AutoCAD vs WorkWise

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

WorkWise 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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WorkWise ERP is a role-based software for discrete manufacturers that use engineering to produce their merchandise. It assists from conception and design to manufacturing and delivery. It automates the tedious manufacturing tasks and allows manufacturers to focus on optimizing the production, marketing and the financial sides of their businesses. For example, it ensures that employees are always aware of inventory locations and levels, so they’re able to focus on more complex manufacturing tasks.

It can deploy in the cloud or on-premises. Comprehensive implementation and support services are available. It’s built specifically for make-to-order, configure-to-order, engineer-to-order, build-to-stock and mixed-mode manufacturers.

Pros
  • Intuitive interface
  • Improves inventory visibility
  • Streamlines production scheduling
  • Solid customer support
  • Flexible customization options
Cons
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Limited reporting features
  • Occasional bugs and glitches
  • Can be costly for smaller businesses
  • Mobile app could be more robust
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$255/User, Monthly
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$2,000 Monthly
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On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
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Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Videos
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Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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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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  • Improve Customer Service: The WorkWise CRM module provides users with the necessary tools for quickly delivering solutions to customers and increasing employee productivity. This can encourage employees to flourish in their roles and provide their best customer service. 
  • Optimize Supply Chain Management: Accurate, real-time data enables users to make decisions that shorten cycle times. For example, forecasting capabilities help users anticipate inventory demand, preventing disruptions in the supply chain.  
  • Cut Costs: Improved manufacturing efficiencies and financial analysis capabilities provide ample opportunity to cut costs. Additionally, improved employee productivity — which comes as a result of automating tedious tasks such as schedule building — reduces labor costs.  
  • Go Paperless: WorkWise ERP can assist in going paperless with electronic data capture and other document management features. With the implementation of WorkWise ERP, all business processes become completely digital, and any remaining paper legacy documents can be uploaded with the electronic data capture feature. 
  • Stay Informed: From the availability of real-time data to instant messaging and notifications, the system provides visibility and streamlines communication so you’re always informed.  
  • Ensure Compliance: Data journaling can help users maintain an audit trail and stay compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley reports. In addition, quality management capabilities that include a partnership with uniPoint Software can make it easier to ensure ISO compliance. 
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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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  • Customer Relationship Management: The CRM manages marketing, sales and customer service responsibilities. It’s designed to provide exceptional customer service with several features, such as quoting and estimating, order management and returns and warranties. It also comes with an electronic data interchange feature and an e-commerce gateway for managing customer-facing applications. 
  • Engineering Application: The engineering application helps users maintain data and work with their CAD application. The system can integrate almost any CAD application. The bills of material application can work with every style of BOM and coordinate with all supply chain functions, from customer order processing to production costing. The routings application handles scheduling, work loading and cost planning. 
  • Planning Suite: The planning suite manages capacity requirements planning, material requirements planning and master production scheduling. The advanced forecasting feature can help with balancing supply and demand. 
  • Materials Suite: The materials suite provides users control over their materials-related tasks, such as purchasing and requisitions, mobile data collection and shipping. The mobile inventory control application is included in the solution and can deploy barcode enabled handheld mobile devices. The system integrates with major shipping carriers and can manage shipments with multiple carriers. 
  • Production Suite: The production suite streamlines ERP manufacturing processes to help users manage quality, schedule maintenance operations, manage shop floor changes and more. The suite comes with a visual scheduling feature as well as a Kanban visual communication system. Other features include shop floor control, production dispatch & reporting, equipment maintenance and quality management. 
  • Finance Suite: The finance suite monitors financial health with standard accounting features as well as more advanced capabilities. The system’s accounting features include a general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets management and payroll management. Several features within the suite leverage financial data to create reports or conduct analyses, such as planned vs. actual cost. It also automates sales tax management. 
  • Documents Suite: The document suite provides paperless document management with the business process repository (BPR), barcode generator and a document linking application. It allows the user to capture information electronically and manage and archive data. Label management can create any type of barcode label and the BPR retains business process information for accessibility across all departments. 
  • Analytics Suite: The analytics suite provides access to graphs and data. It can enable desktop notifications and mobile alerts. The Workwise Event Manager allows users to communicate through instant messaging. The Data Journaling application can help with the collection and management of data for audit trails. 
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Product Ranking

#8

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Manufacturing Software

#85

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Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 5388 reviews
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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.

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4.65 (2689)
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4.6 (2699)
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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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Improved Inventory Management: Real-time visibility and control over stock levels, reducing waste and optimizing production.
Streamlined Production Scheduling: Efficiently plan and track production processes, minimizing downtime and maximizing output.
Enhanced Quality Control: Integrated quality checks and traceability features ensure consistent product quality.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Gain actionable insights from production data to optimize operations and improve efficiency.
Scalable and Flexible: Adapts to your growing business needs and integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
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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: Requires significant investment in training and onboarding due to feature complexity.
Limited Reporting Customization: Predefined reports may not fully meet specific data analysis needs.
Occasional Bugs and Glitches: Users report occasional software bugs and glitches that disrupt workflows.
Costly for Smaller Businesses: Subscription fees and implementation costs can be high for smaller manufacturers.
Mobile App Limitations: Mobile app lacks full functionality and offline capabilities compared to the desktop version.
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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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WorkWise user reviews offer a nuanced perspective on its strengths and drawbacks. For some, it's a game-changer: "Switching from Acumatica to WorkWise felt like upgrading from dial-up to fiber optic internet. Everything is so much faster and more efficient." The real-time inventory visibility and streamlined production scheduling are often praised, with users noting, "We used to spend hours manually tracking inventory with Epicor, now WorkWise does it all, giving us valuable time back." However, the complexity can be intimidating. New users often face an uphill battle: "It's incredibly powerful, but it took our team months to feel comfortable using it all compared to Acumatica's more user-friendly interface. The learning curve is definitely steeper than Epicor's." This complexity extends to the customization options, a double-edged sword: "You can tailor WorkWise to your exact needs, but if you're not careful, it can become a tangled mess like Epicor's overly-customized systems." Reporting leaves mixed reviews. While some appreciate the data-driven insights, others crave more flexibility: "The pre-built reports are useful, but I need to dig deeper into specific data points like Epicor allows, and WorkWise doesn't quite offer that granularity." Ultimately, WorkWise excels for manufacturers seeking robust control over inventory and production. Users who value ease of use and out-of-the-box reporting might need to look elsewhere. As one user aptly concluded, "WorkWise is like a Swiss Army knife – incredibly versatile, but requires some effort to master, unlike Acumatica's straightforward approach."

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