Data Management Simplified: Why Onshape Outperforms Traditional CAD Systems

Managing CAD data shouldn’t feel like a second job. Yet for many engineering teams using traditional CAD tools like SOLIDWORKS or Autodesk Inventor, keeping files organized, up to date, and accessible can be a constant struggle.

From file locking and overwriting issues to PDM server maintenance and version mismatches, traditional CAD systems were never designed for the speed and flexibility of modern product development.

That’s why Onshape, PTC’s cloud-native CAD and PDM platform, is transforming how engineering teams design and manage data. With built-in data management, real-time collaboration, and zero IT overhead, Onshape lets you focus on innovation instead of infrastructure.

Built-In Data Management: No Servers, No Headaches

Unlike desktop CAD tools that depend on separate PDM systems, Onshape’s data management is fully integrated right into the platform. There’s no need for local servers, complex setups, or additional licenses.

Your designs, assemblies, drawings, and documents all live in a single secure cloud workspace. Every edit, comment, and update is automatically tracked and versioned without manual check-ins or file transfers.

Traditional CAD users spend countless hours managing file references and coordinating updates. With Onshape, those problems simply don’t exist. You’re always working with the latest version of your design, no matter where you are or who else is editing.

TECH TIP: Navigating CAD Data with Documents, List View, and Structure View

Always in Sync, Never Out of Date

In traditional CAD systems, version control is a constant pain point. Engineers copy files to shared drives or email parts back and forth, leading to confusion, duplication, and rework. Even PDM systems can slow teams down with file locking and delayed updates.

With Onshape’s cloud-native architecture, everyone always sees the same real-time model. You can instantly create versions or releases to lock in milestones ensuring your entire team stays aligned.

No one ever overwrites someone else’s work, and no one ever has to ask, “Is this the latest file?”

Branch, Merge, and Innovate Freely

Exploring design alternatives in traditional CAD often means duplicating files or creating new folders, which leads to clutter and confusion. Onshape takes a completely different approach with its branch and merge system.

This modern workflow lets teams explore multiple design directions in parallel, test new ideas safely, and merge the best solutions together – all without ever losing track of your design history.

It’s the same agile, flexible approach that software development teams use to innovate faster, now available for mechanical design.

TECH TIP: How to Use the Selective Merge Tool in Onshape

Zero IT Overhead, Maximum Focus on Design

Traditional PDM solutions require dedicated servers, network configuration, user permissions, and ongoing maintenance. For IT teams, that means constant management. For engineers, it means waiting.

With Onshape, all of that disappears. There’s no software to install, no servers to maintain, and no backups to schedule. Everything is securely managed in the cloud, automatically versioned, and instantly available.

Your IT department can finally step back from the CAD maintenance treadmill, while your engineering team keeps moving forward.

Collaboration Without Barriers

In traditional file-based CAD, collaboration is sequential: One person edits while everyone else waits. Onshape enables real-time, multi-user collaboration, so multiple engineers, designers, and stakeholders can work together simultaneously in the same document.

It’s like Google Docs for CAD: Instant, transparent, and connected. Comments, markups, and design updates happen live, making communication effortless and eliminating delays.

TECH TIP: Comments in Onshape

Why Simplified Data Management Matters

Efficient data management is more than a convenience, it’s a competitive advantage. When your CAD system manages data for you, your team can focus entirely on creating better products, faster.

Onshape’s integrated approach means:

• No separate PDM software or servers
• No manual check-ins or file conflicts
• No waiting on IT or data syncs
• Always-on version control and audit trail
• Agile, branch-and-merge design workflows

In short, Onshape makes data management effortless, so your engineers can spend their time doing what they do best: designing.

The Future of CAD Data Management Is in the Cloud

Onshape replaces the complexity of legacy file-based CAD with a single, connected platform for design, collaboration, and data management.

No infrastructure to maintain. No files to manage. No IT overhead. Just a modern, cloud-native system that keeps your team aligned and your projects moving forward.

TECH TIP: 3 Ways to Import CAD Data

Ready to Simplify Your CAD Data Management?

If you’re still wrestling with PDM servers or lost design files, it’s time to experience a better way. Discover how Onshape’s built-in data management can streamline your workflows, eliminate IT overhead, and accelerate product innovation.

Try Onshape or explore the Onshape Learning Center to see how cloud-native CAD makes data management simple, secure, and scalable.