How Onshape Connections Are Transforming Enterprise Collaboration in the Cloud

Onshape Enterprise’s new “connections” feature is a serious improvement for organizations looking to work securely and efficiently with partners, suppliers, and OEMs who are also using Onshape Enterprise.

What Are Connections?

Connections allow Onshape Enterprise accounts to securely link their environments. Once connected, users from both organizations can collaborate directly within Onshape, leveraging real-time design, commenting, and built-in version control. This eliminates the need for roundabout document transfers or email chains.

Why Connections Matter

Imagine two groups using Onshape Enterprise, perhaps an OEM and a supplier, working together on a complex project. Before this improvement, sharing CAD data and collaborating across Enterprises was not easy, as it was necessary to ensure the utmost security when it came to intellectual property. With Onshape Enterprise’s connections, those challenges disappear, while high security remains.

With connections, teams from separate organizations can collaborate directly within the Onshape ecosystem, enjoying all the platform’s real-time design, commenting, and version control capabilities. This means:

• Faster project cycles: Once connections are established, you’ll no longer have to wait for documents to be sent or permissions to be sorted out. Collaboration happens instantly, with everyone working from the same source of truth.
• Enhanced security: Data is only shared when both enterprises approve the connection, specific users are added, and documents are explicitly shared. There’s no risk of accidental data leaks – every step is controlled and auditable.
• Clear visibility: Documents shared across enterprises display a blue badge, and banners appear on share and comment screens, so users always know when they’re collaborating externally.
• Flexible management: Administrators can view, approve, or remove connections at any time, ensuring that partnerships remain secure and up-to-date.

Establishing Connections

Setting up an external connection is simple:

1. One enterprise requests access using the other organization’s Enterprise ID, which can be found on their Enterprise Details page.

2. The request triggers an email to an admin at the other enterprise, who can approve or reject the connection.

3. Once approved, admins add specific users to the connection. Only these users can share or receive documents.

4. Shared documents are clearly marked, and collaboration tools are instantly available to both sides.

Connections are managed from the Enterprise Settings, where admins can monitor active links, add or remove users, and adjust permissions as needed. And for users on iOS or Android, the Connections tab in the Share dialog makes it easy to collaborate on the go.

Onshape Improves Enterprise-to-Enterprise Collaboration

Onshape Enterprise’s external connections feature isn’t just about making collaboration possible; it’s about making it effortless, secure, and transparent. Whether you’re working with trusted partners or onboarding new suppliers, you can be confident that your data is protected and your teams are empowered to innovate together.

For a detailed walkthrough of setup and management, check out the documentation.