DELMIAWorks could be the right solution if you want to streamline your manufacturing processes and increase your efficiency. With DELMIAWorks, you can manage your entire business from a single platform, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. It offers many features and capabilities to take your business to the next level.

Capabilities of DELMIAWorks include:

• Estimating
• Order Entry
• Scheduling
• Inventory Control
• Manufacturing Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Warehouse Management
• Purchasing
• Quality Control
• Finance
• MES

Estimating With DELMIAWorks (IQMS)

With the estimating module, businesses can create accurate cost estimates for their products and services, considering the cost of materials, labor, and overheads. The solution also allows companies to perform what-if scenarios to help identify the most cost-effective solutions. Estimating module features:

• Managing the Bill of Manufacturing and product structures
• Maintain and update products cost information easily
• Track cost changes over time
• Manage quotes and proposals

Order Entry with DELMIAWorks

With the order entry module, businesses can manage customer orders from start to finish, from receiving the order to shipping the product. The solution allows enterprises to create orders, manage order status, and track order history quickly and easily. Order Entry module features:

• Manage pricing and discounts
• Provide customers with accurate pricing and apply discounts and promotions as needed
• Gain real-time visibility into inventory levels
• Manage customer information and communication
• Generate customer reports

Scheduling with DELMIAWorks

Scheduling is a critical component of any successful business, and DELMIAWorks offers a range of features that will streamline your process and improve the accuracy of your schedules. Scheduling module features:

• Create and manage production schedules
• Generate plans in real time with lead times, setup times, and run times in mind
• Optimize schedules based on specific performance metrics
• Manage schedules for multiple locations from a single platform

Inventory Control with DELMIAWorks

Inventory Control is one the most critical factors for Shop Floor accuracy efficiency for part material accuracy. From tracking inventory progress to outsourcing parts from the manufacturing process and reducing the inventory time or casting necessary materials to meet the demands, manufacturing inventory software modules from DELMIAWorks helps solve your supply chain challenges. Inventory Control module features:

• Automatically generate purchases or production orders to replenish stock as needed
• Manage production procurement, including material requirement planning and capacity
  planning

MFG BOM with DELMIAWorks

DELMIAWorks offers many capabilities to manage your manufacturing Bill of Manufacturing. A significant component of manufacturing your products is your Bill of Manufacturing. MFG BOM module features:

• Accurately address inventory requirements
• Calculate the total cost of production
• Accurately determine each product’s selling price

Warehouse Management with DELMIAWorks

DELMIAWorks provides end-to-end visibility and control over your warehouse operations, enabling you to streamline your processes, increase efficiency, and improve overall performance. Warehouse Management module features:

• Manage the entire lifecycle of a product within a warehouse, from receiving to storage,
  picking, packing, and shipping.
• Gain real-time time tracking and visibility for inventory levels and product requirements, and
  information
• Monitor and manage warehouse operations
• Support multiple storage types, such as bulk storage, shelving, and pallet racking, with ease
• Generate reports that provide insights for KPIs such as inventory levels, picking times, and
  order fulfillment rates

Purchasing with DELMIAWorks

As a comprehensive digital solution, DELMIAWorks offers advanced purchasing functionality that enables you to streamline your procurement processes, increase efficiency, and drive cost savings. Purchasing module features:

• Manage the entire procurement process, from identifying the need for a product or service
  to receiving and paying for the goods
• Track suppliers and make an informed decision about which suppliers to use
• Gain real-time visibility into the status of purchase orders
• Generate reports on procurement activities

Quality with DELMIAWorks

With the quality management module, businesses can create and manage quality control plans, define inspection points, conduct inspections, and track the results of these inspections. Quality module features:

• Gain real-time visibility into quality control activities
• Track and manage issues during production as well as root causes to prevent similar
  problems

Finance with DELMIAWorks

The IQMS financial module includes features for managing financial transactions, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable. Financial module features:

• Automate processing of invoices and payments
• Generate financial reports and analytics to track KPIs
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting

MES Real Time Data Collection

MES real-time data in DELMIAWorks / IQMS is used to monitor and control various aspects of the manufacturing process, including production line performance, machine utilization, resource allocation, and product quality. It provides manufacturers with the ability to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase the speed and accuracy of decision-making.

In Summary

DELMIAWorks (IQMS) delivers solutions that enable businesses to be lean, agile, and competitive without needing expensive third-party software interfaces. The processes are streamlined across discrete, repetitive, and batch-process manufacturing environments, built-to-order or build-to-stock supply chain models. Because all modules are designed, developed, and supported by DELMIAWorks, they operate as a powerful and cohesive solution capable of handling all your extended ERP needs with a single database – locally on the cloud.

Request a DELMIAWorks Demo with TriMech

Are you interested in learning more about DELMIAWorks and how it can help your business? Request a demo with one of our experts to see the platform in action, learn about its user-friendly interface, and discover its range of features that will benefit your business. We will also answer any questions you may have during a Q&A session at the end of the demo.

About this on-demand ERP webinar

TriMech Elite Application Engineer, Stephen Petrock, shows how you can improve your business and how to set up the configurations. He explains why DELMIAWorks is the best choice to bring you real-time visibility to historically disconnected systems in all areas of your business including manufacturing, sales, marketing, quality and shipping.  In this webinar, Stephen covers:

• How Enterprise Resource Planning can be used to improve your business
• All about DELMIAWorks and the all in one system
• How to configure the system to your business
• Why you need Enterprise Resource Planning to improve your business
• Why you should choose DELMIAWorks

So in this article and video we’ll try to answer those questions and highlight some of the key differences between the desktop and cloud-connected versions of SOLIDWORKS software now available to purchase.

SOLIDWORKS Desktop vs 3DEXPERIENCE Comparison Matrix

Choosing the version that is right for your business really depends on how you are going to be using SOLIDWORKS and your requirements, here is a comparison list to help with the decision process, the bolded solution denotes the preferred choice:

Questions and Answers for SOLIDWORKS vs 3DEXPERIENCE

Listed below are common questions that relate to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS:

Q: What are 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Roles?

A: The 3DEXPERIENCE® SOLIDWORKS® roles are for designers and engineers who need comprehensive and robust set of product design capabilities along with cloud-based collaboration and data management.

The 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS roles feature the industry-leading SOLIDWORKS Desktop CAD for rapidly creating sophisticated 3D models of parts and assemblies and production-ready 2D drawings, along with application-specific tools for sheet metal, weldments, surfacing, molds, tools and dies, plastics, electrical and piping routing and photo-realistic renderings of products.

With all data saved securely on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, users can manage, view and share their data anytime, anywhere and on any device. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS roles make it easy for engineers and designers to collaborate in real time with their entire business ecosystem, including customers, partners, and suppliers, and deliver a product development experience never before possible.

Q: What is the difference between a 3DEXPERIENCE application (App), a Role, and a commercial Offer?

A: A role is a set of applications (web-based apps) that are necessary for a you to fulfill a job function. An Offer is a commercial bundle that includes a collection of roles.

Q: What is a 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Named User License

A: 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is licensed from the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform with named user licensing. A license is assigned when an administrator grants a role to you. A role determines the 3DEXPERIENCE services and apps that you are entitled to use. a 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS license does not issue a serial number. The license is not tied to a particular machine. There is no need to activate, deactivate, or show licenses

Q: What are the benefits of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS?

A: 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS offers many benefits and advantages over SOLIDWORKS Desktop including:

• Industry-leading SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD capabilities
• Safe and secure cloud data management
• Simplified collaboration with team members, customers and suppliers
• Data accessible anywhere, anytime and from any device
• Deployment is simplified to stay up-to-date with the latest enhancements
• All critical updates are automatically installed when starting the application
• Administrative and IT overhead is reduced with turnkey collaboration and data management capabilities on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
• You can seamlessly expand your product development through a broad portfolio of roles available on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

Q: Is SOLIDWORKS Desktop being replaced by 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS?

A: No, the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS roles are not replacing SOLIDWORKS Desktop. Both the desktop and cloud solutions will be available for the foreseeable future, offering flexibility of choice based on your needs and situations.

Q: Does 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS run on the cloud?

A: Yes and No, the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS CAD licenses (Standard, Professional, and Premium) do not run on the cloud and are essentially the same as SOLIDWORKS Desktop. The software is installed on your local hard drive and connects with the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform when SOLIDWORKS is running. You can learn about how the software interacts differently. The 3DEXPERIENCE version of the software is called ‘SOLIDWORKS Connected’ to denoted that it is a platform connected version. This allows you to install the software on any machine, and connect to 3DEXPERIENCE with a named user license (rather than a serial number installation)

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS licenses also include other 3DEXPERIENCE roles, most of which are browser based and work exclusively on the cloud, they are:

• 3D Creator Role is a browser-based 3D parametric modeling role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that lets teams create conceptual and detailed designs easily (available with Standard, Professional and Premium).
• 3D Sculptor Role is a browser-based subdivision modeling role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that lets teams create highly stylized, organically and ergonomically shaped products quickly and easily (available with Professional and Premium).
• 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Simulation Designer is a desktop-based simulation role connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, providing linear static structural and time-based motion analysis capabilities for parts and assemblies (available with Premium only).
• 3DSwymer is a browser-based role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for centralized team collaboration offering secure data storage and sharing, tailored dashboards, social communities and more (mandatory with 3DEXPERIENCE roles).
• Collaborative Industry Innovator is a browser-based role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for product lifecycle management featuring issue, change and route management, 3D visualization and markup, Kanban-style task management and more (mandatory with 3DEXPERIENCE roles).

Q: Is an internet connection required to run 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS?

A: Yes, An internet connection is required. Similar to other cloud centric applications, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS roles require an internet connection. However, they also maintain an invisible local cache on the your machine should the internet connection become unstable. You can continue working on your model and save locally until the internet connection is restored or you are ready to commit your changes.

Additionally, being a cloud centric application brings many advantages. You can install and use the SOLIDWORKS CAD on as many machines as you wish. Your data is always safe and secure on the cloud and you can instantly share your designs with your team members across your entire business ecosystem.

Q: Can you use 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Desktop to work on the same data?

A: Yes. When files have been saved on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform they can be opened in either application and can be worked upon. A named user license of Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS is required for each user of SOLIDWORKS Desktop to enable them to manage the data on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. Additionally, you should be on the latest release of SOLIDWORKS Desktop when working with Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS.

Q: Can administrators assign a different 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS role to give users access to more capabilities?

A: Yes, assuming the platform administrator has available licenses, s/he can instantly assign new licenses to users in order to give them access to more capabilities. For example, if the user already has 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Standard, the administrator can give access to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional or Premium. On first consumption of the license, the license is locked for a 30-day period and therefore cannot be reassigned to a different user until the period has expired.

Q: Can templates be managed on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform?

A: No. Currently templates are stored on the disk locally and referenced from the local folder.

Q: Can design libraries be managed on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform?

A: No. Currently, design libraries are stored on the disk locally. Administrators may want to create a standard library on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and provide read access to the users.

Q: Can you install other SOLIDWORKS products (CAM, Plastics, Flow Simulation, Inspection, PDM, Manage) with the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS roles?

A: No, SOLIDWORKS Desktop portfolio applications such as Inspection, Composer, MBD, etc. cannot be installed with the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS installation. They are not supported. All saved data can be easily exported in the desired format (including SOLIDWORKS file format), if the customer needs it for standalone applications or for offline collaboration.

Q: If my business has SOLIDWORKS Desktop and PDM/Manage should I switch?

A: Probably not, your business will likely have a customized PDM system to meet your requirements. 3DEXPERIENCE Works Governance is an out of the box PDM/PLM solution better suited to businesses that are new to SOLIDWORKS, or presently do not run a PDM system.

Still have questions about SOLIDWORKS vs 3DEXPERIENCE or need pricing?

Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your SOLIDWORKS vs 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS questions and provide you pricing information for both versions.

This 40 Minute video focuses on:

• Expand usage of existing SOLIDWORKS data from design through manufacturing and production
• Gain visibility to manufacturing operations in real-time
• Using dashboards to communicate, collaborate and drive decision making

RealTime Production Monitoring

DELMIAWorks RealTime Production Monitoring takes plant management to a higher level, supporting machine management in true real-time. All aspects of production are tracked immediately as parts are being made and applied to the shop orders, automatically updating the schedule and finished product counts. The result of this embedded solution is improved efficiency, visibility and productivity. Take control of the plant floor with the DELMIAWorks Production Monitoring module from DELMIAWorks.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is broadly touted for its potential to help boost productivity for manufacturers. DELMIAWorks is a proven leader in this technology. Building on experience from customer automation projects for two decades, DELMIAWorks has been innovating automated monitoring of equipment and process parameters on the shop floor with proven Return on Investment (ROI):

• Automatically and continuously measure production output, equipment capability and process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, current, position, speed, size, etc.
• Monitor the heartbeat of your plant on the intuitive shop floor overview display and SPC charts from your equipment’s smart sensors, existing automation controls or DELMIAWorks designed and built integration PLCs to instrument older machines with add-on sensors.
• RT Charts analytics constantly monitor parameter behavior against set limits on capabilities.

The event-based notification system enables you to capture and evaluate data for predictive alerts, proactive decision making, and timely corrective actions.

Simplify your automation project with one-stop integration engineering

When it comes to thoughtful application of technology, you can trust DELMIAWorks digital manufacturing to simplify the process. DELMIAWorks provides comprehensive and experienced planning and set up of integration to your equipment, automation controls and/or sensors added to older equipment with DELMIAWorks own interface hardware – PLCs, machine state light poles, RT Station rugged industrial touch screen tablets and more. Whether you need “big data” capture and software tools for management and analysis or simply a comprehensive view of your entire shop floor, you will work with DELMIAWorks automation engineers to assure a successful technology project.

Mobile technology enables you to stay connected as you are on the go

DELMIAWorks MES 4.0 tools and options interface with today’s mobile technology. While it is impractical to try running your entire operation from a smartphone, it can be a handy window into key information to enable you to quickly respond to customer, supplier or team member questions.

From the dozens of apps available, choose to review production metrics, check inventory, accept workflow requests and approve document changes on the fly.

Your data is your data – see it flow where it needs to go

With the powerful and flexible data exchange web-service interface, DELMIAWorks digital manufacturing system can be integrated with your existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to enable you to make fact-based decisions in real-time, with all of your critical information flowing easily back and forth between the systems. If it is time to consider replacing your aging ERP system, DELMIAWorks has a comprehensive wall-to-wall manufacturing enterprise solution. DELMIAWorks native capability is unique in covering your entire business from the front office processes like CRM, Estimating, Quoting, Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, HR, Payroll, and Accounting, through to MES, Shipping and EDI managed on a single, scalable database.

SOLIDWORKS Desktop Licenses – Stand-Alone & Network

SOLIDWORKS desktop versions are installed on local machines. A serial number tells SOLIDWORKS if it is a stand-alone or network license, and whether it’s SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, or Premium. Stand-alone licenses are one seat per serial number and will function on only one machine at a time. Network licenses are pools of floating seats managed by a server machine. Clients are responsible for maintaining their own server, or servers. This can be a considerable expense for large organizations.

For smaller organizations with just a few users file management is often done just through Windows, which can be a problem if strict rules are not followed, frequent backups are not made, or hardware fails. Larger organizations usually use SOLIDWORKS PDM, or another data management system for archiving, revision control, etc. IT departments are typically tasked with maintaining this infrastructure. Learn more about SOLIDWORKS Desktop »

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is a cloud-based version that utilizes the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for file storage, data management, and team collaboration, along with extra features and applications. SOLIDWORKS itself is still installed locally, but installation is initiated through the platform, there is no serial number to activate or server machine to set up.

Licensing is based on the named-user model and handled through the cloud. Access is granted to users by an administrator based on the roles they have been assigned. This allows SOLIDWORKS to be installed on any number of machines, and users can simply log in whenever and wherever needed. All a user needs are internet access and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and their SOLIDWORKS license is always at hand.

Just like the desktop versions, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS comes in Standard, Professional, and Premium tiers. Unlike the desktop versions, perpetual licenses are not available for the platform. The cost of a license is based on the roles assigned to a user. Users and roles can easily be dropped or added as needed.

This is a great option for companies looking to simplify their IT environment, since the platform handles all license and file management. It’s also a great option for users who want to be able to work from nearly anywhere. Learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Offers »

Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS

This 3DEXPERIENCE platform role provides an add-in to connect an existing desktop license of SOLIDWORKS to the platform. This makes the advantages of the platform, including cloud storage, file management, revision control, team collaboration, and more available to desktop SOLIDWORKS users. Learn more about Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS »

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Student

Students interested in obtaining their own educational license of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS have not been left behind. This inexpensive educational license is intended for individuals, rather than for institutions needing bundles of licenses for research or teaching. There is also a traditional desktop student edition. Learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Student »

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers

Technology-loving makers and hobbyists haven’t been forgotten either, as there is another affordable version of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS tailored to them. As an added benefit, the Made in 3D Community, where makers can interact with and be inspired by each other, is provided for free. Learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers »

So, what is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS?

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is not only a means of connecting SOLIDWORKS to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, but also the ideal software for small teams who want desktop CAD and easy collaboration on the cloud. Combining the power of SOLIDWORKS desktop with the power of the platform could be the ideal solution for those looking to simplify their SOLIDWORKS licensing and file management, while simultaneously unlocking new possibilities made available by the cloud.

To maintain uniformity across your design team, SOLIDWORKS users should have access to a common set of templates. When SOLIDWORKS is connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, templates can be stored and managed in the cloud. Keep reading to learn how to save a SOLIDWORKS Template file to 3DEXPERIENCE, and how to access templates from the Platform when starting a new file.

Note – the instructions below apply to the following products:

• 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS (SOLIDWORKS Connected)
• Desktop SOLIDWORKS + the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS Role

Saving SOLIDWORKS Templates to 3DEXPERIENCE

If you want to save an existing SOLIDWORKS Template to 3DEXPERIENCE, navigate to the Template file and open it in SOLIDWORKS. Skip to Step 6.

If you are creating a new Template, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Start a New Part, Assembly, or Drawing
2. Build your template by adjusting settings in Tools > Options > Document Properties. Additional entities like reference geometry, notes, and custom properties can also be incorporated into a template.
3. File > Save As…
4. Select the template type, either Part Template (.prtdot), Assembly Template (.asmdot), or Drawing Template (.drwdot)
5. Save this template file anywhere locally.
6. You should now see the part, assembly, or drawing Template file extension at the top of the SOLIDWORKS Window (as seen in screenshot below).

Part Template File extension in SOLIDWORKS

Now that the template file is in the active SOLIDWORKS Window, it can be saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform using the steps below:

Note the Collaborative Space listed at the top of the MySession Window. This is where your Template will be saved and only members of that collaborative space will have access to the template after it is saved.

3DEXPERIENCE collaborative space

Right-click the File Name in the 3DEXPERIENCE MySession Window and select Save with Options. This launches a “Create Template” window.

Create template window

Select either Create as Released or Create as Private. “Create as Released” will put the Template into the Released maturity state, allowing other users in the collaborative space to use this template. “Create as Private” will put the Template into the Private maturity state, where only the owner of the file can see it.

Upon a successful save operation, the template file is stored in the cloud and can be shared among 3DEXPERIENCE Platform users.

How to Use Templates from 3DEXPERIENCE

When you’re ready to use your templates to start a new Part, Assembly, or Drawing in SOLIDWORKS, simply connect to your 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, launch SOLIDWORKS, and go to File > New. In this window, make sure you toggle the button to “Advanced” view so that you can see multiple tabs of templates, as seen in the screenshot below. Select the template you want to use, then click OK.

Using a new template

You will notice a 3DEXPERIENCE tab was created. These 3DEXPERIENCE Template files were automatically downloaded from the cloud upon SOLIDWORKS launching. In the background, while SOLIDWORKS was establishing its connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, a local copy of the template files was saved to this reference location:

C:\Users\[USER]\AppData\Local\DassaultSystemes\CATTemp\ENOUSWC\Resources\[TENANT]\Templates\3DEXPERIENCE\

Storing your SOLIDWORKS Templates in your 3DEXPERIENCE Platform is a great way to ensure that your team is maintaining necessary company standards when they start a new Part, Assembly, or Drawing. And because templates are shared and downloaded automatically, there is no need to worry about manually mapping the locations of these files across multiple machines.

What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS Cloud, SOLIDWORKS Desktop, and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS?

• SOLIDWORKS Cloud is a bundle of cloud-based modeling apps that allows users to access and use best in class CAD functionality and files from any device with an internet connection. It provides users with many of the same capabilities as SOLIDWORKS Desktop but without the need to install the software on their local devices. SOLIDWORKS Cloud makes an ideal solution for users who need to access CAD tools on multiple devices or locations and those who do not want to maintain the software locally.
• SOLIDWORKS Desktop is a standard installation of SOLIDWORKS software on a local device. It provides users with the full range of capabilities and features of SOLIDWORKS but requires the software to be installed and maintained locally. This can be a good option for users who do not need to access SOLIDWORKS from multiple devices or locations or prefer installing software locally for performance reasons.
• 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is a cloud-focused version of SOLIDWORKS that has a virtually identical set of capabilities as SOLIDWORKS Desktop but has a built in connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. It includes SOLIDWORKS software but allows access to other applications and services, such as data management, simulation, and collaboration tools. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is designed for companies that need a comprehensive solution for managing their product development process and want to take advantage of the benefits of cloud-based collaboration and data management.

How does the 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrate with SOLIDWORKS?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform can integrate SOLIDWORKS using the 3DEXPERIENCE Connector for SOLIDWORKS, a plugin that allows users to access and share data stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform directly within the SOLIDWORKS interface. This plugin will enable users to access 3DEXPERIENCE platform functionality like data management and collaboration all without leaving the SOLIDWORKS environment.

Additionally, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can import, publish, and use SOLIDWORKS files natively and allows for bidirectional data exchange between the two systems. It also provides avenues for integrating other tools and software, for areas like simulation and manufacturing, which can be used in conjunction with SOLIDWORKS models to provide a more comprehensive product development workflow.

Can I still use SOLIDWORKS as my primary CAD software while using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform?

You can still use SOLIDWORKS as your primary CAD software while using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform can be used in conjunction with SOLIDWORKS rather than as a replacement for it. You can continue using SOLIDWORKS for 3D modeling and other design tasks while using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for additional functionality such as data management, collaboration, simulation, and other features that support the entire product development process.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform can be integrated with SOLIDWORKS using plugins and connectors, allowing you to access and share data stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform directly from within the SOLIDWORKS interface.

Will I lose my SOLIDWORKS License if I switch to 3DEXPERIENCE?

No, you can connect your desktop SOLIDWORKS to 3DEXPERIENCE to use its apps and benefits. 

What are the benefits of using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in conjunction with SOLIDWORKS?

Using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in conjunction with SOLIDWORKS, users can take advantage of advanced data management, collaboration, simulation and analysis, product lifecycle management, manufacturing, 3D printing, and IoT and AR/VR capabilities to support the entire product development process. 

What additional functionality does 3DEXPERIENCE platform offer over SOLIDWORKS?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides additional functionalities such as advanced data management, collaboration, simulation, analysis, product lifecycle management, manufacturing, 3D printing, IoT, AR/VR, marketing and sales, and business intelligence that SOLIDWORKS alone does not offer. These functionalities help to support the entire product development process. 

How does the 3DEXPERIENCE platform handle data management and collaboration?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides advanced data management and collaboration capabilities to support product development and management. It includes centralized databases for storing and sharing design data, real-time collaboration and communication tools, access control, workflow management, and social collaboration within a cloud-based platform. All of these are designed to improve teamwork and coordination between team members, increasing efficiency and effectiveness through the product development process. 

How does the 3DEXPERIENCE platform support product lifecycle management?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides comprehensive tools to support product lifecycle management (PLM). It includes change management, variant management, product configuration management, bill of materials management, document management, lifecycle traceability, and analytics. All these functionalities assist in improving product management and its performance through its entire lifecycle. 

Can I use the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for simulation and analysis?

Yes, you can use the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for simulation and analysis. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a comprehensive set of tools, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Multiphysics simulation, Durability and Fatigue Optimization, Model-based systems engineering (MBSE), Non-linear Analysis, Acoustics, and Vibration. These tools can be used to analyze a wide range of physical phenomena, making it possible to evaluate the performance of designs and identify potential issues before they occur.

How does the 3DEXPERIENCE platform support NC Machining and 3D Printing?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a comprehensive set of roles/apps for NC Machining and Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing. Tools include toolpath generation, 3D printing preparation, manufacturing execution, additive manufacturing, and generative design. These functionalities can improve efficiency and effectiveness through the manufacturing process. 

How does the 3DEXPERIENCE platform support for IoT and AR/VR?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a comprehensive set of tools to support IoT and AR/VR. This includes IoT device management, AR/VR product visualization, AR/VR guided maintenance, IoT and AR/VR analytics, IoT and AR/VR simulation, IoT and AR/VR-based remote assistance, and IoT and AR/VR-based remote monitoring. These functionalities are designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness through product development and the entire product lifecycle journey.

How do I get more information or see a demo?

Go beyond 3DEXPERIENCE FAQ and give 3DEXPERIENCE a try. Join us for one of our upcoming live online demo sessions at a convenient date as TriMech technical experts take you through some of the capabilities of 3DEXPERIENCE. We will cover common use-case scenarios and be available for you to ask questions that apply to your specific project or company needs.

In short, the answer is YES! However, the setup and deployment are slightly different than a traditional SOLIDWORKS Admin Image.

While smaller companies may be less strict about formal policies, almost every company likes to have something in place to help control the deployment and configuration of software of individual computers. Not only does this help maintain consistency in the installation but can streamline the installation process by standardizing process.

Getting the Installation Files

Typically, when installing apps from the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, a user would click on their Compass in the top left, navigate to the correct role, select the app, and wait for the installation to complete. If additional apps have to be installed the process would need to be repeated. Multiply that by however many users need things installed or updated and it can start to add up for an IT staff with other priorities.

Compass install on 3DEXPERIENCE

When working with the batch installation methods for the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform you first have to make sure that you have admin access to your tenant. From here, navigate to the Platform Management Dashboard and go to the Members Tab. On the Members Tab, there is a section titled “Configure Apps Installation”.

In this section are the Full installation packages for the different 3DEXPERIENCE Products including 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, Electrical Schematic Designer, or for the Native Apps. There is also a “Delta” package that assists in updating to a newer hotfix if an existing installation exists. For the sake of the rest of the blog, I downloaded the Full 3DEXPERIENCE R2022x under the Native Apps installation.

Admin Install on 3DEXPERIENCE

3DEXPERIENCE Admin Image Set Up

The downloaded installation media comes in the form of a Compressed Zip which should be extracted onto a shared location that the user computers have access to. Once extracted, the IT Admin can navigate to the Setup.exe in that directory to launch the set-up dialog.

The basic steps are as follows:

1. Either pick an existing installation directory or create a new folder to put the media in. If you are creating a new path, the folder must be empty.
2. Enter a unique identifier for the installation template. Typically, it is best to name it after Version/Hotfix to more easily identify later.
3. Select the installable components (or roles) that you want to be installed. Make sure to select everything needed so it can be done all in one shot. There are a lot of selectable components, so it is best to use the Filter at the top and use the Role Name/Trigram to find what you are looking for. If anything, additional is required for the roles such as prerequisites, you will be prompted to select them.
   

   3DEXPERIENCE Roles to Install

4. Follow the prompts until the media template begins to install. Depending on the number of installable components selected, this may take a bit of time. Once done, you can close out of the dialog.

At this point, the roles selected in the set-up dialog are installed on the local machine without having to individually download and install each role. This can be done on each user machine using the same shared installation media from earlier.

3DEXPERIENCE install complete

Using 3DEXPERIENCE Admin Image Template

After the single user installation is complete, inside of the installation directory we specified above in Step 1, a new “UserIntentions_CODE” XML file is generated. This XML file is basically the instructions that the set-up dialog output to figure out which roles needed to be installed and which ones can be ignored.

UserIntentions_CODE

<!--NSR - NC Shop Floor Programmer-->
<StVariable item="CODE\win_b64\NSR.prd" name="selectProduct" value="true"/>

From here, an IT Administrator can create a LaunchUpdateInstall.bat file that references the UserIntentions_CODE file. This LaunchUpdateInstall.bat can be used on the other client machines to create an identical installation to the original machine using the template XML. The key is to ensure that the client machines have administrative rights, so the installation goes off without a hitch. For more information on the Batch installation, please reference the 3DEXPERIENCE Best Practices document for 3DEXPERIENCE on the Cloud Native Apps Batch Installation which covers the XML and BAT files in more detail.

The typical process for installing 3DEXPERIENCE Apps is a slow process that involves clicking each app and running through the installation process before doing it over again for the next app. However, someone with administrative access to your  3DEXPERIENCE Tenant can download the entire installation media package, deploy it on a centralized location, and make use of the set-up dialog to install every app needed in one shot.

You can easily filter through a list of every available, installable role to get the exact combination needed. From here, this can be taken a step further with a little programming to set up batch installation to deploy the same template on multiple machines. Doing something like this helps maintain consistency in an organization and helps reduce the amount of IT overhead needed to get everyone up and running.

InFocus Energy Services, Inc. is an innovative Canadian company specializing in the development of solution-driven downhole products for the oil and gas industry. Committed to the development of high-performance, innovative drilling  and well-completion products, InFocus is primarily an R&D-based company that licenses its technology and products to strategic partners.

Staying on the cutting edge of the oil and gas industry requires robust design and engineering tools, which is why the company utilizes the integrated SOLIDWORKS® 3D product development suite. According to Founder/Director Allan Pearson, InFocus has utilized SOLIDWORKS tools from the start because the integrated solutions provide the power, agility, and flexibility that the company needs to consistently develop innovative products. “SOLIDWORKS is the core of our engineering group,” Pearson notes. “It’s the basis for everything we do: modeling, simulation, flow analysis, renderings. We rarely have to rely on other products.”

With its concentration on developing oil and gas products that are currently not available anywhere else, InFocus regularly pushes SOLIDWORKS tools, including simulation solutions, to the limit and remains on the lookout for emerging solutions. “We’ve used SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium software for certain types of analysis, but our work increasingly involves not only geometric and material nonlinearities but also complex contact problems,” explains Mechanical Engineer/Simulation Specialist Peter Kjellbotn.

“We needed more simulation power, as well as a solution that worked smoothly with SOLIDWORKS. When we heard that SOLIDWORKS was launching a new 3DEXPERIENCE® simulation solution that incorporated the SIMULIA® Abaqus solver, we signed up for the Lighthouse Program so we could start using the new Structural Performance Engineer immediately. As soon as we got our hands on it, we started testing it and benchmarking it against known test results.”

— Mechanical Engineer/Simulation Specialist Peter Kjellbotn

SIMULIA Simulation for tricky, complex contact analysis

InFocus first utilized SIMULIA Structural Performance Engineer on the bearing section of the company’s RE|FLEX Premium HP/HT Drilling Motor. The motor’s bearing section is a proprietary design that was developed to convert extreme loading parameters, including torque of over 30,000 foot-pounds, into efficient drilling action. The company’s initial concept design of the drive system, which utilized traditional ball bearings, resulted in failure during testing when the load crushed the bearings and the faces that load the bearings. SIMULIA Structural Simulation Engineer predicted the failure—with accurate correlation to actual test results—and helped the company develop a better, more innovative design.

SIMULIA drill analysis

“With Structural Performance Engineer, we were able to evaluate a range of geometric and material options, a process that helped us quickly optimize the tapered, barrel-shaped design of the bearings, and also decide the best high-strength steel for the design” Kjellbotn recalls.

Developing unique, innovative product quickly and affordably

The experience using SIMULIA Structural Performance Engineer software to develop the bearing section of the RE|FLEX Premium Drilling Motor is representative of the fast, focused development process that InFocus needs to introduce industry innovations in a timely, consistent fashion. “We can develop more products quicker and at lower cost by using Structural Simulation Engineer,” Kjellbotn stresses.

RE|FLEX Premium HP/HT Drilling Motor

“For example, on the bearing section of the RE|FLEX Motor, if we had had to physically test all of our design options instead of evaluating them in Structural Simulation Engineer, it would have taken a lot more time and money,” Kjellbotn says. “To do all of those tests on a high-strength drive shaft—at a cost of thousands of dollars per test—would have blown both the schedule and budget. We saved tens of thousands of dollars, months of time, and extra labor costs by using Structural Simulation Engineer. It helped us condense a process that would usually take months into just a few weeks.”

Greater agility and flexibility fuel growth

The implementation of SIMULIA Structural Performance Engineer provides InFocus with the increased agility and flexibility that it needs to continue to innovate and grow. “Getting the products out and into the market faster is everything to us,” Pearson says. “Structural Simulation Engineer fits into our goal to go from concept to completion in a week. Our business needs change quickly, so having an agile system that gets results that we can trust quickly is extremely important for our continued growth.”

“Because Structural Performance Engineer is part of 3DEXPERIENCE Works in the cloud and is fully compatible with our SOLIDWORKS modeling data, it provides additional advantages”

— Mechanical Engineer/Simulation Specialist Peter Kjellbotn

“It’s hardware-independent, freeing up our workstations for other things, and utilizes SOLIDWORKS data, saving time and money because we don’t have to go through time-consuming import/export protocols. The solution also automatically stores data in the cloud and supports collaboration. With Structural Simulation Engineer, we are only limited by our imagination.”

About the SOLIDWORKS PDM vs Manage On-demand Webinar

Watch as we present the three different SOLIDWORKS data management software solutions available: SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional and SOLIDWORKS Manage. Each has different capabilities and setup requirements, and he provides a rundown of them all to help you understand the variations and help you figure out which is the best tool fit for you. 

In this on-demand webinar, we cover:

• What PDM is and why you need it
• The system requirements for using the software
• The capabilities and limitations of each tool 
• What it takes to implement them

Running your business on Spreadsheets?

Spreadsheets became popular in the 80s with the advent of personal computers and they were a great way to assemble and present data needed to plan next steps or to make a decision. Solid and valid information is critical in making the right decision. Unfortunately, developing spreadsheets:

• Take time to create
• Can involve inputs from multiple people and sources
• Need to be controlled if they are shared
• Become out-of-date the moment they are published or distributed.

Leverage real-time data using DELMIAWorks

Fast forward 40 years, many businesses are still using spreadsheets despite vast improvements in hardware and software. Although there are many options, we will show you how DELMIAWorks will:

• present the key data needed to make decisions within your business
• without any effort to create reports
• and showing real-time data.

Customization usually means longer lead times, but landscape architects and site contractors can rarely afford to wait. Implementing DriveWorks, with the support of TriMech, has helped Maglin move to manufacturing – and to market – faster.

Maglin uses a DriveWorks-powered configure-price-quote (CPQ) system for three of its furniture lines – Lexicon, Ogden, and Pixel. Each line is built to order and available in different sizes, colours, materials, and layouts – there are thousands of possible configurations. In the past, getting from desired specs to approved drawings took at least two weeks; today, the entire process can be done in one online configuration session.

Maglin Product Builder

Customer approval on the spot

Aaron Dawson is Director of Manufacturing for Maglin. To demonstrate the impact of changing from a manual process to using DriveWorks, he points to the Ogden modular product line.

“We offer thousands of various bench radii, making it a custom product always built to order. To avoid costly errors and wasted time and materials, customer approval of the layout drawings is paramount.”

Before implementing DriveWorks, a sales rep would talk to the customer and record the specs required, then request the drawing. An engineer would create the drawing and send it to the customer for approval. Once approved, production would begin.

Even if there were no changes, working through a drawing approval process would take about two weeks. If the customer wanted changes, that timeline could double.

Using DriveWorks, this process has been eliminated. A sales rep can automatically create the drawings based on the chosen configuration or Maglin can give the landscape architect access to the system to create his or her own design and drawings.

Maglin Product Builder – Configure Lexicon

One session provides pricing and drawings

At the beginning of a CPQ session, the sales rep or customer chooses the specs for each element – shape, dimensions, colour etc. The system continually updates in real time, including pricing, as they try different options. When the design session is over, they have drawings, a model to insert into their site drawings, and a quotation. DriveWorks is linked to Maglin’s freight partner’s database, so even the shipping cost is generated automatically – the system knows the size, weight, and number of packages.

“The engineering team is not involved in this process at all,” Aaron says. “They are entirely dedicated to the production process and new product development.”

Automation means more time to focus on new projects

Sometimes, when there is talk of automation, people fear the change or worry about the impact on their role. Aaron says DriveWorks has removed the backlog of projects in the sales process and has freed up designers to use their creativity to design new products.

“Automation tools remove day-to-day repetitive tasks. Our designers no longer have to spend time tweaking the furniture configuration because the software does that. Our designers were on board from the start. They have totally embraced it.”

Aaron also points out that because the sales process moves faster, overall business revenue is increasing. He can add more designers to the team. The sales team has been freed from their backlog as well, and can focus on creating and strengthening relationships with customers, which is critically important to Maglin.

“There is no lack of opportunity out there,” Aaron says. “And our sales people now have more time to maximize the use of our CRM. They can see who has been working on layouts online and give people a call to talk about their needs. We want new clients and new projects – that’s the most valuable use of their time.”

Skate Park Configuration – Maglin Ogden

DriveWorks representatives listen to feedback

Maglin’s original reason for implementing the DriveWorks CPQ system was to get to manufacturing quicker to reduce the cash conversion cycle. As they gained experience, they started wondering, “Can the software do this?” and “What if we could make the system work like that?”

“We’ve been pushing the envelope,” Aaron says. “We continually challenge the people at TriMech and at DriveWorks. Nobody at TriMech ever says ‘no, that can’t be done’ – they are always open to trying new things. And DriveWorks representatives have listened to my feedback and have addressed my concerns. We are working directly with the developer to influence their product. That’s a win-win for us and for DriveWorks.”

TriMech is part of the team

TriMech helped Maglin design their initial online system and provided guidance on everything from hardware selection to testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing performance.

“If another company is finding DriveWorks challenging, it’s because they don’t have a technical partner like TriMech,” Aaron says. “We couldn’t have gone as far as we have on our own. Lee from TriMech is part of our team and walks freely around our plant.”

Maglin will continue to work closely with TriMech and DriveWorks to make further progress. Aaron says it’s a continual learning process for everyone and has appreciated that TriMech has pointed him to funding opportunities for resources and training; Maglin has been able to secure grants to support their investment in DriveWorks.

“TriMech helps us understand what’s coming, including the new technology that will make a difference for us and how they can help. Our CEO Ian McAskile said that DriveWorks, with Javelin’s mentoring, has been a game changer for us as we continue to be a leader in our industry.”

DriveWorks Benefits for Maglin:

• DriveWorks gives sales reps and landscape architects an easy-to-use online system for configuring modular site furniture, generating pricing, and creating drawings, continually updating in real time
• Maglin’s typical two-week sales process, including customer approval of drawings, has been eliminated
• Engineers are free to develop new products; they are no longer tied up making and tracking small tweaks to designs
• Using CPQ automation, Maglin can meet customer demand for speed while continuing to provide customization and quality; they are also winning more projects by delivering quotations and drawings quickly
• Effects are company-wide: overall revenue has increased; sales reps have more time to spend on relationship building with new and existing customers; the marketing team is able to promote the benefits of the DriveWorks system
• Working directly with both TriMech and DriveWorks, Maglin has been mentored and supported and is contributing to future releases of the software that will benefit everyone

“Automation tools remove day-to-day repetitive tasks. Our designers no longer have to spend time tweaking the furniture configuration because the software does that. Our designers were on board from the start. They have totally embraced it.”

– Aaron Dawson, Director of Manufacturing

Maglin’s finished projects