AutoCAD vs Macola

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Our analysts compared AutoCAD vs Macola based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Macola Software Tool

Product Basics

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design system that drafts accurate 2D and 3D product designs. It develops, documents and crafts 2D shapes and 3D models via surfaces, solids and other types. It's customizable with integrated apps and APIs.

Its main offerings include performance enhancements, sharing, fast measure, layouts, tables and rendering. It streamlines drawing comparisons, counting, scheduling, block adding and other responsibilities automatically. It's available for Windows and Mac OS.
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Macola provides business solutions to small and medium-sized distribution and manufacturing companies. It increases the accuracy and speed of managing a business and streamlines operations in complex manufacturing and distribution environments. It allows users to configure workspaces at user level without consultants or developers. It also streamlines processes such as workflows, automation and document management. 

It enhances how customers interact with the businesses, improving accuracy, speed and reliability. It offers access via mobile apps and the web, business intelligence, and automated workflows.


Pros
  • Strong inventory management
  • Robust financial reporting
  • Customizable to specific needs
  • Scalable for growth
  • Long-standing industry presence
Cons
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Limited mobile accessibility
  • Potential customization costs
  • Dated interface (in some versions)
  • Compatibility concerns with newer tech
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$255/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$995 One-Time
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Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
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Medium 
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Large 
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Small 
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Medium 
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Large 
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Quick Feedback: Add feedback to DWG files without altering drawings, saving time in the design process. 
  • Flexible Windows: Tug and shift windows to showcase information side by side or on numerous monitors to keep track of everything in one place. 
  • Easy Sharing: Allocate shared drawing copies to colleagues with real-time technology for remote access anywhere at any time and faster deliberations. 
  • Rapid Conversions: Transform CAD drawing sheets into PDFs or CAD files for quick distribution. 
  • Automatic Prompt Counting: Leverage instant counting blocks or shapes to boost productivity and reduce errors. 
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  • Improved Financial Control: With the general ledger, users can manage core financial information leading to better financial control and decision making that can lower costs and minimize human error. 
  • Streamline Operations: Centralized document creation and management with secure and role-based access lets users streamline operations. This helps users monitor and manage their business operations. 
  • Monitors Business Activity: It monitors business data and executes actions through triggers that can be pre-set by the user. This leads to lowered costs, better productivity and higher revenue. 
  • Ensure Smooth Distribution: Macola maintains inventory in real time, making sure that users avoid overstocking and stockouts. This ensures that investment in excess inventory is reduced while boosting inventory efficiency overall. 
  • Manage Customer Data: It comes equipped with a pre-built platform to manage companies’ relationships with their customers. 
  • Process Payments: Macola has powerful accounting and finance capabilities that enable users to process orders and manage payments. 
  • Critical Job Functions: Macola allows workspaces to be created for specific jobs, such as a human resource workspace, a sales workspace, an order processing workspace or a finance and accounting workspace. 
  • Optimize Time: The personalized workspaces that can be created within Macola help lower the time needed to perform tasks by providing users with critical data and functions. 
  • Always Accessible: Personalized workspaces can be accessed from anywhere at any time using browsers, tablets, smartphones and client servers.
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  • 2D Drafting, Drawing and Annotation
    • Views: Name and save views effortlessly. Return to specific filters for reference or to add viewports. 
    • Purge: Delete several unneeded items via selection and object preview options. 
    • Arrays: Construct and edit models in circular, rectangular or straight paths 
  • 3D Modeling and Visualization
    • Rendering: Add lighting and particular materials to offer realistic 3D designs. These features also improve design communications. 
    • Visual Styles: Utilize these styles to manage edge, lighting and shading displays on 3D models. 
    • Model Documentation: Produce bases, projections, sections, detail views and other 2D drawings from 3D models. 
  • Collaboration
    • DWG Compare: Compare two drawings in the same window. 
    • Model References and Import: Add Navisworks models for drawings and input. 
    • Sheet Sets: Review, manage and plan numerous blueprints in different sheet sets. 
  • Installation and Customization
    • CUI Customization: Tailor user interfaces to strengthen accessibility while diminishing routine assignment phases. 
    • Action Recorder: Document commands and enter playback values as action macros. 
    • CAD Standards Checker: Initiate and watch CAD regulations to upkeep fluent layer, line type, text and dimension styles. 
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  • Accounting and Finance: Macola gives users a real-time financial overview of their company. Using the general ledger, users can manage the business’s financial core, cut costs, reduce human error and improve decision making. 
  • Accounts Payable and Receivable: This feature of Macola ensures that the flow of raw materials, services and supplies does not get disrupted, resulting in a good reputation with the vendors. It also helps manage credit and activity to help maximize cash flows. 
  • Excel Add-ins: Macola and Excel link dynamically, allowing users to access data in Excel. It is not necessary to export data and it offers dynamic and immediate reporting capabilities. 
  • Monitoring Business Activity: Macola monitors users’ business information and scans users’ operations every minute. It can send email alerts, update databases, generate reports and initiate workflows. 
  • Business Process Management: Macola comes with document management, customized workflows and CRM capabilities. These features ensure that users store information securely and centrally so that it can be accessed from anywhere, streamlining customer interactions. 
  • Customer Relationship Management: This feature organizes customer data in a single database. Users’ clients, vendors, employees and business partners are connected via Macola, allowing them to capture customer experiences. Users can understand, monitor, maximize and manage sales performance. 
  • Inventory Management: Macola ensures the right products are in stock. It helps also helps users avoid overstocking and stockouts. 
  • Order Entry: It facilitates order entry processes. It also accepts quotes and orders, validates credit and calculates prices. The system supports pickups and shipping by recommending lots to be picked along with order lines. It generates shipping documents like packing slips, labels and bills. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
Manufacturing Software

#15

among all
Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 5388 reviews
Good User Sentiment 49 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

AutoCAD has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 5388 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

78%
of users recommend this product

Macola has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 49 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

n/a
3.7 (15)
4.65 (2689)
4.1 (30)
4.6 (2699)
n/a
n/a
3.4 (4)

Awards

AutoCAD stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Precise Measurements and Technical Drawings: AutoCAD's tools enable the creation of highly accurate and detailed technical drawings, which are essential for manufacturing processes. The software's precision ensures that designs can be reliably translated into physical products.
3D Modeling and Visualization: AutoCAD facilitates the creation of 3D models, allowing manufacturers to visualize and test product designs before production. This capability helps identify potential design flaws and optimize products for functionality and aesthetics.
Streamlined Collaboration and Communication: AutoCAD files can be easily shared among team members, suppliers, and clients, promoting efficient collaboration and communication throughout the manufacturing process. The software's standardized file formats ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of miscommunication.
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Accurate Inventory Tracking: Real-time visibility into stock levels and locations, minimizing stockouts and overstocking.
Robust Financial Insights: Generate comprehensive financial reports with drill-down capabilities for deeper analysis.
Tailored to Specific Needs: Configure Macola to match your unique workflows and processes, improving efficiency.
Adapts to Growth: Accommodate increasing business volume with Macola's scalable architecture.
Proven Manufacturing & Distribution Track Record: Benefit from Macola's deep understanding of industry-specific challenges.
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Cost: The significant upfront cost and ongoing subscription fees can be a barrier for smaller businesses or independent designers.
Complexity: The software's extensive features and functionalities can present a steep learning curve for new users, potentially hindering productivity.
Resource Consumption: AutoCAD's demanding hardware requirements can necessitate investments in powerful computers to ensure smooth operation, especially for complex projects.
Collaboration Challenges: Collaboration among team members or with external partners can be cumbersome, often requiring additional software or cloud-based solutions.
File Compatibility: Sharing or exchanging design files with users of other CAD software can lead to compatibility issues, potentially causing delays or requiring file conversions.
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Steeper Learning Curve: Initial setup and user training can be demanding, requiring dedicated resources.
Limited Mobile Accessibility: Interface may not be fully optimized for mobile devices, hindering remote work.
Potential Customization Costs: Extensive customization needs may incur additional development fees.
Dated Interface (in some versions): Older versions may have less intuitive interfaces compared to modern software.
Compatibility Concerns with Newer Tech: Integration with newer technologies might require additional effort or third-party tools.
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Since its debut in 1982, AutoCAD has become a cornerstone within the computer-aided design (CAD) software industry. It's renowned for its robust capabilities in creating intricate 2D and 3D designs, making it a go-to for professionals across various sectors such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. User reviews from the past year highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of this software. AutoCAD's powerful drafting tools and extensive library of symbols and templates are frequently praised. Its ability to handle complex 3D modeling and generate precise technical drawings is a significant advantage over competitors like SolidWorks and CATIA, especially for projects requiring a high degree of detail and customization. However, the steep learning curve and the software's high cost can be deterrents for some users. Additionally, while AutoCAD excels in 2D drafting and 3D modeling, it may not be as specialized as some industry-specific software options when it comes to simulations or certain types of engineering analysis. Overall, AutoCAD is best suited for experienced professionals who require a versatile and powerful CAD software for creating complex designs. Its comprehensive features and industry-standard file format make it an ideal choice for large-scale projects and collaboration across different disciplines. However, beginners or those on a tight budget may want to explore alternative options that offer a more user-friendly interface and a lower price point. Keep in mind that the software landscape is constantly evolving, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest updates and comparisons before making a decision.

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For manufacturers and distributors, Macola is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's praised for its rock-solid core – think Fort Knox inventory tracking, treasure map-like financial reports, and a growth-friendly architecture that scales seamlessly. On the other hand, it's criticized for its learning curve resembling Mount Fuji and a mobile app stuck in a dark labyrinth. Compared to its competitors, Macola lacks the modern sparkle and broader integrations, but its deep industry expertise makes it a master of the manufacturing and distribution tango. Choosing Macola boils down to priorities: if operational power trumps cutting-edge tech, invest the time to learn its intricacies and embrace its classic vibe. For those seeking slick interfaces and mobile magic, Macola might not be the perfect fit.

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