Onshape Government: Real-Time CAD Collaboration Meets ITAR Compliance

Defense contractors and government agencies have long faced a frustrating choice: collaborate efficiently or maintain strict compliance with ITAR or EAR.

Now, Onshape – PTC’s cloud-native CAD solution – is eliminating this trade-off, enabling real-time collaboration while maintaining the stringent security requirements for controlled unclassified information.

Forget Everything You Know About CAD Infrastructure

Onshape Government completely eliminates traditional CAD infrastructure overhead, replacing servers, installations, and license management with a streamlined, secure connection through AWS GovCloud. This makes it possible to access designs through a web browser – whether it’s Chrome on Windows, Safari on Mac, or even a Chromebook.

For engineering teams accustomed to complex deployment processes and dedicated CAD workstations, this represents a shift in how they access and utilize design tools while maintaining compliance.

True Collaboration Transforms Workflows

The platform replaces the traditional process of sending files between secure environments with genuine real-time collaboration. Multiple engineers can work on the same assembly simultaneously.

While one team member modifies a component, another can adjust mate connections, with changes appearing instantly for all authorized users. The result is fluid, ITAR-compliant collaboration without the complexity of file management.

PDM Without the Pain

Setting up a traditional PDM system typically involves weeks of configuring clients and servers, building workflows, and defining revision schemes. Onshape Government simplifies this to a single checkbox. That’s not hyperbole – teams literally check one box to enable enterprise-grade release management.

This simplification doesn’t sacrifice capability. Teams still get complete version control, branching and merging like Git, and comprehensive audit trails. Onshape Government removes traditional PDM complexity while enhancing functionality. Every action is automatically tracked, every version is instantly accessible, and every change is immediately visible to authorized team members.

Built for Security from the Ground Up

Onshape Government operates as a completely separate instance running exclusively on AWS GovCloud. It was specifically architected to help organizations meet both ITAR and EAR compliance requirements. It implements FIPS 143 cryptography for data at rest and in transit, complies with NIST 800-171R3 standards, and provides comprehensive protection for controlled unclassified information.

What This Means for Engineering Teams

Consider the current process for collaborating on sensitive designs. The time spent managing files, ensuring version control, and maintaining compliance can overwhelm engineering teams. Onshape Government eliminates that overhead while strengthening security protocols.

The platform combines the agility of cloud-native CAD with the stringent security requirements of defense contracting. Teams can focus on design innovation while the platform handles the complexity of maintaining ITAR compliance.

For teams balancing efficient collaboration with security requirements, Onshape Government offers a compelling solution. It's not just a new CAD system – it's a fundamental rethinking of how defense contractors can approach collaborative design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)