Improved product design with the help of cloud-driven collaboration

As product design becomes more complex and collaborative, traditional desktop-based software can create challenges for distributed teams. To stay competitive and streamline workflows, many companies are turning to cloud-based solutions. SOLIDWORKS Connected, integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, offers a solution that allows teams to collaborate seamlessly, access data from anywhere and manage product design in real-time.

SOLIDWORKS Connected brings the CAD tool to the 3DEXPEREIENCE Platform. (Image: ChampionXperience.)

This article explores how SOLIDWORKS Connected accelerates the design process through cloud-driven collaboration.

What is SOLIDWORKS Connected?

SOLIDWORKS Connected refers to a version of SOLIDWORKS that is fully integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. It provides users with cloud-based storage, data management and collaboration tools. With SOLIDWORKS Connected teams can design, share and manage their projects without the need for traditional file-sharing methods.

SOLIDWORKS Connected represents a design solution that is continuously linked to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. This concept can be understood by examining three key aspects that set it apart from the traditional SOLIDWORKS Desktop:

  1. Constant Connectivity: SOLIDWORKS Connected relies on an internet connection, which ensures users can access their data whenever and wherever its needed. With today’s reliable internet services, maintaining this connection is typically effortless and allows for uninterrupted access.
  2. Seamless Deployment and Updates: The software is installed via the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, ensuring users always work with the latest version. Updates are automatically managed, and SOLIDWORKS Connected is launched directly from the platform — alongside other cloud-based applications.
  3. 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Integration: The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform functions similarly to an operating system for cloud-based engineering applications. Just as Windows provides a foundation for desktop programs, the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform supports and standardizes cloud-based tools. It creates a consistent user experience and facilitating smooth transitions between different applications.

The role of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in design collaboration

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrates seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS, offering a cloud-based environment that fosters real-time collaboration across teams. The platform is designed to serve as a single source of truth for all design-related data — from CAD models to project documentation — ensuring everyone is working with the latest information.

Some key benefits of this integration include:

  • Real-time access to data: Team members can access designs from anywhere, at any time, without worrying about outdated files or local storage issues.
  • Improved version control: With the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, version control is automatic, reducing the risk of working on outdated designs.
  • Shared workspaces: Teams can collaborate in a shared, cloud-based environment, enhancing communication and teamwork.

Making design faster with SOLIDWORKS on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

When SOLIDWORKS is integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it provides advanced collaborative tools that significantly speed up the design process. A key feature of the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS role is the ability to save and manage designs directly in the cloud, ensuring data security and accessibility from any device. This integration allows teams to share CAD models seamlessly and collaborate in real-time, even with external partners who don’t have SOLIDWORKS or the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Accelerating Design Cycles with Collaborative Tools

SOLIDWORKS Connected is designed to accelerate design cycles through its comprehensive suite of collaborative tools.

A standout feature is Collaborative Tasks, which allows users to assign, track and manage tasks within the design team. This tool keeps project progress visible and ensures that deadlines are met efficiently.

Key functionalities include:

  • Title and description: Define the task’s purpose clearly with a concise title and description, ensuring team members understand the scope and objective.
  • Maturity, priority and time: Set the task’s status to reflect its progress, assign priority to help teams focus on urgent tasks and estimate the time to complete work.
  • Attachments: Easily upload relevant files directly into the task, allowing all collaborators to access the latest design files and supporting documents without switching platforms.
  • Deliverables: The assignee can submit the completed work here, keeping track of all outputs in one place, ensuring that nothing gets lost, and all deliverables are met.

How SOLIDWORKS Connected leverages collaborative tasks with ENOVIA and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. (Video: ChampionXperience.)

Bookmark Editor

Another important feature is the Bookmark Editor. With it, users can create and manage bookmarks. Use the New Bookmark option to organize files on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or upload files from your computer. Meanwhile, credentials enable users to share bookmarks based on a person’s role, ensuring that all the right people have access.

Bookmark Editor overview:

  • Workspace: Central hub for all bookmarks and folders.
  • Folders: Organize bookmarks into a folder structure.
  • Bookmarks: These represent specific files accessible within any collaborative space you have permission to access.

Key information available in the Bookmark Editor:

  • Thumbnail: A visual preview of the CAD model enabling users to quickly identify parts or assemblies without opening the file.
  • Revision: Displays the file’s version history, ensuring users can track updates.
  • CAD Format: Identifies the CAD software used, such as SOLIDWORKS, CATIA or other platforms.
  • Lock: Shows if the file is locked, preventing unwanted changes during editing.
  • Owner: Identifies the user responsible for creating or managing the file.
  • Maturity State: Displays the file’s lifecycle status (e.g., In Work, Released, Obsolete).

How SOLIDWORKS Connected manages files on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. (Video: ChampionXperience.)

Enhanced communication with 3D Markup and issue management

To improve collaboration and streamline issue management within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the 3D Markup tool provides an efficient way to highlight and communicate design updates or concerns directly within a project. Here’s a quick guide on how to use the 3D Markup tool through the Bookmark Editor.

How to make 3D Markups in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. (Image ChampionXperience.)

  1. Start by accessing the Compass and searching for 3D Markup in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Once located, click the application to open it.
  2. From the 3D Markup icon, select the option to create a new markup. This will allow users to add annotations and settings tailored to a design.
  3. Customize the markup by setting a title and description to explain the issue.

This will open up the 3D Markup user interface (UI) in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform (shown below).

The 3D Markups UI in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. (Image ChampionXperience.)

The above image contains the following buttons and settings:

  1. Presentation Mode: Full-screen display for slides.
  2. Markup: Create annotations linked to products or drawings.
  3. Slide: Capture and save specific states of markups.
  4. Formats: Edit markup appearance and settings.
  5. Activate Clipping: Create or manage clipping areas.
  6. 3D Compare: Visually compare two 3D objects.
  7. Measure: Measure coordinates, areas, angles and distances.
  8. Flyout for Circle: Highlight specific areas with circles.
  9. Text: Add text annotations to parts or portions.
  10. Generate Issue: Create and link issues to markups.
  11. Generate Change Action: Initiate change actions based on markups.

When users click “Generate Issue” in the 3D Markup UI, the issue automatically moves into Issue Management. Here, users can handle and prioritize problems as well as submit, track and assign issues for review. This ensures that issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, helping teams stay organized and effective.

When users click “Generate Issue” in the 3D Markup UI, the issue automatically moves into Issue Management. (Image ChampionXperience.)

Through the above workflow, SOLIDWORKS Connected, integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, accelerates the product design process through real-time collaboration and seamless data management. This cloud-based approach boosts efficiency, enhances communication and keeps projects on track, making it essential for staying competitive and innovative.


About the Author

Hanen Bdioui is the Co-Founder of Champion Xperience and a dedicated advocate for Dassault Systèmes solutions. As a SOLIDWORKS Expert & Specialist and Instructor, she has gained recognition as a SOLIDWORKS Champion and the first 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Champion from Tunisia. Hanen’s exceptional projects have earned her invitations as a special guest to 3DEXPERIENCE World, where she actively contributed to the Edu booth at 3DXW24 in Dallas. Her expertise plays a crucial role in promoting technical excellence and driving innovation in the field.

Recent Articles

Related Stories

Enews Subscribe