Aras and its SolidWorks connector

[CarrieIves]

Our company is looking at Aras for PLM. It has a connector to SolidWorks. Anyone using it? Anything we should watch out for? Any using Aras for PLM? And anything we should watch out for with that?

Thanks,
Carrie

[dave.laban]

We are using Aras Innovator, but without the SW CAD connector at the moment. We've looked at buying the CAD connector but various things (mostly money) has stalled that upgrade.

Generally I think it's "okay". We've generally modified our processes to match the defaults offered by the program. It's sold as being customisable but unless you have a software / programming wizard on your team you'll likely be paying consulting fees to get any significant changes made (which has stalled some other mods we'd like to make). I don't know if the Subscription service they now offer changes that scenario at all.

[KennyG]

@dave.laban Are you using the free version of Aras Innovator or do you have an active subscription?

@CarrieIves There are 4 SolidWorks connectors for Aras which have different functionality options and levels of integration. They are all made by 3rd parties, not Aras so you would be dealing with those 3rd parties for pre-sales demonstration and post-sales config/support,

Here is a link to the current MCAD comnnectors that work with Aras:
https://media.aras.com/wp-content/uploa ... Matrix.pdf

[Brian-M]

Note that Aras doesn't have PDM. So many end up spending a lot more money for that side. It was demoralizing to me (a few years ago) that it mainly wanted Solidworks PDM Professional, plus ARAS PLM, plus a connector, to work fully (CAD file management and lifecycle stuff).

Do any of the current connectors function without having Solidworks PDM?

[dave.laban]

Do any of the current connectors function without having Solidworks PDM?

Apparently XPLM can do it without SW PDM, though the recommended config (for us, at least) was to still use SW PDM anyway.