SolidWorks CAM vs xTuple

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Our analysts compared SolidWorks CAM 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.

SolidWorks CAM Software Tool
xTuple 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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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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$995/Seat, Annually
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$175 Monthly
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Windows
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Android
Chromebook
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Linux
Android
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Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

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

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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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

#66

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

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: 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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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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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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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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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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