Integrated Cloud-Native CAD and PDM Software

Onshape’s PDM is 100% cloud-native SaaS. It requires absolutely no downloads, installations, or local servers.

• Zero Install: You access the full system (CAD and PDM) through any standard web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) with online access or via the iOS/Android mobile app.
• No Expensive Local Hardware: All data is stored and processed on Onshape’s secure cloud servers. There is no need to buy or maintain a database server or vault.
• Automatic Maintenance: Updates occur automatically in the cloud every three weeks. Everyone is always on the latest version, eliminating compatibility issues and IT overhead.

CAD and PDM Integration eliminates the "gap" between design and data management, replacing manual file handoffs with a single, synchronized workflow.

The "Single Source of Truth"

In non-integrated systems, users often work on local copies of files. It is easy to accidentally edit an outdated version or overwrite a colleague's work. Integrated CAD and PDM ensures everyone looks at the exact same data. There are never any "copies" to manage. This plays a large role in eliminating manufacturing errors caused by sending the wrong file version to the shop floor.

Concurrent or Agile Engineering

File-based systems require "locking" a file to edit it, forcing engineers to wait in line (serial workflow). Integrated cloud-native systems allow branching, merging and simultaneous editing.This creates drastically shorter design cycles because teams work in parallel, not in sequence.

Automated History (Prevents Data Loss)

Manual "Save As" (e.g., Design_vFinal_FINAL.sldprt) are prone to human error and data corruption. Cloud-native CAD with integrated PDM automatically records every change in the background. The result, Zero Data Loss. You can always revert to a previous state, encouraging teams to experiment without fear of breaking the model.

Both. Onshape’s PDM is not a separate, add-on system; it is a core, built-in feature of its cloud-native platform. This architecture is designed to be effective for teams of any size.

For Small Teams: It provides immediate access to enterprise-grade data management (like version control, branching, and release workflows) with zero IT overhead, server setup, or maintenance.

For Large Enterprises: It scales automatically. As a true SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, it supports thousands of users, complex projects, and global supply chains without the performance bottlenecks, file-locking issues, or infrastructure management of traditional, on-premise EPDM systems.

Product Data Management (PDM) is crucial because a well implemented PDM solution can create a single source of truth for all product-related information, not just the 3D models.

While PDM manages CAD data for engineers, its real power is in how it securely controls versions and releases, and shares that data with the entire business. This ensures everyone—from design engineers to the shop floor—is working from the same, most current information, which drastically reduces costly errors, scrap, and delays.

Examples of PDM's Value Beyond CAD:

Purchasing & Supply Chain: A purchasing agent can instantly access the accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) generated from the Released design.

Engineering Change Orders: PDM automates the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process. When a change is needed, the system electronically routes all documentation (models, drawings, specs) to the correct managers, manufacturing leads, and quality inspectors for digital sign-off, replacing slow release management processes that can be blocking for engineers.

Manufacturing: On the shop floor, machinists can access the latest, approved 2D drawing or 3D model on a tablet to verify design and assembly instructions. This prevents the common mistake of building a part from an outdated version that was saved to a shared drive or sent as an email attachment.

The core difference is architecture: Onshape is a cloud-native, CAD Integrated PDM platform, whereas traditional systems (SOLIDWORKS PDM, Autodesk Vault) are file-based managers that add a layer of control over local files. Traditional PDM is a "vault" that protects files by locking them away, which ends up creating siloed teams with serial workflows. Onshape manages CAD data in cloud-native databases and allows for git-like branching and merging of product designs, enabling collaboration between individuals and teams, and promoting an agile workflow.

IT & Maintenance (Zero vs. Heavy)

• Traditional PDM: Requires maintaining physical servers, installing client software, managing VPNs for remote access, and performing complex annual upgrades.
• Onshape: Zero IT overhead. It runs in a browser, updates automatically every few weeks, and requires no server hardware or installation.

Collaboration (Real-Time vs. Serial)

• Traditional PDM: Relies on Check-in / Check-out. To edit a file, you must "lock" it so no one else can touch it. This forces a serial workflow where engineers wait for others to finish.
• Onshape: Allows Simultaneous Editing. Multiple users can work on the same part or assembly at the same time (like Google Docs). There is no file locking or blocking.

Data Storage (Database vs. Files)

• Traditional PDM: Manages copies of files. You "get" files from a server to your local drive to work on them. This creates "silent errors" where references break if filenames change or files move.
• Onshape: There are no files. Your design is data in a central database. You never download, copy, or move files; you interact with the data directly in your browser.

Version Control (Immutable vs. Overwritable)

• Traditional PDM: Versioning is often manual or dependent on the user remembering to check in work. "Last saved" wins, and overwriting work is a common risk.
• Onshape: Uses Git-style versioning. Every change is recorded in an infinite history. You can "Branch" designs to test ideas safely and "Merge" them back without duplicating data. Versions and Releases are immutable, and individual design points can’t be overwritten.

Release Management (Built-in vs Bolted-on)

• Traditional PDM: The release process typically locks files, preventing anyone from working on them until the approval cycle is complete. It often functions as a separate "bolt-on" module requiring manual configuration and additional expenses.
• Onshape: Release workflows are built-in and non-blocking. You release an immutable snapshot of the design. This allows the team to immediately continue working on the active document (the next revision) while the approval process is underway, without ever locking the data.

Yes, Onshape can manage data from other CAD tools. You can import files from various CAD systems, including Autodesk and SOLIDWORKS. You can also import neutral format files into Onshape. Imported files are managed alongside natively created CAD data. In fact, image files, or pdf files, can also be imported and managed in an Onshape document. Onshape offers powerful direct editing tools, for working with imported geometry.

Versions (Immutable Snapshots): At any point, you can capture a "Version" of your design. This creates a read-only, unchangeable bookmark in history. It prevents accidental overwrites and preserves the design exactly as it was at that moment. It’s a

Release Management (Immutable snapshot with formal control): You can formally issue a "Release Candidate" for parts or assemblies. This triggers a built-in approval workflow to assign a Revision (e.g., Rev A, Rev B). If approved, the data is permanently locked and stamped.

Non-Blocking Workflow: Unlike file-based PDM, releasing a design in Onshape does not lock the team out. Because the release is tied to a specific Version (snapshot), engineers can continue working on the active document immediately, even while the approval process is still pending.

PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)

Native Integration: The Onshape-Arena Connection allows for a direct, zero-install sync of BOMs and release data between Onshape and Arena PLM (both owned by PTC).

ERP & MES (Enterprise Resource Planning / Manufacturing Execution)

API: Onshape’s robust REST API allows your IT team to write custom scripts to pull Bill of Materials (BOM) and part data directly into any proprietary ERP or MES system automatically.

CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)

Native Integration: Onshape CAM Studio (currently in Beta) provides fully integrated machining directly within the Onshape interface.

CAE (Simulation & Analysis)

Native Integration: Onshape Simulation offers built-in structural analysis that provides instant feedback as you design.

Partners: For advanced CFD or multiphysics, partners like SimScale offer cloud-native simulation that works directly with Onshape data.

App Store: Several Onshape partners have developed applications available in the appstore that will work directly with Onshape data.

Onshape does not sell PDM as a separate add-on; it is built into every license and directly integrated into the CAD workflow.

Standard ($1,500 / user / year): Includes basic PDM (Version control, History, Branching/Merging). Best for freelancers who do not need formal approval workflows.

Professional ($2,500 / user / year): Adds Formal Release Management, automatic part numbering, and company-wide administrative controls. This is the standard choice for professional design teams.

Enterprise (Custom Pricing): Adds advanced security (SSO), analytics dashboards, custom release management workflows, advanced PLM connections, and more.

More pricing details are available here.

It is easy to confuse these acronyms. Here is the breakdown:

• PDM (Product Data Management):
  • Focus: Engineering & Design.
  • Data: part numbers, revisions, technical drawings, BOMs.
  • User: Engineers and Designers.
  • Example: Onshape, SolidWorks PDM.
• PIM (Product Information Management):
  • Focus: Sales & Marketing.
  • Data: Marketing descriptions, high-res photos, translation for different regions, catalog specs.
  • User: Marketers and E-commerce managers.
• PMDM (Product Master Data Management):
  • Focus: The Whole Enterprise.
  • Data: SKUs, Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), tax codes, ledger codes, supplier details.
  • User: Data Stewards, Operations, IT.
  • Role: It is the "governor" that ensures the PDM data matches the PIM data and the ERP data.

Onshape PDM impacts the entire enterprise. Since engineering and design is the most upstream process in all product design enterprises, all downstream systems benefit from a “single source of truth” captured by PDM.