Employment Observatory – Software Industry Profession Database
The total potential market opportunity for engineering software
Cambashi reveals growth opportunities for engineering software and a wider potential target audience
While engineering software vendors have been developing software to aid designers and engineers for decades, the improved functionality of these software tools has improved to the point where most architects, designers and engineers find them indispensable.
“Digital transformation is opening up new opportunities for engineering software tools to support decision-making among managers/supervisors and improve the information flow for 295 million skilled tradespeople and machine operators. It will require new types of solutions, such as visualization and augmented reality, giving them access to and the ability to interact with 3D design models,” said Dan Roberts, Senior Consultant at Cambashi. “Major vendors, such as Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Dassault Systèmes, PTC, and Siemens Digital Industries Software continue to improve and refine their design capabilities to provide full coverage of the design cycle, including the visualization and simulation necessary to enable, for example, digital twins.”
Data from the Cambashi Employment Observatory shows that worldwide there are 6.5-times the number of managers and skilled tradespeople compared with architects, engineers, and technicians. With such a vast number of potential users, it is clear to see why software vendors might be rushing to provide tools to help.
“Integrating almost 350 million managers and tradespeople into the digital engineering/building process will be crucial for the success of any digital transformation effort and future growth,” added Dan Roberts. “Overall, the potential for growth of the engineering software industry is evident – all that is needed is the market intelligence to identify where the best opportunities lie.”
This database is a comprehensive, consistent and multi-perspective dataset containing detailed information on the size of potential user communities for engineering software (BIM, CAE, PLM, CAD/CAM, etc.)

Benefits of employment data
- Supports market opportunity analysis.
- Calculate the total potential number of software seats.
- Visualize the demand for software applications by exploring the number of potential users in defined industry sectors and territories.
- Support market penetration by targeting specific user populations within an industry.
- Assess potential user base for a product or service aimed at particular occupations and industries.
- Supports planning for transition to a subscription model.
BIM-Related Profession database
Data from the Cambashi Employment Observatory shows that world-wide there are 8x the number of managers and skilled trades people compared with architects, engineers and technicians. This represents a significant opportunity not only for BIM software vendors but also for businesses looking for further efficiencies as part of digital transformation.

The chart highlights the global untapped potential for BIM software. Using nationally-reported data, combined with Cambashi intelligence on industry-wide activities, the Cambashi Employment Observatory is an invaluable tool for establishing market potential before developing and launching a new product or service.
Methodology
Using nationally-reported data, combined with Cambashi intelligence on industry-wide activities, this is an invaluable tool for establishing market potential before developing and launching a new product or service.
This data set is available as a “one off” or through a subscription service.
Check Cambashi Methodology
Employment Database Release frequency
The Cambashi Employment Observatory is updated on a yearly basis and released at the beginning of the year presenting aggregate employment figures across different industries, occupations and various countries for that single “base year”.
Industry Profession Database Sources and Methods
Data sources used for generation of Cambashi market data include but are not limited to international statistical sources, econometrics data, national statistics, 3rd party research, public financial sources, analysts, Cambashi research, and company reports.