Onshape-Arena Connection for CAD, PDM & PLM Integration

The connection is freely available as part of both applications, there are no additional costs or required licenses. You do, however, need to be a user of both Onshape Enterprise and Arena Launch or Arena Scale.

No installation is required. The connection is native to both Arena and Onshape and configured in Arena’s and Onshape’s settings. Configuration properties such as the Arena workspace ID and authenticating web token are provided by your Arena sales and support team.

Onshape offers unlimited data storage for design projects. If you are a licensed user of Onshape Enterprise and Arena Scale or Arena Launch there are no Cloud storage fees.

Yes, there is a single button to add or refresh this information in Arena.

Yes, Onshape categories and Arena categories are mapped in the setup of the system, and custom part numbers can then be associated by category. For example, sheet metal parts are all labeled with 300-series with a sequential string after.

Yes, the Onshape Arena connection automatically displays thumbnails. A full 3D view of the Onshape document is visible within Arena as well as a direct link to the Onshape CAD design if you are an authorized user in the Onshape Enterprise.

Yes. With guest and light licensing you can securely add and remove suppliers from your enterprise and share them into your data in real-time without any files, similar to the way that Google Drive and Docs work. If you do need to send files, the Onshape Arena connection automatically generates 2D drawing PDFs and 3D neutral CAD files (STEP) for items on an Arena ECO.

Yes, you will assign Arena part numbers from the Properties dialog in Onshape. Once configured, Arena Part Numbering is transparent to the Onshape user, and part numbers will be based on the category you select for your part or assembly.

Yes, each category's properties can be mapped to the corresponding Arena category attributes. Attributes will be updated when you sync your model with Arena and displayed in the specification tab.

Yes. Ensuring that the correct revision of a CAD design is aligned with the corresponding Arena revision helps prevent errors, reduces confusion, and facilitates effective collaboration among teams. With Arena PLM revisions referencing specific Onshape revisions, design work can continue, creating new branches and updates to the CAD model, with operations and manufacturing partners clear on which revision was released in the PLM.

No, the release process in Onshape is connected to Arena’s Change process. Using Onshape’s out-of-the-box Release workflow, you start with Onshape’s release dialog, select an open Arena Change, and the system takes care of connecting the two into a single, streamlined release process.

Absolutely you can! The systems work together to connect the power and flexibility that you love in Onshape with the rigor of a formal change process in Arena.

Yes, the Onshape-Arena Connection extends to Onshape Government/Arena PLM for GovCloud, allowing teams working in secure, regulated environments to benefit from real-time design sharing, synchronized BOMs, and traceable engineering changes.

Teams gain real-time collaboration across design and operations, streamlined change management, enhanced traceability and audit readiness, and full support for government-grade security when they connect Onshape Government’s secure CAD/PDM environment with Arena PLM for GovCloud.