# SolidWorks PDM, Windchill vs SAP PLM Comparison

| | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | 3.8 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 81 | 121 | 66 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (50.0% of reviews) | Enterprise (57.3% of reviews) | Enterprise (72.4% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### SolidWorks PDM

Pros:
- CAD Integration (1 reviews)
- Document Management (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Configuration Issues (1 reviews)
- Difficult Setup (1 reviews)

### Windchill

Pros:
- CAD Integration (4 reviews)
- Data Management (4 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Difficulty (3 reviews)
- Learning Curve (2 reviews)

### SAP PLM

Pros:
- Features (2 reviews)
- Product Lifecycle Management (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (1 reviews)
- Poor Interface Design (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (60 reviews) | 8.4 (96 reviews) | 7.5 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.0 (61 reviews) | 7.7 (97 reviews) | 6.7 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 6.6 (23 reviews) | 6.3 (36 reviews) | 7.0 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.2 (20 reviews) | 6.4 (27 reviews) | 7.8 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.0 (55 reviews) | 8.0 (86 reviews) | 7.6 (45 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.0 (20 reviews) | 7.0 (27 reviews) | 7.9 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.3 (56 reviews) | 7.9 (94 reviews) | 6.4 (45 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### SolidWorks PDM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Windchill

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### SAP PLM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Product Data Management (PDM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SolidWorks PDM** | 8.0/10 | 46 |
| **Windchill** | 8.5/10 | 34 |
| **SAP PLM** | N/A | N/A |

#### Metadata

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Repository** | 8.1 (40 reviews) | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Taxonomy** | 7.2 (28 reviews) | 8.7 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Types** | 7.9 (35 reviews) | 8.5 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Version Control** | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 8.8 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Alignment** | 7.7 (28 reviews) | 8.9 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflows** | 8.3 (37 reviews) | 9.2 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Lifecycle** | 7.8 (35 reviews) | 9.2 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 6.7 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Not enough data | 7.5 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SolidWorks PDM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Windchill** | 8.6/10 | 30 |
| **SAP PLM** | 7.9/10 | 23 |

#### New Product Introduction

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Ideation** | Not enough data | 8.5 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (17 reviews) | 
| **Time-to-market** | Not enough data | 8.8 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.5 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Cost estimating** | Not enough data | 7.9 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (15 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Product approval** | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (16 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### CAD

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CAD Models** | Not enough data | 9.4 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.3 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **CAD Options** | Not enough data | 9.0 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.3 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Conversion** | Not enough data | 9.1 (21 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (16 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Supplier alignment** | Not enough data | 8.4 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.4 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Communication** | Not enough data | 8.4 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.2 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Development** | Not enough data | 8.2 (21 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.6 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Document Management** | Not enough data | 9.2 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Product Data Management

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Product Metadata** | Not enough data | 8.4 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Quality** | Not enough data | 9.0 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | 9.2 (25 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Bill of Materials

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **BOM management** | Not enough data | 8.7 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Multi-level BOM** | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **BOM Types** | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **BOM visualization** | Not enough data | 9.0 (23 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Engineering Change Management

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **ECR Workflows** | Not enough data | 9.0 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | 9.2 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **ECO Management** | Not enough data | 9.3 (21 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Simulation

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Virtual Testing** | Not enough data | 8.8 (19 reviews) | 7.6 (14 reviews) | 
| **Analysis** | Not enough data | 8.3 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.6 (14 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Optimization** | Not enough data | 8.6 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | Feature Not Available | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | 8.3 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.7 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Costing** | Not enough data | 7.6 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Product Intelligence** | Not enough data | 8.2 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.4 (17 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Quality management

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Quality planning** | Not enough data | 8.6 (22 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Traceability** | Not enough data | 8.6 (21 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (17 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Compliance** | Not enough data | 8.7 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.6 (17 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Integration

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **ERP** | Not enough data | 9.2 (24 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **MES** | Not enough data | 8.6 (19 reviews) ✓ Verified | Feature Not Available | 
| **PIM** | Not enough data | 8.3 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (15 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Maintenance** | Not enough data | 8.9 (18 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.0 (15 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 7.5 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Image-to-Text** | Not enough data | 6.5 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to SolidWorks PDM (1):** [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm)

**Unique to Windchill (2):** [Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm), [Product Data Management (PDM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-data-management-pdm)

**Unique to SAP PLM (1):** [Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/product-lifecycle-management-plm)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | SolidWorks PDM | Windchill | SAP PLM | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 50.0% | 10.9% | 10.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 33.3% | 31.8% | 17.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 16.7% | 57.3% | 72.4% | 

### By Industry

#### SolidWorks PDM

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 22.2%
- **Design:** 9.7%
- **Automotive:** 8.3%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 6.9%
- **Machinery:** 6.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 5.6%
- **Medical Devices:** 4.2%
- **Industrial Automation:** 4.2%
- **Computer Software:** 2.8%
- **Construction:** 2.8%
- **Other:** 26.4%

#### Windchill

- **Automotive:** 18.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 11.8%
- **Medical Devices:** 9.1%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 6.4%
- **Computer Software:** 4.5%
- **Consumer Goods:** 4.5%
- **Design:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 4.5%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 4.5%
- **Machinery:** 3.6%
- **Other:** 28.2%

#### SAP PLM

- **Automotive:** 15.3%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 11.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 10.2%
- **Oil & Energy:** 8.5%
- **Consumer Goods:** 6.8%
- **Food & Beverages:** 6.8%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.1%
- **Management Consulting:** 5.1%
- **Biotechnology:** 3.4%
- **Food Production:** 3.4%
- **Other:** 23.7%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to SolidWorks PDM

- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (933 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (114 reviews)
- [Aras Innovator](https://www.g2.com/products/aras-innovator/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (119 reviews)
- [Synergis Adept](https://www.g2.com/products/synergis-adept/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (201 reviews)
- [Autodesk Vault](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-vault/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [GrabCAD Workbench](https://www.g2.com/products/grabcad-workbench/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (27 reviews)
- [OpenBOM](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (784 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (737 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (997 reviews)

### Alternatives to Windchill

- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (933 reviews)
- [Aras Innovator](https://www.g2.com/products/aras-innovator/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (119 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (114 reviews)
- [OpenBOM](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (784 reviews)
- [Propel](https://www.g2.com/products/propel-propel/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (144 reviews)
- [Oracle Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-product-lifecycle-management-plm/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (94 reviews)
- [ENOVIA](https://www.g2.com/products/enovia/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [Autodesk Vault](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-vault/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (737 reviews)
- [Synergis Adept](https://www.g2.com/products/synergis-adept/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (201 reviews)

### Alternatives to SAP PLM

- [Teamcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/teamcenter/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (933 reviews)
- [Arena PLM & QMS](https://www.g2.com/products/arena-plm-qms/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (441 reviews)
- [Aras Innovator](https://www.g2.com/products/aras-innovator/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (119 reviews)
- [Oracle Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-product-lifecycle-management-plm/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (94 reviews)
- [ENOVIA](https://www.g2.com/products/enovia/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (77 reviews)
- [Propel](https://www.g2.com/products/propel-propel/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (144 reviews)
- [OpenBOM](https://www.g2.com/products/openbom/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (784 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion Manage](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion-manage/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (114 reviews)
- [Wrike](https://www.g2.com/products/wrike/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (4530 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### SolidWorks PDM

- Title: [Do you manager NON CAD files with PDM?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/28115-do-you-manager-non-cad-files-with-pdm) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "We also manage Excel files, PDF's and pictures using PDM."
- Title: [What is PDM software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/solidworks-pdm-what-is-pdm-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "PDM stands for Program Document Management. However, it goes beyond what a regular file explorer does and allows for a version history as well as review and..."
- Title: [What is Solidworks PDM system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-pdm-system) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks PDM is an advanced version of file explorer in windows PC. It allows you to manage all your files and projects. One can easily manage workflow and..."

### Windchill

- Title: [What is PTC product?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ptc-product) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "PTC Creo is CAD software, being used by industries for design and development of different range of products. you can do lot of things with PTC Creo. Its one..."

### SAP PLM

- Title: [What are the examples of PLM software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-examples-of-plm-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "SAP MM, Oracle, ENOVIA, Teamcenter"
- Title: [How to manage yield scenario in recipe development from ootb solution.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/25941-how-to-manage-yield-scenario-in-recipe-development-from-ootb-solution) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi, you need to use by Product entry with negative Qty in formula which will not shown in calculations, Make sure you defined specification for byproducts..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-pdm-vs-ptc-windchill-vs-sap-plm)