How to choose the best CAD software for your design projects
Faced with such a wide range of offers, what do we need to choose the best computer aided design software? For SMEs and startups, the decision process is easier, because the basic needs are very clear: the fastest, cheapest and best technical solution.
In a larger organization, there are many decision levels and perspectives that must be considered when choosing the best CAD software : financial, technology and infrastructure, and the perspectives of CAD users. Each of these three components is important in the decision-making process.
Let's examine the main criteria:
Financial criteria
Here the main actor is the CFO, which will focus on the most efficient investment. The main financial factors that any decision process must include are:
The cost of CAD software (license / subscription)
Associated costs of user training, maintenance and other service packages.
Evaluation of elementary TCO: complementary investments in hardware, hiring of specialized engineers, internal IT maintenance or eventual upgrade costs
Technical and operational criteria
From a CIO / CTO perspective, the most important aspect is the integration of CAD software in the existing system of the company, as well as the necessary hardware and software resources for proper execution. What are the specific criteria for a CIO?
The number of workstations required to run the CAD software
Single or network license versions: special server configuration
Access to remote software: virtual applications and virtual machines in data centers
License mode: Perpetual or rental licenses, or subscription to Software-as-a-Services (SaaS)?
The practice shows that for the vast majority of situations, the most convenient alternative is a SaaS subscription, which offers the following advantages:
No additional resources are needed
There is no extra time for installation, configuration and updates.
Simplified and flexible management process.
Data security compatible with company policies and industry standards.
Deep integration with CAE, CAM and PLM applications
What are the alternatives for end users?
But what about the user's perspective? Whether we are talking about a product designer, an industrial design specialist or a design services consultant, CAD designers are not interested in what type of license the solution has, unless they have to deal with problems of incompatibility, transfer of documents or recognition.
Before making their choice, users should ask themselves a series of questions: Can I generate this type of project without this CAD solution? Do I understand all the required input data? Do I have enough experience to understand the final result of my design?
Any CAD software can help automate the design process with predefined criteria and rules to regulate the output, but you must understand those rules before you begin.
Industry studies have shown that application platforms that integrate specialized software are more popular than stand-alone software. The latter is recommended only in particular situations with very specific design requirements, for certain design structures, or to facilitate a particular design stage.
CAD tools developed in the cloud are generally preferred for the following reasons:
The user has access to an easy-to-use interface and only needs a web browser.
The solution is easy to learn; It is intuitive and usually includes online tutorials and training resources.
The product designer has permanent access to the most current version without updates or update requirements.
Online subscription offers the most effective forms of communication and collaboration with co-workers or partners who are developing other components.
The solution can easily retrieve any document layout or extension format.