SOLIDWORKS PDM vs. 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud PDM: Workflows, Licensing, and More

solidworks pdm vs. 3dexperience data management

3DExperience,CAD,CAD Data Management,Cloud,PDM,SOLIDWORKS,Tech Help / May 12, 2025

SOLIDWORKS PDM vs. 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud PDM: Workflows, Licensing, and More

Managing CAD data efficiently is no longer a luxury — it's essential for engineering teams who want to maintain productivity, control revisions, and collaborate securely across locations. As companies explore the best tools for Product Data Management (PDM), two leading options emerge: SOLIDWORKS PDM and 3DEXPERIENCE with its own Data Management tools.

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Both solutions come from Dassault Systèmes but cater to slightly different needs. Understanding their workflows, licensing models, and ideal use cases can help you make the smartest decision for your team.

Workflow Differences: Traditional SOLIDWORKS PDM (Cloud-Enabled) vs. 3DEXPERIENCE Data Management (Cloud-Native) 

SOLIDWORKS PDM 3DEXPERIENCE Data Management
Localized Vault, Traditional CAD Management  Cloud-Native Collaboration and Mobility  
SOLIDWORKS PDM (Professional or Standard) offers a tried-and-true vault-based system where your CAD files are stored on a server, which could be either cloud-hosted or local on-premise infrastructure. 3DEXPERIENCE introduces a cloud-first approach where CAD files live in a secure cloud workspace, removing the need for traditional local vaults.

Key Characteristics:

  • CAD files are checked in and out manually.

  • Users work with local copies, syncing changes to the centralized vault.

  • Highly customizable workflows tailored to your engineering processes.

  • Requires dedicated IT support for server maintenance, backups, and access controls.

Key Characteristics:

  • Files are stored, shared, and versioned natively in the cloud.

  • Real-time collaboration without complex server infrastructure.

  • Tighter integration with additional Dassault tools like ENOVIA, SIMULIA, and DELMIA.

  • Less emphasis on IT maintenance; updates and backups are handled automatically.

Ideal for:

  • Companies that prefer full control over data.

  • Teams working in a single primary location or with a strong managed IT infrastructure, often with outsourced overseas locations as well.

  • Organizations needing extensive workflow customization.

Ideal for:

  • Smaller, Distributed teams needing easy remote collaboration.

  • Organizations aiming for fast onboarding without heavy IT lift.

  • Teams that are evolving toward digital continuity and full cloud ecosystems.

solidworks pdm promotion

Licensing Models: Perpetual vs. Subscription  

SOLIDWORKS PDM Licensing   3DEXPERIENCE Cloud PDM Licensing 

  • Perpetual licenses with optional annual maintenance fees.

  • You buy the license once and pay ongoing fees for updates, support, and enhancements.

  • Requires SOLIDWORKS CAD licenses plus a dedicated PDM license for each user needing access.

  • Additional costs for server infrastructure and IT management.

Note: Companies investing heavily in perpetual licenses value asset ownership and long-term ROI.

  • Subscription-only licensing (typically annual or 3-year terms).

  • Access to PDM functionality is bundled into “roles” like Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS and Collaborative Industry Innovator.

  • Licensing is tied to named users, enabling flexible scaling across global teams.

  • Cloud hosting, updates, and security compliance (e.g., SOC 2) are included.

Note: Subscriptions make budgeting predictable but require active management as user needs shift.

Integration Considerations: How They Work With SOLIDWORKS  

SOLIDWORKS PDM 3DEXPERIENCE Data Management

  • Integrates natively inside the SOLIDWORKS interface. Check-in, check-out, revision control — all accessed directly through familiar menus.
  • Also integrates with SOLIDWORKS, but with a slight learning curve. You interact with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform panel (a separate but embedded interface).

⚡ Pro Tip: Users already familiar with traditional PDM systems may find SOLIDWORKS PDM more immediately intuitive. Teams ready to embrace new workflows and cloud flexibility may quickly see productivity gains with 3DEXPERIENCE.

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing  

  • How distributed is your engineering team?

  • Does your IT department want to maintain servers and infrastructure?

  • Do you prefer subscription-based operational expenses or perpetual licenses as a capital investment?

  • How important is real-time collaboration across locations?

  • Are you planning to scale into broader PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) capabilities?

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Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?  

Both SOLIDWORKS PDM and 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud PDM offer powerful ways to manage your CAD data.
Choosing the right solution depends on your team structure, collaboration needs, and long-term digital strategy.

  • If you need customizable workflows with local control, SOLIDWORKS PDM might be your best bet.

  • If you want scalable, global collaboration without heavy IT burden, 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud PDM could be the smarter investment.

Either way, investing in smart Product Data Management workflows ensures your engineering creativity is protected, organized, and accelerated toward innovation.

Need help evaluating your PDM options?

Reach out and speak to an expert right away

We bridge the gap between Engineering and IT teams helping you make the right choice for managing CAD in the Cloud efficiently while taking the ongoing burden off your IT department to manage the applications.

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