PTC Windchill Review

PROS: I like Windchill’ search features. This product is easy to use and extremely easy to learn. It has lot of customizable options. It allows me an access to CAD data and models so I can easily complete my tasks. I like that everything is in one location. I like its change management features because they are easily customiable and helps us to do the work. This product can be used by everyone you don’t have to be familiar with the software.

CONS: I found some features unnecessary like thumbnail pop-out of 3D model part. Also, they could improve the integration of the discussion forums and tasks and processes. The discussion forums are great idea for sharing information but they are not fully integrated with the tasks and processes.

PROS: I like how easy to use Windchill is. It has great integrations with PTC Creo and it provides great solutiions for all out ECN processes. We are able to manage WT parts, CAD data linking, project management and sharing, and document management. It has really helpful tools.

CONS: Sometimes the response time is longer, it would be great if they could improve this one. Also, I’d like to see more features for data sharing and user access capabilities. Also, the UI needs to be more intuitive.

PROS: Windchill is great for various sized businesses. There are no codes required so everyone can implement the system and to start using it. It offers lot of APIs for customizing and configuring. You can integrate the software with other systems and you can easily transfer data from one tool to Windchill. The UI is easy to use. I like that is web-based product. This software is written in Java and this means that you can easily develop for API. I like that this tool can be used on other platforms, like Windows, Linux and UNIX.

CONS: The API is not well documented and it can be wrong sometimes. Some classes are not listed into the API documentation. Also, the tech support doesn’t always provide support for customization. We have experienced some breakdowns because of the Java but when we asked the support team they have told us that this kind of issue is normal.

PROS: This software offers lot of capabilities for CAD files, word documents and other file types. We are allowed to route, approve and review. We are using this tool for 8 years and we are able to collaborate with other customers who use this product. We use it to submit supplier request for drawing change and to improve the collaboration.

CONS: We have experienced some issues with this product but its support team is great and they reach us within an hour. Some of its functions (sales, quality and managers) can be complicated for using if you don’t use them on a daily basis. It is huge program and it can be difficult to learn everything about it.

PROS: Windchill is one of the best tool that it meets all your business needs no matter how big your company is. Once you install you will see how stable and reliable this software is. I like that the Web based workspace concept is task oriented so you can easily understand the role of PDM within the organization. You can easily create workspaces and managing them.

CONS: This tool can be expensive if you want to use it and maintaining it. It is great tool for large companies but I’m not sure how other companies can manage this product. If your company is medium then you’ll need experienced and dedicated admins.

PROS: This tool is easy to use, it is intuitive, modern and it offers clean layout. It is browser based. All your data no matter how huge it is, is stored in Oracle or MS SQL, so it ensures you that the data is secure. There is great integration with PTC Creo and many other 3D CAD Packages. They constantly improve and update the software. Also, there is great support team. The UI is clear and easy to use.

CONS: I have experienced some issues with Java. But I think this is more because of the Java updates and because they add some security restrictions that cause problems. It would be great if the ORACLE could stop with Java Updates so we don’t have to go down when using Wndchill.

PROS: We successfully transferred data from other PLM tools to Windchill. It is great tool for meeting lot of business needs. It has great integrated platform so we can solve lot of business cases and scenarios. It has great support team they always help when we run into some issue during the post deployment or development process.

CONS: Some Java versions are not supported by Windchill Upgrades thus, it makes the whole workflow tough. They could enhance UI to be more intuitive. In addition, they could reduce the click needs. Also, they need to improve the Project Link to be more synchronized with PDM Link. And it would be great if they could improve the integration with various ERP systems.

PROS: This tool allows us to manage projects and product documents. It supports multiple CAD tools but it works perfectly with PTC’s Creo. This tool helps you to grow your organization.

CONS: This product is pricy and it requires experience admins for configuration. Also, the UI is not as intuitive as it should be.