Navigating the SOLIDWORKS to Onshape Data Migration Journey

The thought of migrating to a new CAD system brings a blend of ample excitement and oodles of apprehension.

It can be a monumental task, especially considering the vast amounts of legacy data, skills, and long-established workflows in the previous system.

Despite these challenges, 60 percent of new Onshape users have chosen to migrate away from SOLIDWORKS, according to “The State of Product Development & Hardware Design 2023-2024” report.

With Onshape, the potential for improved design collaboration, and enhanced efficiency – without crashes and instability – is enticing, to say the least, which is in contrast with the work needed to be done to switch over.

This is where the PTC partner network steps in; after all, just about every Onshape customer comes with some amount of legacy data!

To facilitate a seamless migration, we have compiled three strategies to help ensure a smooth transition to this cutting-edge CAD solution.

Let’s understand the three main proposed CAD migration strategies tailored to meet diverse needs and timelines.

The Three Paths to Onshape Migration

We acknowledge the varied needs of businesses and suggest three distinct migration methods: Clean-Sheet, 50/50, and Full Migration. Each approach caters to different priorities, from rapid transition to comprehensive data transfer.

1. Clean-Sheet Migration: A Fresh Start

The "Clean-Sheet" approach is the quickest and simplest path to adoption. It's ideal for teams ready to leap into new projects. This method emphasizes the migration of skills and personnel over data, allowing teams to dive straight into utilizing Onshape for new projects.

2. The 50/50 Strategy: Balancing Act

For those not ready to fully part ways with their existing tools, the 50/50 approach provides a nice balance. With this approach, all new projects would be started in Onshape, harnessing its collaborative experience and built-in PDM. Whereas “in-progress” and edits of legacy projects would continue in the old system. This method ensures a more gradual transition, with data being migrated as necessary, easing the team into the new environment without disrupting ongoing work.

3. Full Migration: Complete Overhaul

The most thorough option we’ll call “Full Migration.” It involves transferring all existing data to Onshape, including the redesign of legacy components as needed. This approach suits organizations aiming for a complete shift to Onshape for all design activities, both new and ongoing. Although it's the most time-consuming path, the end result is a fully integrated, cloud-native CAD environment. CADSharp’s Monarch tool can automate aspects of this process, facilitating a smoother transition.

Support Every Step of the Way

Onshape's commitment to ensuring a successful migration doesn't end with these methodologies.

The team offers comprehensive support through dedicated roles, from Customer Success Managers to Technical Services Engineers, and, as always, our amazing Technical Support team. To understand these team members’ roles, here’s a brief description:

• Customer Success Manager: Acting as your guide, the Customer Success Manager helps plan your Onshape adoption roadmap, coordinating training and facilitating communication with Onshape's wider team.
• Technical Services Engineer: This Onshape expert is ready to tackle all technical queries, offering insights on best practices for importing and organizing data.
• Technical Support: Onshape's in-product support provides direct access to a knowledgeable team, ensuring help is always at hand.

A Testimonial to Collaboration and Efficiency

The impact of switching to Onshape is best illustrated by those who've experienced the transition. One user, working across various sectors from consumer electronics to medical and toys, praised Onshape for making collaboration seamless. The move from traditional, often cumbersome CAD systems to Onshape's streamlined, cloud-native platform significantly improves efficiency and user satisfaction.

A Journey Worth Taking

The transition to a new CAD and PDM system, particularly one as innovative as Onshape, is a journey of transformation. It allows redefining how design and manufacturing processes are managed, facilitating collaboration and driving efficiency.

By choosing the CAD migration path that best suits your organization's needs and leveraging Onshape's robust support network, the migration process becomes not just manageable but a strategic step towards future-proofing your design capabilities.

In embracing Onshape, companies are not just adopting a new tool but a new way of working.