# Should You Switch Your CAD Software? How to plan for CAD software migration success ![How to plan for CAD software migration success](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/migration/2024-06/solidworks_switching_header.jpg.webp) ### How Do You Know If Your CAD Tool Will Keep You Competitive? CAD is a critical engineering and manufacturing tool. As the world changes and evolves, so too must the tools engineers and designers use to further product development. A modern CAD tool must: - Provide excellent, proven design functionalities and workflows - Increase everyday engineering productivity - Leverage automation to save time on repetitive tasks - Ensure easy, effective collaboration - Overcome process bottlenecks - Lower IT overhead - Help achieve sustainability initiatives ### What to Consider When Switching CAD Programs This eBook from Engineering.com explores how new technologies and sustainability initiatives are reshaping product design and business practices, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right CAD package for future success. - [Read the eBook](/media/what-consider-when-switching-cad-programs) Make the switch - [Learn more](/how-to-buy/solidworks-solutions) ## Challenges that Drive Companies to Change CAD According to an independent research survey of over 200 product development professionals worldwide, the top CAD challenge that drove a software change was lack of functionality. Some CAD programs claim to have functionality that can address complex issues professionals encounter. However, when faced with large assemblies, integrating multi-CAD data, connecting customers with suppliers, and more, they can fall short. ### Are You Using the Best CAD Tool? Seven Questions to Ask CAD technology, real-time collaboration, artificial intelligence, and more: what is important to your business? Learn the seven questions to ask about using the best CAD modeling tool, based on feedback from product development professionals. - [Read the eBook](/media/are-you-using-best-cad-tool-seven-questions-ask) ## Customers Who Found Success by Switching to SOLIDWORKS SOLIDWORKS CAD is the proven industry standard in 3D mechanical CAD and has a long history of listening to users to meet their needs and overcome their challenges. When businesses switch to SOLIDWORKS solutions, they see substantial reductions in time to market, cuts to development and prototype costs, improved data management structures, and much more. ### Can Your Business Switch CAD Platforms? [![Can Your Business Switch CAD Platforms?](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/bg_large/public/migration/2024-05/can-biz-switch-thumbnail.jpg.webp)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow-QCJhRVDs) The idea of switching CAD can be controversial. But what happens when a company develops a package that offers clear benefits over your existing solution? Jim Anderton from Engineering.com and veteran SOLIDWORKS Industry Process Consultant Brad Williamson discussed this thought-provoking issue. Watch the video to take part in their discussion and see what switching really means. ## Why Choose SOLIDWORKS Businesses of all sizes have found success with SOLIDWORKS product development solutions for over 30 years. Discover how SOLIDWORKS supports companies and commits to user development. ![Why Choose SOLIDWORKS](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/migration/2024-04/why-choose-solidworks-hero-3.jpg.webp) - [Learn more](/solution/why-choose-solidworks) ## Frequently Asked Questions About Switching CAD #### Why switch CAD systems? --- There are many different reasons why individual companies may switch CAD systems. Companies considering switching CAD systems, regardless of size or industry, often do it based on business concerns like cost, improving productivity, maintaining compatibility with other business systems like procurement, or because their current system cannot perform the tasks they need to go to market effectively. They may also change CAD systems because their current system does not have the ability to connect to other product development tools that will allow their business to scale. In recent years, software licensing flexibility has become a factor in the decision to switch. #### What are the benefits of switching CAD systems? --- Changing to the right CAD system can lead to many benefits, such as reducing product development time, lowering development costs, increasing user satisfaction, and more. #### How do I know it’s the right time to for my business to switch CAD systems? --- It is the right time to switch CAD systems when you encounter limitations with your current CAD system that hinder productivity, such as lacking specific features you need to complete work, difficulty sharing data for collaboration and markup, or lack of specialized support. #### Can I easily migrate my CAD data to SOLIDWORKS? --- SOLIDWORKS supports most neutral and native 3D data formats, so migrating data from another system is straightforward. There are various tools within SOLIDWORKS CAD to help with migration, and the extensive network of SOLIDWORKS solution partners can support more complex situations. #### How does SOLIDWORKS CAD compare to others on the market? --- SOLIDWORKS CAD is the industry standard in 3D mechanical CAD around the world. Hundreds of thousands of businesses use SOLIDWORKS product development solutions to create products, connect with customers, and collaborate with users. SOLIDWORKS CAD is known for its ease of use, powerful CAD functionalities, and passionate, global user base. #### What kind of support does SOLIDWORKS offer to users once they’ve switched? --- SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partners are committed to providing excellent onboarding, training, and continuous learning to all SOLIDWORKS customers. Their staff of SOLIDWORKS certified technicians are your local go-to guides for anything related to SOLIDWORKS, engineering, and design. ## Are You Ready to Make the Switch to SOLIDWORKS? ### Get Expert Advice Speak with a SOLIDWORKS expert to discuss your business needs. - [Contact us](/how-to-buy/contact-sales) ### Explore SOLIDWORKS Solutions Learn more about SOLIDWORKS design solutions and make the switch today. - [Learn more](/how-to-buy/solidworks-solutions) ### Start Your Free Trial Today Try SOLIDWORKS CAD today and see why you should make the switch - [Try now](http://my.solidworks.com/try-solidworks) # Make the Switch to the Industry Standard in 3D CAD and Product Development We can help you make the best choice for you and your business ![Make the Switch to the Industry Standard in 3D CAD and Product Development](/sites/default/filesd10/styles/webp/public/migration/2021-05/solidworks-footer-workflow-design-verification-management-3d-cad-001.jpg.webp) - [Buy now](/how-to-buy/contact-sales) - [Free trial](https://my.solidworks.com/try-solidworks) - [Call +1 (781) 810-5011](tel:1-781-810-5011) Should You Switch Your CAD Software?- [](mailto:?subject=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/should-you-switch-your-cad-software) - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/should-you-switch-your-cad-software) - [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/should-you-switch-your-cad-software) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.solidworks.com/solution/should-you-switch-your-cad-software)