Collaborating with non-technical stakeholders by sharing CAD designs has always been challenging. Traditional methods required specialized software or complicated file transfers, making the collaboration process time-consuming.

Fortunately, SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services has introduced a seamless, cloud-based solution to simplify collaboration. This solution allows users to share, markup, and provide feedback directly from a web browser.

This blog will explore how SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services can streamline your design processes and make collaboration more accessible and efficient.

1. Traditional CAD Sharing Challenges

Previously, sharing CAD designs with non-CAD users meant dealing with complex tools and processes.

Solutions like “Pack and Go” helped package all necessary files into a single zip folder, but this was useful only for those with SOLIDWORKS.

Tools like eDrawings allowed non-CAD users to view designs, but they required special software and apps, adding extra layers of complexity. Moreover, these methods made it difficult to get timely feedback, leading to communication gaps and project delays.

2. SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services: A Game-Changer

SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services offers a revolutionary solution to these challenges.

With a single click, you can share your CAD designs with anyone, anywhere, without requiring them to install additional software.

The recipient can easily view, annotate, and provide feedback using any device and web browser.

2.1. Simplified Sharing

One key benefit of SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services is the simplicity of sharing CAD files.

Instead of dealing with complex file transfers, you can generate a shareable link directly from SOLIDWORKS.

This link can be sent via email or any communication platform, providing instant access to the CAD design without requiring additional apps or downloads.

2.2. Easy Markup and Feedback

Once the design is shared, stakeholders can use the built-in markup and feedback features to annotate the CAD files.

This eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails with screenshots or explanations.

Stakeholders can draw directly on the design, add comments, and provide detailed feedback, all in real time. This feature significantly speeds up the design iteration process and reduces miscommunication.

3. Powered by 3DEXPERIENCE

SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services is powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes.

This platform provides a centralized, cloud-based environment for collaboration and data management.

With 3DEXPERIENCE, you can store your CAD files in a secure location, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the latest versions.

The platform also offers scalable cloud computing capabilities, allowing efficient simulations and complex calculations without requiring high-end hardware.

3.1. Getting Started with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services

If you’re ready to start using SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services, you will need a 3DEXPERIENCE ID. Once you have an ID, you can share your CAD designs with a single click, allowing stakeholders to view, mark up, and provide feedback effortlessly.

3.2. Adding Cloud Services to Existing Licenses

For those who purchased their SOLIDWORKS license before July 1, 2023, you might not have access to Cloud Services.

To add this feature to your existing license, you can contact sales@mecad.co.za for more information on how to upgrade.

4. The Bottom Line

SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services offers a revolutionary way to share CAD designs and collaborate with stakeholders.

It simplifies CAD collaboration with its browser-based access, easy sharing, and intuitive markup tools.

If you want to streamline your design processes and improve communication with stakeholders, SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services is the solution you’ve been waiting for.