Inventor vs xTuple

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

Inventor Software Tool
xTuple Software Tool

Product Basics

Inventor is a Windows-based CAD solution with mechanical 3D designing, documentation and product simulation modules. It intertwines parametric, direct and other design protocols in one centralized place. It enables collaboration with key players across the company with the ability to use any CAD tool.

It includes drawing creation, parametric modeling, sheet metal and instant frame design. It employs particular accessories needed for sheet metals, frame blueprints, tubing and piping. It can also merge with other modules to complete mechanical and BIM assignments.
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xTuple is an operations management solution for small and mid-sized businesses. It gives managers visibility into processes and inventory. It drives sustainable profitability by driving efficiency across all operational tiers. Users can eliminate redundant tasks, data and human error. It also automates accounts receivables and payables, analyzes costs and manages inventory.

Its solutions are suitable for businesses in the biomed and pharmaceutical, electronics manufacturing, food processing, machinery and equipment and metal fabrication industries. It works with distributors and manufacturers in multiple industries and tiers of operational complexity.
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$175 Monthly
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On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
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Product Assistance

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

Product Insights

  • Cloud-Based Design Evaluations: Garner constructive criticism from vital stakeholders and collaborators in real time from any location to save time and boost productivity. 
  • A Single Data Model: Follow the complete product development procedure via one data model instead of accessing more interfaces. 
  • Automation: Conduct designs, recordkeeping and processing automatically via iLogic to diminish manual entries and human errors. 
  • Cloud Operations: Implement the forge design automation API to carry out jobs via the cloud instead of relying on company servers. 
  • Distinguished Tools: Initiate specialized modules for tubing, piping, sheet metals and other materials to handle them with special care. 
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  • Accelerated Onboarding: Streamlines and accelerates the onboarding process. Users can implement core essentials within 90 days. Supports process mapping and customized pilot sessions, guided and customized onboarding, preliminary data migration and dedicated support.  
  • Operations Process Workflow: Handles operational workflows by helping users manage floor transactions like material issuing and returns, scrap, shop floor workbench, post operation, operation posting, post production and closing work orders.
  • Tax Management: Manage taxes by streamlining tax zones, authorities, classes, codes, types, assignments and registrations. Integrates with Avalara for better tax processing. No need to search for sales tax rates.  
  • Reliable Tax Calculations: Sends transaction details to AvaTax, and AvaTax sends the tax total back to xTuple. Supports updates when tax regulations change. Lets salespersons, customers and managers view owed taxes at any time.  
  • Integrations: Integrates with QuickBooks and works in tandem with distributors and manufacturers across multiple levels of complexity and industries. Manages inventory, helps with materials requirements planning, sales and CRM, KPI dashboards, manufacturing and purchasing.  
  • Supports Bank Reconciliation: Supports bank reconciliation, multiple bank accounts and user-defined adjustment types.  
  • Tracks and Traces Serial/Lot: Traces and tracks lots and serial nos. Provides users with details about historical inventory and lets users reassign serial and lot numbers, provide locations and relocate inventory quickly.  
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  • Product Design
    • Parametric Modeling: Access a perceptive interface to maintain concentration on creating and editing 3D models. 
    • Assembly Modeling: Review how designs will adhere during the assembly stage. 
    • Drawing Creation: Produce clear, precise, in-depth manufacturing drawings swiftly. 
  • Collaboration
    • Shared View Collaboration: Cooperate with others on models and designs through the internet. Review and comment on shared views and filters. 
    • Non-Native Data: Upkeep related links with non-native CAD information. 
    • BIM Interoperability: Transform CAD models into BIM objects effortlessly. 
  • Design Automation
    • Design Configurations: Permit quick customizations via iLogic. 
    • Automated Frame Design: Craft and assess frame structures rapidly. 
    • Sheet Metal: Build and plan intricate sheet metal products for manufacturing. 
  • Modeling
    • Model-Based Definition: Add manufacturing details in 3D models for downstream programs. 
    • Content Center: Pick standard elements from an adjustable library. 
    • Shape Generator: Develop and analyze high-quality design choices instantly. 
    • Direct Modeling: Establish push/pull controls to shift, rotate, rescale or expand details from other shapes. 
  • Connected Data
    • Printed Circuit Board Interoperability: Merge electronics with mechanical blueprints in a centralized complete product definition. 
    • Data Management: Alter, grow or downsize models with the ideal pull or push tools efficiently. 
  • Simulation and Visualization
    • Simulation: Assess designs with motions, speed and other conditions. 
    • Stress Analysis: Perform fast part checks or product performance evaluations during any product lifecycle phase. 
    • Views and Animations: Employ several filters and animations for intricate product assemblies in reports, manuals and assembly instructions. 
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  • Accounting: Integrates business operations to manage invoicing, pay bills, sales tax and more. Integrates with Avalara for end-to-end compliance. Leverage operational and financial information using KPI dashboards. Supports accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, multi-company financial consolidation, tax management. Also generates financial statements and reconciles general ledgers.  
  • CRM and Sales: Supports robust sales tools and customer relationship management to streamline prospecting, managing vendor contracts, RMAs and sales. Print item labels and t/o forms, identify location details, inventory history, relocation, reassign serial and lot no., manage multi-locations in the warehouse and warehouse transfer orders.  
  • Reports: Generates reports which provide valid locations by item, quantities on hand by zone and location, expired inventory, location, lot and serial number, substitute availability, history by location, lot and serial numbers. Also provides usage and time-phased usage statistics and inventory status.  
  • KPI Dashboards: Dashboards support one-time delivery, scrap percentage, RMAs and returns, units produced by product, work order schedule and status, inventory availability and pending material availability.  
  • Warehouse Transfer Orders: Lets users create new and open lists of inventory. Release physical inventory by agent, create count tags and cycle count tags, enter count slip, tags and miscellaneous inventory count, post count slips and tags, purge posted count slips and tags and generate reports.  
  • Financial Statements: Provides all basic statements, and all statements are customizable. Generate ad-hoc statements, drill down into general ledgers and back to source transactions while allowing unlimited iterations. Supports export and print features.  
  • Fixed Assets: Supports multi-level asset serial tracking, book value tracking, location tracking, multiple depreciation methods, warranty and purchase tracking, multiple disposition options, full transaction history and ad hoc and scheduled maintenance orders.
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Product Ranking

#36

among all
Manufacturing Software

#55

among all
Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

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Great User Sentiment 235 reviews
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84%
of users recommend this product

xTuple has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 235 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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2.9 (4)
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4.21 (115)
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4.2 (116)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Powerful Modeling: Inventor offers a robust set of tools for 3D mechanical design, including parametric, freeform, and direct modeling capabilities. This allows users to create complex parts and assemblies with a high degree of precision.
Comprehensive Documentation: Inventor excels in creating detailed 2D drawings and documentation directly from 3D models. This streamlines the design process and ensures that manufacturing has accurate information.
Integrated Simulation: Built-in simulation tools let engineers test their designs virtually for stress, strain, and other factors before any physical prototyping. This can save time and reduce costly errors.
Streamlined Workflow: Integration with other Autodesk products, like AutoCAD and Fusion 360, creates a unified ecosystem for design and manufacturing. This interoperability can significantly improve efficiency for businesses already invested in Autodesk solutions.
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User Friendly: The system is easy to use and intuitive, as noted by approximately 90% of users who mention the system’s usability.
Support: Support for the system is excellent, as reported by 100% of users who mention support.
Interface: The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, as recognized by 66% of the users who mention its user interface and ease of use.
Cost: Nearly 86% of users who mentioned cost reported that the tool is very cost-effective as customized installs can be done at only 1/3rd of the cost of similar tools.
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Steep Learning Curve: New users often find it challenging to learn and navigate Inventor's extensive feature set, requiring significant time investment for proficiency.
Performance Issues: Large and complex models can lead to sluggish performance, including slow opening times, lag, and occasional crashes, impacting productivity.
File Compatibility: Inventor's compatibility with non-Autodesk file formats is limited, potentially causing difficulties when collaborating with external partners or clients using different CAD software.
High System Requirements: Running Inventor effectively, especially with complex models, necessitates a powerful computer with high-end specifications, which can translate to increased hardware costs.
Subscription Costs: Inventor's subscription-based pricing model, while offering flexibility, can become expensive, particularly for small businesses or freelancers who may not require constant access to all features.
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Reporting: The reporting feature has minimal reports, and users may want to write custom reports or purchase third party software, as noted by 100% of the users who mention the tool’s reporting capabilities.
Implementation: The physical implementation process misses the mark and can be difficult according to 50% of reviewers who mention implementation.
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Can Inventor help users invent 3D models with ease, or will it leave them feeling lost in a digital labyrinth? User reviews from the last year suggest that Autodesk Inventor is a powerful and versatile 3D CAD software with a lot to offer, particularly for experienced users in mechanical engineering and related fields. Users consistently praise Inventor's robust feature set, highlighting its intuitive interface for solid modeling and assembly design. The software's ability to handle complex assemblies efficiently and generate detailed drawings is a significant plus. Additionally, its seamless integration with other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD, is frequently cited as a major advantage, streamlining workflows for users already within the Autodesk ecosystem. However, there are some drawbacks. One common criticism is Inventor's steep learning curve, which can be intimidating for beginners. Some users have also reported occasional performance issues when working with very large or intricate models. Inventor's strengths lie in its professional-grade design and engineering solutions for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation. Its comprehensive features and intuitive interface make it well-suited for experienced users in fields such as mechanical engineering, product design, and manufacturing. However, its complexity and the occasional performance hiccups might pose challenges for beginners or those working with massive, resource-intensive models.

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xTuple is a useful and intuitive tool. Users like its sales, financial and inventory tracking features. The program’s features can be extended by a tech-savvy administrator with xTuple’s open-source tool. The support team is helpful and resolves bug fixes quickly. The reporting feature may be lacking as only basic reports are generated. Users either use third-party software or customize it to generate custom reports. It offers great value for its cost. Customizing the tool, according to business needs, is possible.

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