IKE PoleForeman
6/10IKE PoleForeman is pole loading and structural analysis software from ikeGPS. Electric utilities, telecom carriers and engineering firms use it to design overhead pole lines that comply with the NESC.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
IKE PoleForeman is desktop structural analysis software for overhead pole lines. Engineers use it to check whether utility poles, anchors, conductors and attached equipment meet National Electrical Safety Code loading requirements, and whether they also meet the utility's own standards. Malcolm Young invented PoleForeman in the early 2000s. ikeGPS bought it from Alabama-based PowerLine Technology in 2019 and released a rebuilt version in October 2023. The new version added multiple-pole analysis, 3D single-pole and full-span views, 2023 NESC support and a self-administered database portal. Version 1.1 added CSV bulk import of poles, anchors, spans and topography, which are often exported from a utility GIS. It also added insulator uplift checks and configurable analysis presets. The equipment master catalog has more than 2,800 parts. Contractors and joint-use partners can get read-only access to a utility's standards database. PoleForeman is tightly linked to IKE Office Pro, which imports pole data collected in the field. Pricing is an annual subscription. The Individuals and Small Teams plan is listed at 2,500 USD per seat per year for up to 10 seats and uses the standard RUS equipment database. Enterprise pricing is quoted for 10 or more seats and adds custom databases, SSO, virtual desktop deployment and account management. Instructor-led training is charged per class. The tool suits North American distribution utilities, communications companies and engineering contractors. Its main limitation is its narrow scope: it handles pole loading only, not general asset or maintenance management. IKE itself rates the new code base as less mature than the long-established O-Calc Pro and SPIDAcalc, and subscription purchases cannot be refunded.
Our Rating
Who IKE PoleForeman is best for
Good fit
It is built for NESC pole loading analysis, and IKE says it is used by most of the largest US investor-owned electric utilities.
The pricing page targets contractors and engineering firms that do pole line design for utilities.
It serves electric distribution companies that are modernizing their grids.
Less suited
Individual seats suit small contractors, but the software is specialist and costs 2,500 USD per seat each year.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It analyses poles against NESC rules, including the 2023 edition, and also against the utility's own internal standards.
- The master equipment catalog has more than 2,800 parts, and contractors can get read-only access to a utility's standards database.
- CSV bulk import lets users bring in poles, anchors, spans and topography exported from a GIS.
- It integrates with IKE Office Pro, so pole data collected in the field can be imported directly.
- Self-serve seat pricing is published, which is unusual for this category.
Cons
- It covers pole loading analysis only, with no work order or general asset management features.
- IKE itself rates the rebuilt code base as less mature than O-Calc Pro and SPIDAcalc.
- Subscription purchases are final and cannot be refunded.
- The self-serve plan is capped at 10 seats and limited to the standard RUS database. Custom databases require Enterprise.
Key Features
IKE PoleForeman Pricing
Enterprise
- Custom equipment database
- Billed annually, 10-seat minimum
- SSO and virtual desktop deployment
- Dedicated account management and onboarding
- Integration with IKE Office Pro and asset management tools
Individuals & Small Teams
or $2,500/user/year (save 92%)
- ikeGPS customer support
- Self-paced online training
- Billed annually, 10-seat maximum
- One annual seat license per user
- Standard RUS-based equipment database
Frequently Asked Questions
The Individuals and Small Teams plan is listed at 2,500 USD per seat per year, billed annually, for up to 10 seats. Enterprise plans for 10 or more seats have custom pricing.
The pricing FAQ says all subscription purchases are final. Cancellation terms are set out in the Terms of Service.
It analyses poles to NESC standards, including the 2023 NESC, and can also enforce a utility's internal standards. The admin portal can configure multiple NESC analysis rules.
Yes. It integrates with IKE Office Pro for importing field-collected pole data, supports CSV import from a GIS, and exports pole loading data to common industry formats. Enterprise plans add SSO and other asset management integrations.
Every plan includes self-paced online training. Instructor-led classes are charged per class.
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