Fusion 360 vs xTuple

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Our analysts compared Fusion 360 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.

Fusion 360 Software Tool
xTuple Software Tool

Product Basics

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM software that bridges the gap between design and manufacturing. It's well-suited for individuals and small-to-medium businesses seeking a streamlined solution for product development and fabrication. Users praise its intuitive interface, integrated design and manufacturing tools, and cloud collaboration capabilities. Popular features include generative design, simulation tools, and machining capabilities for various manufacturing processes. While some users note performance limitations with complex projects and a reliance on internet connectivity, Fusion 360 stands out for its affordability compared to traditional CAD/CAM software, with subscription plans starting under $500 annually.

Pros
  • Integrated CAD/CAM
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Design for manufacturing
  • Generative design
  • Simulation capabilities
Cons
  • Cloud dependency
  • Performance limitations
  • Limited feature depth
  • Subscription model
  • Learning curve
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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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$425 Annually
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$175 Monthly
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Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
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
Phone
Chat
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Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Extensive Library: Fusion 360 offers a complete library of free, open-source and entirely revisable processors for users to upload thorough numerical control (NC) applications so they can rapidly make parts or workpieces.  
  • Intuitive Cloud Interface: Users can log into this solution and access projects from any device with an internet connection. The interface is also adjustable and simple for users to operate. 
  • Fulfill Design Needs: Fusion 360 enables users to design, model, assemble and render projects and workpieces in one centralized system without exporting files to external solutions.  
  • Distraction-Free Rendering: Users can run the rendering process in the background while working on other processes so they can stay on top of their productivity,  
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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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  • Numerous Sketch Tools: Users can implement the 3D modeling module to create products with the ideal form, fit and function. This tool enables users to develop and revise sketches with constraints, dimensions and a robust chain of sketching accessories. Users can also develop parametric models by creating a list of frequently-used features such as extrude, revolve, loft, sweep and more that instantly update with design changes. 
  • Various Modes of Modeling: Fusion 360's 3D modeling component is equipped with a variety of different modeling modes. The direct modeling tool allows users to modify and fix imported shapes from different file formats. Users can draft intricate sub-divisional surfaces that have T-splines and effortlessly edit them with push-pull maneuvers thanks to the freeform modeling extension. The mesh modeling accessory allows editing and repairing of imported scans or mesh models such as STL and OBJ files. Other extensions in the 3D modeling module include sheet metal modeling, parametric modeling, surface modeling, assembly and printed circuit board (PCB) design integration. 
  • Add Electronic Intelligence to Designs: Users can bring 3D designs to life with the electronic intelligence feature. The schematic capture function has several schematic editing tools. Users can construct gerber, drill and assembly files in one click and with the PCB manufacturing (CAM) accessory.  
  • Ensure PCBs Fit Designs: Thanks to the electronics module's MCAD-ECAD unification ability, users can rest assured their PCB fits their designs every time with the unified MCAD and ECAD software. Users can peruse the PCB component library and component wizards for ready-to-use PCB designs and there are adjustable design rules users can set to align with users' manufacturing requirements in the design for manufacturability and design rule checking (DRC) tool. Other extensions in the electronics module include PCB layout, simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation, and electronics cooling. 
  • Real-World Simulations: Fusion 360's simulation allows users to test their designs and models against life-like conditions digitally so they can save money on prototypes. The status stress function oversees parts and workpieces for displacements, stresses and other effects caused by static loads. The thermal and thermal stresses function enables users to comprehend thermal distributions and they connect with physical forces. Users can estimate unexpected failures for parts under compression thanks to the buckling tool. The non-linear stress extension studies permanent deformations and unleveled materials in designs. Other functions within this module include event simulation, shape optimization, modal frequency, comparing results, simplifying, breadth studies and cloud simulation.  
  • Accurately Determine Outcomes: Users can pinpoint several manufacturing-prepared results for their products or workpieces to meet design specifications while dwindling weight, boosting efficiency and condensing parts. Users can recognize design conditions, restrictions, materials and manufacturing choices to create manufacturing-ready diagrams with the project objective definition function. The editable results element allows users to pick the ideal outcome for their designs so they can promptly begin modeling instead of conducting lengthy importing or exporting procedures. Thanks to aPriori in the cost insights function, users can formulate manufacturing costs for every potential outcome in their designs in reference to production volume requirements. Other extensions in this component include generating and exploring designs and cloud solve. 
  • Efficacious Documentation: Fusion 360's documentation accessory permits users to effectively convey designs with internal or external stakeholders with 2D manufacturing drawings, renderings and animations. The 2D manufacturing drawings function chronicles manufacturing requirements with integrated associative drawings for parts and assemblies. The rendering tool enables users to develop photography-esque images of their models with local or cloud rendering options. Lastly, users can effectively convey designs with 3D-expanded views and animations to showcase design assembly thanks to the animation extension.  
  • Unify Teams: Users can eliminate communication roadblocks with their teammates and external stakeholders with the collaboration tool. The team participant extension authorizes users to add members to their zones for data management and teamwork purposes. Users can share links to model previews in any web browser so third parties can evaluate and interact with the model without access to Fusion 360 with the public and private design sharing function. The commenting and redlining extension allows users to gather and share critiques on the design with comments, markups and redlines on practically any device. Other functions included in this tool include user management, global sharing and unlimited access. 
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing tool suits practically every manufacturing need and collaborates with various types of machinery such as cutting, milling and turning machines. The 5-axis simultaneous milling extension permits users to mill complex shapes, evade collisions and diminish tool lengths to complete sleek surfaces. Turning toolpaths can be verified with stock simulations to detect errors or collisions in models, stocks, tools and work holdings with the turning function. Users can draft toolpaths from solid model features, such as flattened sheet metal components, to activate water jet, laser and plasma cutters. Other extensions in this accessory include 2.5 and 3-axis milling, 3+2 milling, 4-axis milling, setup probing, mill-turning and a free post processor library.  
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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

#39

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

Integrated CAD/CAM: Streamlines design-to-manufacturing workflow by unifying design, simulation, and toolpath generation within a single platform.
Cloud Collaboration: Facilitates seamless teamwork and real-time project visibility for enhanced communication and faster decision-making.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Guides designers to create manufacturable parts from the outset, reducing production costs and delays.
Generative Design: Explores multiple design options tailored for specific manufacturing processes, accelerating innovation and optimizing material usage.
Simulation Capabilities: Validates designs for structural integrity, thermal performance, and motion behavior, minimizing physical prototyping and testing costs.
Intuitive Interface: Simplifies the learning curve with user-friendly tools and a modern, streamlined interface.
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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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Cloud Dependency: Requires a stable internet connection for most features, potentially hindering productivity in areas with limited connectivity.
Performance Limitations: Can experience slowdowns or crashes when working with large, complex assemblies or simulations, especially on less powerful hardware.
Feature Depth: While comprehensive, certain specialized manufacturing features might not be as robust as in dedicated CAD/CAM software for specific industries.
Subscription Model: Restricts access to software and data if the subscription lapses or encounters billing issues, potentially disrupting workflows.
Learning Curve: While intuitive, mastering advanced features and workflows can require a steeper learning curve, especially for those transitioning from traditional CAD/CAM systems.
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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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For hobbyists and professionals alike, Fusion 360 resonates with its cloud-powered accessibility and integrated workflow. "It's like SolidWorks and SketchUp had a baby," one user raves, praising its intuitiveness compared to heavier CAD software. This ease of use shines in rapid prototyping workflows, with another reviewer calling it "a dream come true for quick design iterations." However, Fusion 360's cloud reliance can be a double-edged sword. While it liberates users from hefty installations, internet hiccups can cripple productivity. "Offline functionality, even basic rendering, would be a game-changer," pleads one reviewer. This sentiment echoes for complex projects, where users yearn for the raw processing power of desktop-only alternatives. "Fusion 360 choked on my intricate assembly," admits another, highlighting limitations compared to software like CATIA. Despite these quirks, Fusion 360's unique blend of affordability, user-friendliness, and integrated features like simulation and CAM tools keeps users hooked. "The value proposition is unbeatable," one designer declares, while another appreciates the "constant stream of updates and new features." For those seeking a versatile and accessible entry into the world of 3D design and manufacturing, Fusion 360 remains a compelling choice, even with its occasional hiccups.

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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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