SolidWorks CAM vs Cetec ERP

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Our analysts compared SolidWorks CAM vs Cetec ERP 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

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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Cetec ERP is a cloud-based solution tailored for manufacturing and distribution businesses. It runs operations more efficiently while offering real-time visibility into every aspect of your business. 

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Manage customer relationships and track sales processes from start to finish.
  • Simplify quoting, track orders and keep production on schedule.
  • Optimize purchasing decisions and streamline material requirements planning.
  • Monitor stock levels in real time, reducing waste and ensuring availability.
  • Maintain high standards with integrated quality control processes.

Users love its easy-to-use interface and rich features. Many appreciate how it connects across departments, making operations smoother and less stressful. Unlike other ERP systems that use third-party vendors for support, Cetec’s in-house team provides direct help. Plus, updates come at no extra cost.

You can use Cetec ERP as a cloud-based solution via a web browser or as an on-premise installation with local servers. 

When it comes to pricing, Cetec ERP uses a subscription model. Base users are $50 per user per month with a minimum of five users, while shop floor users are $25 per user per month. Volume discounts are available for larger teams, making it a great choice for businesses looking to grow.

To learn more about Cetec ERP, visit their company page.

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$995/Seat, Annually
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$50/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • 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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  • Consolidate Business Functions: Bring everything—inventory, accounting, production planning and quality management—into one easy-to-use platform. With 82% of functional needs covered out of the box, you can get up to speed quickly.
  • Plan Production Better: Use BOM tools to create detailed lists of materials, assemblies, and more, making your planning and inventory processes a breeze. The system scored a perfect 100 in our analyst data for its BOM and Routing capabilities.
  • Customize To Fit Your Industry: Tailor the system to your specific industry with customizable modules. Adapt it to your workflows easily and make it work for you.
  • Simplify Design and Engineering: Integrate CAD and CAM to speed up product development and manufacturing stages. Simplifying these steps will help you bring products to life faster and smarter.
  • Improve Product Quality and Compliance: Track design and workflow changes with the engineering change control feature. This tool boosts traceability, documentation, and quality checks and ensures you’re always compliant. Our analysts rated this feature at 92, the best among competitors.
  • Lower Inventory Costs: Manage your inventory with precision, from tracking to replenishment, helping you reduce carrying costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
  • Make Smarter Decisions: Use real-time data from manufacturing jobs to make informed choices. Boost efficiency, assess production better and maintain top-notch quality management at every stage.
  • Manage Recipes: Attach special instructions and quality tests to recipes. Customize batches for customer-specific needs and validate formulas based on attribute values. Our analysts ranked its recipe and formula management capabilities as the best on our ERP leaderboard.
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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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  • CRM & Sales Management: Simplify your workflows and eliminate duplicate data entry with fully integrated CRM and sales tools. Enjoy a seamless experience without added costs or complications.
  • Manufacturing Quoting: Improve the accuracy of your quotes using BOM estimation and job costing tools. Track essential metrics like sales performance, order profitability, and won or lost business with ease. Our analysts ranked its manufacturing capabilities as the best in the ERP category. 
  • Order Tracking & Fulfillment: Simplify the fulfillment process for both customer and internal demands with Cetec ERP’s flexible platform. Manage a wide array of orders and shipments effortlessly.
  • Purchasing & MRP: Navigate complex supply chain dependencies and material requirements to optimize your procurement process. Make strategic purchasing decisions while ensuring cash flow remains steady.
  • Inventory Management: Tackle even the toughest inventory challenges. Whether you’re dealing with high-mix/low-volume environments or tracking specialized materials, you have the tools needed to maintain control.
  • Mobile Warehousing: Equip your team with barcode scanners, mobile printers and tablets for improved efficiency. This setup allows for smooth management of receiving, material allocation and shipping.
  • Shop Floor: Oversee diverse shop floor operations with ease. Track labor and overhead while utilizing electronic routers/travelers and mobile data collection stations to ensure organization and efficiency. In our assessment, Cetec scored an impressive 100, putting it ahead of Visibility ERP and Dynamics 365 SCM.
  • Planning & Scheduling: Make scheduling and planning for work orders straightforward. Cetec ERP’s production management tools help you handle complex material and labor dependencies, allowing you to anticipate customer needs better. Our analysts ranked its production scheduling capabilities as the best in the manufacturing category. 
  • Document Management: Maintain organization and efficiency with the integrated document management system. Avoid the hassle of searching through files or spreadsheets; everything you need is readily accessible in your ERP system.
  • Quality Assurance & ISO: Integrate your quality and ERP systems to minimize paperwork. This connection allows you to meet ISO and other certification audit requirements automatically.
  • Accounting / Financials: Connect your manufacturing operations directly to your accounting processes. Monitor transactions in real time to ensure accurate postings to your ledger.
  • Custom Reporting: Use the extensive data captured in your ERP system. Save valuable time wasted on report preparation.
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Product Ranking

#66

among all
Manufacturing Software

#136

among all
Manufacturing Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SolidWorks CAM
Cetec ERP
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Bill Of Materials (BOM) And Routing Computer-aided Design And Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD And CAM) Management Engineering Change Control Inventory Management Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Product Configuration Production Planning Production Scheduling Quality Management Recipe And Formula Management Reports And Dashboards Shop Floor Control Warehouse Management Work In Process (WIP) Work Order Management 100 50 92 93 88 73 98 88 97 95 93 90 100 100 87 100 98 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

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Great User Sentiment 76 reviews
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85%
of users recommend this product

Cetec ERP has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 76 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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3.9 (29)
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4.5 (43)
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3.7 (4)

Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Cetec ERP and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Manufacturing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Bill of Materials (BOM) and Routing, Engineering Change Control, Product Configuration, Production Scheduling, Recipe and Formula Management, Reports and Dashboards, Shop Floor Control and Work in Process (WIP).

Analysts' Pick Award
Bill of Materials (BOM) and Routing Award
Engineering Change Control Award
Product Configuration Award
Production Scheduling Award
Recipe and Formula Management Award
Reports and Dashboards Award
Shop Floor Control Award
Work in Process (WIP) Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

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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User-Friendly Interface: Users say the interface is super intuitive, making it easy to navigate, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Exceptional Customer Support: The customer service team is frequently praised for being responsive, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the implementation process and beyond.
Highly Customizable: Users love how customizable the software is, letting them tweak it to fit their unique business needs and workflows.
Comprehensive Features: The platform offers a wide range of features, from inventory management to purchasing, that simplify their operations.
Real-Time Data Access: Users appreciate having real-time access to data, helping them stay informed and make quick, smart decisions.
Implementation/Training: Users often mention how easy the setup is, with smooth training sessions that make the whole process hassle-free.
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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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Functionality: Users mention that the time clock doesn't automatically refresh, NCR reports lack customization options, and navigating invoice lists and dates can be frustrating.
Implementation Challenges: Some users have reported issues during the implementation phase, particularly with data migration and initial setup.
Occasional Performance Issues: There are mentions of the system slowing down at times, which can disrupt workflows and impact efficiency.
Limited Advanced Features: A few users feel that some features lack the advanced functionality they’re used to in other ERP systems, limiting effectiveness in certain situations.
Learning Curve: While many find the system easy to use, some users note that certain features can be tricky at first and may take extra time to get used to.
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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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From the moment I logged in, the interface stood out. Navigating through different modules felt intuitive, making it easy to dive in without extensive training. The consistent design across all modules made it quick to adapt and explore everything the platform offers.One of the best parts of the free trial was the access to all modules. It was great to evaluate every feature without any restrictions.I used the dummy data provided to explore different modules and was impressed by how easy it was to view metrics in real time. These insights can be crucial for optimizing processes.Throughout the trial, Cetec ERP’s support team was quick to respond to my emails, helping me get the most out of the platform. Their online resources, like how-to videos and guides, were also super helpful whenever I got stuck.Customization was another strong point. Many users mentioned it helps them tailor reports and dashboards to meet specific operational needs, which is a huge plus for businesses with unique workflows and metrics.Even with its minor limitations—like confusing time clocks, limited NCR reporting tools or glitchy upgrades—most find Cetec ERP to be a highly valuable, flexible tool for manufacturing.Overall, my experience during the free trial was very positive. With its user-friendly interface, different module access, real-time insights and excellent support, Cetec ERP feels like a solid choice for businesses in need of an efficient ERP solution.

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Screenshots

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