As cloud technology continues to transform product development, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions have become more accessible, collaborative, and efficient than ever before. Selecting the right platform is crucial, as it impacts everything from workflow efficiency to data management and integration with other tools. In this blog, we’ll explore three leading cloud-based solutions – 3DEXPERIENCE, Onshape, and Fusion 360 – breaking down their key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed choice.
First, when evaluating cloud-based CAD and PLM platforms, it’s essential to choose a solution that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your business.
3DEXPERIENCE (By Dassault Systèmes – The Creator of SOLIDWORKS), stands out as the most comprehensive and sustainable option, offering a fully integrated ecosystem that combines CAD, PLM, and collaboration tools in a seamless cloud-based environment. Unlike other platforms, 3DEXPERIENCE provides enterprise-level scalability, advanced data security, and robust access control – ensuring that teams across different disciplines can work together efficiently while maintaining complete control over intellectual property. Its deep integration with industry-leading design and simulation tools makes it an ideal choice for companies that demand high-performance workflows and innovation-driven development.
Onshape, while offering a cloud-native CAD experience with built-in PDM (Product Data Management), lacks the enterprise-grade PLM capabilities that growing organizations require. Its real-time collaboration features are useful, but the platform's reliance on an always-online connection limits flexibility, making it less reliable for teams that need offline access or more advanced data management tools.
Fusion 360 takes a different approach by bundling CAD, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) into a single solution, making it a popular option for hobbyists, startups, and small businesses. However, its hybrid cloud model does not provide the same level of security, scalability, or PLM integration as 3DEXPERIENCE. While it is a great entry-level tool, larger organizations or those with complex product development lifecycles may find it lacking in essential industry-leading features.
Effective cross-functional engagement is a key factor when choosing a cloud-based CAD and PLM platform, and 3DEXPERIENCE leads the way with its unified network that seamlessly integrates design, simulation, and manufacturing. By connecting teams across different disciplines in a single cloud environment, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform ensures smooth collaboration while maintaining advanced security infrastructure and control. Onshape offers strong real-time synergy within its CAD environment, allowing multiple users to work on a design simultaneously. However, its capabilities are limited beyond CAD, making it less effective for organizations that require broader integration with PLM and manufacturing processes. Fusion 360 provides cloud-based file sharing and coordination features, but it lacks the high-grade control and security needed for large-scale operations.
When it comes to expandability and industry applications, 3DEXPERIENCE stands out as the most versatile and powerful solution, catering to enterprises, SMBs (Small and Medium-sized Businesses), and large-scale product development teams. Its fully connected PLM and CAD framework allows businesses to scale with ease while maintaining robust data security and workflow efficiency. Onshape, while an excellent choice for small teams and startups that need a purely cloud-based CAD solution, lacks top-tier features necessary for complex product development and manufacturing processes. Fusion 360 is best suited for “the little guys,” offering an all-in-one CAD, CAM, and CAE solution but falling short in scalability and corporate-level integration.
Curious how this looks in real life? Watch how OE Systems used 3DEXPERIENCE Works to go from design to wave tank testing in just one month—cutting simulation time from hours to minutes and revolutionizing their renewable energy development process.
When it comes to security and data management, 3DEXPERIENCE offers the most advanced and reliable solution, providing business-level security, compliance, and access control. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, it ensures that sensitive design data remains protected while enabling harmonious collaboration across teams. Onshape delivers a secure cloud-based environment with built-in PDM, but it lacks the advanced enterprise PLM capabilities needed for organizations handling complex product lifecycles. Fusion 360, while offering basic cloud security, falls short in robust data management options, making it less suitable for businesses requiring stringent control over intellectual property and compliance.
When evaluating the cost and overall value of a cloud-based CAD and PLM platform, it's important to consider both upfront investment and long-term returns. 3DEXPERIENCE may have a higher initial cost, but it delivers a strong return on investment (ROI) through its growth potential, efficiency, and deep connectivity across design, simulation, and manufacturing processes. This makes it the ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize workflows and support long-term advancement. Onshape, with its subscription-based pricing, offers a lower-cost entry point, but its limited feature set may require additional tools as businesses expand. Fusion 360 is one of the most affordable options, making it appealing for small businesses; however, it lacks industry-leading functionality and PLM capabilities needed for larger, more complex projects.
For businesses looking for a powerful, future-proof CAD and PLM solution, 3DEXPERIENCE stands out as the best choice. Unlike other platforms that focus solely on CAD, 3DEXPERIENCE is an all-in-one cloud-based ecosystem that combines design, simulation, PLM, and collaboration tools into a smooth operation. Its scalability makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, ensuring that teams can grow without outgrowing their software. Additionally, 3DEXPERIENCE offers best-in-class security and data management, protecting sensitive intellectual property while enabling effortless alliance across teams and locations. Powered by advanced technology and continuous innovation, 3DEXPERIENCE delivers the most comprehensive, progressive solution for driving next-generation product development.