Productivity and Return on Investment from SolidWorks? 3D CAD Software

This report summarizes the results of a third‐party survey of the productivity gains experienced by more than 1,000 users of SolidWorks 3D computer‐aided design (CAD) software.  This data is useful to companies considering a purchase of new CAD software.  The findings of the study show that using SolidWorks 3D CAD software for product development produces the following results:

? 95% of the companies responding reported an increase in productivity;

? 81% of respondents reported better design visualization with SolidWorks 3D CAD software;

? 69% of respondents reported that SolidWorks 3D CAD software enables them to design better products;

? 54% of the respondents reported faster product time‐to‐market;

? The average time‐to‐increased‐productivity was about ten weeks;

? The results are consistent across different industries and previous CAD systems used.

When evaluating CAD systems, manufacturers often view increased productivity as the most important point of comparison.  To obtain the most objective understanding of potential productivity gains, manufacturers should calculate their expected Return on Investment (ROI) and consider as many quantifiable benefits as possible.

To calculate expected ROI, manufacturers should use Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to compare costs, including those for hardware, maintenance, upgrades, support, and training.  This report provides details on how companies can calculate TCO, determine expected ROI, and evaluate CAD vendors before making a decision to purchase a new CAD system.