Ivan Maximov has presented a new topology-based paneling modifier for 3DS Max.

First, check out the tool in action:

It is a procedural tool for geometry paneling that preserves Material IDs/SmoothGroups/Sub-Object selection.

Features:

• Selection only - map panels only to selected faces.
• Replace - Replaces selected faces with panels.
• Keep base - preserves base geometry.
• Keep Non-Quads - preserves tris/n-gones.
• Set Height - Keeps panels height along face normal constant.
• Driver Axis - defines panels flow direction.
• Panels alignment options.
• In-Place panels transformation.

You can learn more and get the tool for $12.99 on Gumroad.