Unlocking Product Development Efficiency: Connecting Arena and Onshape

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and manufacturing, organizations are constantly seeking innovative solutions that streamline processes and enhance productivity. Both Onshape and Arena were designed specifically to meet this need and help customers boost efficiency. During a recent online event, the Onshape and Arena teams explored the multiple benefits of each solution and the Onshape-Arena Connection, providing insights into how it can speed new product development and introduction.

EFFICIENT COLLABORATION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Onshape offers a transformative approach to collaboration and efficiency, essential in today’s competitive market. Unlike traditional file-based CAD systems, Onshape’s cloud-native platform allows users to access CAD data from anywhere, at any time, without the need for complex IT infrastructure. “One of the biggest differences is that there are no installs or licenses to manage. You simply log in via the Cloud, and immediately have access to your CAD data,” stated Jake Delano from Onshape Tech Services.

Onshape empowers teams by allowing multiple engineers to collaborate simultaneously on a project, reducing bottlenecks associated with file check-ins and outs. The seamless flow of information not only improves design accuracy but also accelerates the decision-making process.

Furthermore, Onshape’s built-in PDM ensures that all changes are tracked in real time, providing a transparent history of modifications, enabling agile product development, and facilitating more efficient design iteration and change management processes.

Arena PLM takes things a step further by managing the entire product record (electronic designs, software, packaging, etc.) and linking associated change processes. By connecting Onshape with Arena, downstream product teams and external partners can easily review the latest design changes and submit approvals or feedback. They don’t need a special CAD license or third-party application to visualize the product. With direct access to a 3D CAD Viewer and component thumbnails in Arena, teams can efficiently execute engineering change orders and optimize designs before they are released to production.

STREAMLINED DATA MANAGEMENT

Data management is a critical advantage of the Onshape-Arena Connection. Traditional CAD systems often require complex file paths and manual updates, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies. With the cloud-native environment of Onshape and Arena, these challenges are eliminated. The connection ensures that the bill of materials (BOM) and other critical information are automatically synced between the two platforms.

By maintaining a single source of truth, organizations significantly reduce the risk of discrepancies and ensure that all stakeholders are working with the most up-to-date information. This level of integration not only saves time but also helps ensure product quality and aids in more effective quality management.

SIMPLIFIED IMPLEMENTATION

The Onshape-Arena Connection is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, requiring minimal implementation effort. As Jake Delano noted, “It’s easy to connect these two systems—all it takes is copying and pasting a web token and a workspace ID.” This simplicity in setup means that organizations can quickly reap the benefits of the integration without the need for extensive training or technical expertise.

MAXIMIZE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT EFFICIENCY

The Onshape-Arena Connection represents a significant advancement for manufacturers looking to enhance collaboration and streamline data management without complicated implementation. By leveraging this powerful connection, companies can empower their teams to focus on innovation and efficiency, ultimately driving better product development outcomes.

For those interested in exploring the full potential of this connection, the on-demand webinar offers a comprehensive overview and additional insights into topics such as cloud-native CAD benefits, real-time collaboration, and enhanced change management.

To learn more, watch the on-demand recording available here.