ProShop vs SolidWorks CAM

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

SolidWorks CAM Software Tool

Product Basics

ProShop is a job shop management manufacturing ERP that transforms workshops into a paperless and web-based atmosphere from the front office to the shop floor to make more appropriate business decisions and smooth operations for the job shops, aerospace, medical and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) industries.

Quality management system (QMS) functionality, MES, document control, job routings, cutting, NCR generation, shop scheduling, estimates, job costing, time clock, purchasing, reporting and contact management are just some of the product's key features.
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SolidWorks CAM bridges the gap between virtual designs and physical prototypes, translating 3D models into precise instructions for computer-controlled machines (CNCs). This powerful software caters to professionals like machinists, programmers, and engineers, streamlining workflows and optimizing production. Key benefits include reduced errors through automated toolpath generation, enhanced efficiency with machine simulation, and shorter lead times thanks to streamlined workflows. Popular features encompass 2D/3D machining, 5-axis support, and collision detection, ensuring smooth operation and accurate results. While offering a robust feature set, SolidWorks CAM comes with a premium price tag, typically licensed per seat and requiring annual subscriptions. This makes it ideal for established businesses with high production volumes who prioritize precision and efficiency. Smaller shops or hobbyists might find alternative solutions with more accessible pricing models.

Pros
  • Seamless SOLIDWORKS integration
  • Intuitive interface and workflow
  • Powerful toolpath generation
  • Accurate simulation capabilities
  • Comprehensive feature set
Cons
  • High price point
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited post-processing options
  • Occasional performance issues
  • Subscription-based pricing
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$500 Monthly, Quote-based
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$995/Seat, Annually
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Windows
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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

  • Add Components Off the Shelf (COTS): ProShop offers a COTS accessory that links to work orders so users can add COTS items to BOMs such as fasteners, fluids, materials, consumables and other hardware. The COTS accessory monitors arriving orders and outgoing execution of items such as safety stock, batch dimensions, inventory amounts and worth. Users can track every COTS item handled so certifications promptly run into document bundles when jobs are delivered, eliminating extra work from the purchasing and manufacturing teams. 
  • Intuitive Dashboards: Users may work with more than 25 individual dashboards that display KPIs and data on customer service, planning, shipping, inspection, receiving, finance and more. These dashboards are also adjustable to meet the specific needs of each user.  
  • Effective Time Clock: ProShop is equipped with a time clock that monitors user time punches. The swift interface enables users to clock in and out using any device when they input a password. This tool stores a history of clock punches and permits managers to evaluate, edit, authorize missed or forgotten time punches to the appropriate timestamp. Users can export time clock data to accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage or third-party payroll processors. 
  • Supervise Every Employee: Users can monitor every employee who utilizes ProShop as well as offering HR and management departments a place to chronicle essential employee information such as benefit summaries, contact information and more. Managers with approved authorization can pinpoint direct links to every clock punch and time tracking, effectiveness, training records, positions held, quality performance and more. Employees are also able to review their assigned organizational chart and the training that they are lacking.  
  • Transform Quotes into Purchase Orders: Users can transform quotes into purchase orders with a single click. Purchase orders come with elaborately detailed information on prices, delivery dates, work order numbers, First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements and more. Users can also produce purchase orders by inputting part numbers, costs, distribution dates, credit terms, delivery locations, primary contact, shipping, quality requirements and more for every line item. The orders are ISO 9000 and AS9100D-friendly because of the compliant contract review extension, enabling instantaneous verification without printing out documents.  
  • Fluid Messaging: The messaging module facilitates company dispatching to replace emails. This attribute is thread based and permits conversations among groups of users with links to relevant ProShop pages. Automatic messages such as when non-conformance reports (NCRs) are generated, when time tracking exceeds a target with a determined percentage, when shop machinery is in need of calibration or maintenance, when documents are prepared for assessment and approval, and more can be issued. Users may seek specific communications because the messaging appliance is connected to their business' database, ensuring that all messages are archived and easy to locate.  
  • Upkeep Contacts: Govern vital information of patrons, suppliers and other out-of-company contacts with the contacts element. Emails, phone numbers, annotations, quality requirements, shipping addresses, credit terms, receiving hours and other valuable information can be stored in this accessory. It even has quick links to work orders, purchase orders, on-time distribution, customer satisfaction surveys, historic profit numbers and more. Users may access workmanship standards, cosmetic requirements or other company documents cited by their organization. When handling vendors, it's feasible for users to supervise processes, lot charges, audit results, hours, delivery transit times, employee contacts and more.  
  • Two Choices for Making Quotes: The quote tool allows users to make quotes in two methods. First, they can be made with separate line items on non-repeatable expenses as an NRE or split NRE prices into collective unit prices for every amount users are quoting. Leverage the shopping cart tool to combine several estimates to make numerous part numbers is possible. Users can merge linked notes and agreements in a quote's notes section. Special terms or comments are recognized by their particular part number. Quotes can be saved as a PDF file that can be sent to clients. 
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  • NC Editor: Verify and back plot G-codes to evaluate and deliver to the computer numerical control (CNC) with direct numerical control (DNC) tools. 
  • eDrawings: Analyze 3D models with their relevant toolpaths to comprehend machining orders inside of eDrawings. 
  • CAM Probing: Recalibrate coordinate systems for manufacturing critical features with restricted tolerances with CAM probing, permitting users to reset toolpath coordinates for precise product fabrication. 
  • CAM Tab Cutting: Work with larger scrap pieces attached to the finished product with the tab cutting apparatus. It enables users to supervise time for toolpath setup and production after post processing. 
  • Universal Post Generator: Add and maximize procedures such as crafting and editing clients' post processors with the universal post generator. 
  • UserGroups: Carry out conversations with other SOLIDWORKS CAM users with the usergroups community accessory.  
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  • Estimates:  Users may execute the estimates attribute to craft thorough price and time estimates for workpieces or procedures either free form or through the Rapid Estimate Template function. It's possible for users to draft any type of operation for any part they are forecasting such as labor time for arrangement and cycle time, extra costs for materials, BOM objects and off-facility operations. This accessory enables users to specify lead times, highlight totals or percentages and attached intricate notes about activity, procedures and more. Users may tailor direct labor rates for each job and alter overhead costs, profit margins, assignments and more in addition to generating quotes for clients in emails when the estimate is finalized in just one click.  
  • Job Costing: ProShop's job costing appliance automatically tracks and informs users how much money is spent on a particular work order along with how much progress was made. As a task progresses, additional expenses are promptly added so users receive a transparent view of a task's health and development from a time and budget standpoint, permitting users to rectify mistakes or make modifications. After sending work orders, users receive finalized expense data that instantly populates dashboards. Users also obtain links to analyze the entire costing history of all part numbers and work orders associated with that part number such as elaborate information on dollars spent and time spent.  
  • Parts: The parts feature stores work instructions, condition templates, site routes and more for particular parts and workpieces. Work instructions contain top-notch photos, videos and other media along with text to assist workers in reaching installation and run quotas to diminish limited shop floor knowledge. This module offers the most up-to-date versions of work directions and stores previous instructions in the archive component. 
  • Purchasing: Users can allocate purchase orders (POs) to their suppliers from the purchasing dashboard in the purchasing appliance. The dashboard exhibits live purchasing requirements for active work orders based on priority date and merchandise type. This tool showcases all outstanding POs, late orders and limited orders. POs are produced with a shopping cart accessory that accumulates purchasing requirements of active work orders and appointed to suppliers for ordering. Each cert for purchased goods is scanned and fastened to each line item, establishing hassle-free recovery of certs mentioned in the work order appliance.   
  • Work Orders: TThe work order trait has thorough documentation for previous and existing assignments with rapid access. Users can review real-time statuses of every job that occurs at their facility in addition to linking relevant information to that job such as labor hours, routine expenses, the quantity of parts completed at a particular manufacturing phase and the exact location of external materials and when they'll return. This module offers part work link instructions and digital consents for each step in the production process while informing users of the exact date and user who gave their stamp of approval on a particular phase. This accessory can link instantly to reports such as FAI, IPQC, delivery documentation, raw material certifications and BOM items, while also linking to direct labor time tracking, total archived profit and loss intel and more.  
  • Scheduling: Stay on top of the remaining hours in an assignment and ensure jobs are completed in accordance with shift schedules by using the schedule accessory. Users receive alerts if they'll be on time with jobs as well as predictions of whether or not users will meet their deadlines for future jobs based on planned hours and available employees. It is also equipped with boosted analytics that can cipher dates to determine when work orders need to leave to get to clients or out-of-plant worksites as well as when they are expected to return to the primary facility. 
  • Inventory: ProShop's inventory feature consists of built-in parts and COTS functions, enabling users to review how much inventory is available at their enterprises, its value and precise location. Users may swiftly identify the exact work order associated with a specific part number or assembly and even pull up the history of any job shipped from inventory and where materials came from. This feature includes total expenses. 
  • Reporting: The reporting attribute automatically generates multi-tiered reports and dashboards in real time so users are never left in the dark. Queries are saved for individual or organizational use and showcase robust data tables for adjustments, arranging, filtering and transporting.  
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  • Rules-Based Machining:  Utilize rules-based machining to superintend programming operations concurrently with implementing tolerances allocated to specific parts. This accessory pinpoints critical areas when crafting a piece instead of touching every individual feature that requires machining. 
  • Tolerance-Based Machining: Amend asymmetric tolerances to mean tolerances for various cutting tool tactics with the tolerance-based machining appliance. 
  • Knowledge-Based Machining: Establish machining strategies and tools needed for particular shapes and workpieces with the automatic or interactive feature recognition tools in the knowledge-based machining appliance. This function also automatically sets recurring machining operations per specific company regulations. 
  • Automatic Feature Recognition: Recognize prismatic parts such as holes, pockets, bosses and more with the automatic feature recognition module. 
  • Automatic Machine Times: Cipher and compare machine times to traditional techniques to verify each part's aspects are present before pledging to productions. 
  • 3+2 Programming: Execute machining styles with a three-axis milling platform utilizing two rotational axes on a five-axis machine within a tilted cutting machine through the 3+2 programming apparatus. 
  • High-Speed Machining: Sustain consistent tool pressure across the cutting process with the high-speed machining appliance. Users may implement several feed rates for tools to cut at full depth to decrease cycle times while prolonging the life of their tools and machinery. The machining route extension merges with standard cutting machinery to diminish overhead costs for machining parts. 
  • Turning: Carry out various forms of turning such as face rough and finish, groove rough and finish, OD threading and more via the turning feature. 
  • Part Modeling and Importing: Draft and input parts to effectively communicate with designers, study MBD data and apply vital manufacturing modifications with the part modeling and importing apparatus. 
  • Assembly Modeling and Importing: Verify fits and tolerances in parts with the assembly modeling and importing accessory. This tool can import clamps and vises to guarantee workpieces are made correctly the first time and provide users with the required clearances to remove the product upon completion. 
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Product Ranking

#43

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#66

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 65 reviews
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99%
of users recommend this product

ProShop has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 99% when considering 65 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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5.0 (1)
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4.5 (3)
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5.0 (58)
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4.7 (3)
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Awards

ProShop 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

Inventory Management: ProShop simplifies inventory management, allowing users to track stock levels, receive low-stock alerts, and manage purchase orders efficiently.
Production Planning: The platform aids in production planning by enabling users to schedule production runs, allocate resources, and monitor progress in real-time.
Quality Control: ProShop facilitates quality control processes by allowing users to define quality standards, track inspections, and manage non-conformance reports.
Reporting and Analytics: Users can generate comprehensive reports and gain insights into production performance, inventory levels, and other key metrics.
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Seamless Integration: Works seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS models, minimizing data transfer errors and streamlining workflows.
Intuitive Interface: User-friendly interface with clear menus and icons, making it easier to learn and use even for beginners.
Powerful Toolpaths: Generates optimized and efficient toolpaths for various machining operations, reducing cycle times and material waste.
Accurate Simulation: Provides realistic machine simulations to identify potential collisions and optimize programs before actual machining, minimizing errors and rework.
Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of features for various machining needs, including 2/3/5-axis machining, wire EDM, and surface milling, making it suitable for diverse projects.
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Limited Functionality: ProShop may not be suitable for complex manufacturing processes due to its limited feature set. The software lacks industry-specific tools for areas like supply chain management or advanced production planning.
Customization Challenges: Adapting ProShop to unique workflows can be difficult. Users have reported limitations in customizing reports, dashboards, and data fields to align with specific manufacturing requirements.
Integration Issues: Integrating ProShop with existing manufacturing systems and software can pose challenges. Users have encountered difficulties connecting ProShop with ERP, MES, or other specialized manufacturing platforms, leading to data silos and inefficient workflows.
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High Price Point: Requires a significant upfront investment and annual subscriptions, making it less accessible for smaller shops or hobbyists.
Steep Learning Curve: Mastering advanced features and toolpath strategies can be challenging for beginners, requiring dedicated training or experience.
Limited Post-Processing Options: Offers fewer built-in post-processors compared to some competitors, potentially requiring manual customization or third-party tools for specific machine setups.
Occasional Performance Issues: Users report occasional performance issues, especially with complex models or simulations, potentially impacting workflow efficiency.
Subscription-Based Pricing: The subscription-based model can be a disadvantage for businesses with low or unpredictable production volumes, leading to potentially higher costs per use.
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Over the past year, reviews highlight ProShop's robust scheduling capabilities as a standout feature, enabling efficient management of complex manufacturing processes and optimization of production schedules to minimize downtime and maximize output. Users also appreciate the software's comprehensive inventory management tools, which provide real-time visibility into stock levels, automate reordering processes, and prevent stockouts and overstocking. ProShop's quality control functionalities are also praised, allowing manufacturers to track and manage quality issues, ensuring products meet the required standards. However, some users note that ProShop's interface can have a steep learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with manufacturing software. Additionally, while ProShop offers a wide range of features, some users find that certain advanced functionalities may require additional configuration or customization to fully meet their specific needs. Despite these drawbacks, ProShop is generally considered a valuable tool for small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Its comprehensive features, particularly in scheduling, inventory management, and quality control, make it well-suited for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their manufacturing processes.

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SolidWorks CAM gets high praise for its seamless integration with SOLIDWORKS models, streamlining workflows and minimizing errors. One user says, "It's like working with one program instead of two." The intuitive interface and powerful toolpath generation are also popular, with another user reporting, "I was able to program my first part within hours of installing it." However, the high price tag is a major sticking point for many. "It's definitely an investment," one user admits, "but it saves us time and money in the long run." The learning curve can also be steep, especially for complex features. As one reviewer puts it, "Mastering some of the advanced functions takes dedication, but the online resources and community are helpful." Compared to competitors, users appreciate SolidWorks CAM's accuracy and reliability. "The simulations are incredibly realistic," one reviewer notes, "it helps us avoid costly mistakes." However, limited post-processing options compared to some competitors like Mastercam can be an inconvenience. "We had to purchase a third-party post-processor for our specific machine," one user mentions. Ultimately, SolidWorks CAM shines for its tight integration, user-friendliness, and powerful features, ideal for businesses with high production volumes and complex machining needs. While the cost and learning curve can be barriers, the accuracy and time-saving potential make it a worthwhile investment for many users. As one reviewer concludes, "It's not perfect, but for integrated CAM with SOLIDWORKS, it's the best option on the market."

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