2023-08-02T13:15:34-07:00

I love it!

bmarie925 • 2022-09-23T19:51:30-07:00

Went to fittings let’s me select fitting type and size but not the take of for that fitting ?joseph

Summary of Key Insights

  • The "Piping DataBase - XTREME" app is generally well-received by users in the piping industry, who find it to be a valuable and convenient reference tool. Its main strength lies in its comprehensive database of piping components and dimensions, which saves users time and effort by eliminating the need to carry bulky reference books. However, some users have reported issues with app stability (crashing after updates), data accuracy, and missing features. The overall sentiment is positive, with a significant majority of users giving the app a 5-star rating.
  • Key Strengths: Comprehensive data, ease of use, time-saving, and portability.
  • Key Weaknesses: App stability issues (crashing), occasional data inaccuracies, and missing specific components/features.
  • Overall Sentiment: Positive.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating (estimated average): 4.5 stars (based on review distribution)
    • Score Distribution: 68.3% (5-star), 19.8% (4-star), 4.8% (3-star), 0.8% (2-star), 6.3% (1-star)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 126 reviews
  • Time Frame of Reviews: Not explicitly stated, but reviews likely span several years given mentions of 5+ year usage.
  • Analysis Methods: Primarily qualitative analysis, involving sentiment assessment and keyword extraction to identify recurring themes, pain points, and feature requests. Quantitative analysis includes calculating the percentage distribution of star ratings.

Key User Pain Points

  • App Stability/Crashing: Several users reported that the app crashes after updates, rendering it unusable. This is a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
  • Data Accuracy: A few users have identified specific inaccuracies in the data, such as incorrect spectacle blind thicknesses or flange gasket information. This undermines the app's reliability.
  • Missing Features/Components: Users have requested additional components and features, such as reducing tees, malleable fitting unions, 5D bends, LWN flanges, and bolt lengths. The lack of these features limits the app's comprehensiveness.
  • Lack of Fraction Display (Initial): Some users find the initial decimal inch display inconvenient and prefer to see fractional equivalents directly. Although a workaround exists, it's not ideal.
  • iPad Optimization: Some users have reported issues with the app's functionality on iPads.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Reducing Tees (BW, SW, TH)
  • Bolt Lengths and Sizes for Flanges
  • Victaulic Fittings Information
  • Odd Degree Fittings (including combinations with standard fittings)
  • LWN, HB, and EB Flange Data
  • 5D Bends
  • Wrench Sizes for Flanges
  • Pipe Cross-Sectional Properties (Area, Section Modulus, Moment of Inertia)
  • Rolling Offset Calculator
  • Welding Machine Settings for Basic Pipe Schedules
  • Malleable Fitting Specs for Unions
  • Information on Cutting Fish Mouths

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Comprehensive Data: Users consistently praise the app for its extensive database of piping components and dimensions.
  • Ease of Use: The app is described as easy to navigate and user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Time-Saving: Users appreciate the app's ability to quickly provide necessary information, saving them time and effort compared to traditional reference books.
  • Portability: The app allows users to access critical information in the field without having to carry bulky reference materials.
  • Regular Updates: Users appreciate the developer's commitment to updating the app with new features and data.
  • Educational Tool: Some users find the app helpful for passing on trade knowledge to less experienced colleagues.
  • Accurate Information (Generally): Many users attest to the accuracy of the data provided by the app.
  • Excellent Customer Support: The developer actively solicits feedback and incorporates user suggestions.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address App Crashing Issues: Investigate and resolve the app crashing problems reported by users after updates. This is the most critical issue affecting usability.
  • Verify and Correct Data Inaccuracies: Conduct a thorough review of the data to identify and correct any inaccuracies reported by users. Ensure data consistency across all components.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Frequently Requested Features: Prioritize the addition of frequently requested features, such as reducing tees, bolt lengths, Victaulic fittings, and odd-degree fittings.
  • Improve iPad Optimization: Ensure the app functions correctly and is optimized for iPad devices.
  • Add Wrench Sizes to Flange Information: Include wrench sizes for flanges to further enhance the app's utility.
  • Streamline Fractional Inch Display: Consider making fractional inch display the default or providing a more intuitive toggle.

Low Priority:

  • Include Pipe Cross-Sectional Properties: Add pipe cross-sectional properties for more advanced calculations.
  • Implement Rolling Offset Calculator: Include a rolling offset calculator for complex piping layouts.
  • Add Welding Machine Settings: Consider adding welding machine settings as a bonus feature.
  • Develop a PC Version: Explore the feasibility of creating a PC version of the app.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Welding Consumables App: Develop a companion app focused on welding consumables, providing information on their chemistry, intended uses, and F numbers.
  • Electrical Fittings and Materials App: Create an app similar to Piping DataBase XTREME but focused on electrical fittings and materials, referencing NEC/NFPA/NEMA standards.
  • Advanced Piping Calculation App: Develop an app that allows users to add or subtract dimensions while viewing data, providing more advanced calculation capabilities.
  • Cloud-Based Piping Database: Create a cloud-based platform that allows users to contribute to and maintain a comprehensive piping database, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment Remains High: Despite some negative reviews related to crashes and data errors, the overall sentiment towards the app remains overwhelmingly positive.
  • Long-Term User Base: Many users have been using the app for several years, indicating its long-term value and reliability.
  • Active User Community: Users are actively engaged in providing feedback and suggestions for improving the app.
  • Reliance on the App for Critical Tasks: Many users rely on the app for making critical decisions in the field, highlighting its importance to their work.
  • "Blue Book" Replacement: The app is increasingly seen as a replacement for traditional "Blue Book" piping references.

Conclusion

The "Piping DataBase - XTREME" app is a valuable tool for piping professionals, offering a comprehensive and convenient reference source. While the app has some weaknesses, such as stability issues and data inaccuracies, its strengths far outweigh its limitations. By addressing the identified pain points and implementing the requested features, the developer can further enhance the app's value and solidify its position as the leading piping reference app. Overall, the app is highly recommended for anyone working in the piping industry.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/piping-database-xtreme/id361124046?uo=2