Inventor vs ECi M1

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Inventor vs ECi M1 based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Inventor Software Tool
ECi M1 Software Tool

Product Basics

Inventor is a Windows-based CAD solution with mechanical 3D designing, documentation and product simulation modules. It intertwines parametric, direct and other design protocols in one centralized place. It enables collaboration with key players across the company with the ability to use any CAD tool.

It includes drawing creation, parametric modeling, sheet metal and instant frame design. It employs particular accessories needed for sheet metals, frame blueprints, tubing and piping. It can also merge with other modules to complete mechanical and BIM assignments.
read more...
ECI M1 is a solution that obtains real-time process transparency for small and mid-sized companies. It cuts costs to save money and boosts productivity. Its top features include production management, inventory supervision, scheduling, shipping and a resource planner.

It reviews everything from order entries to shipping in real time. Gain in-depth insights on equipment downtime, capacity and inventory. Link orders and invoices to existing materials for full transparency.
read more...
$310 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$5,000 Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Cloud-Based Design Evaluations: Garner constructive criticism from vital stakeholders and collaborators in real time from any location to save time and boost productivity. 
  • A Single Data Model: Follow the complete product development procedure via one data model instead of accessing more interfaces. 
  • Automation: Conduct designs, recordkeeping and processing automatically via iLogic to diminish manual entries and human errors. 
  • Cloud Operations: Implement the forge design automation API to carry out jobs via the cloud instead of relying on company servers. 
  • Distinguished Tools: Initiate specialized modules for tubing, piping, sheet metals and other materials to handle them with special care. 
read more...
  • Increase On-time Deliveries: Utilize stock, machinery and other data to enhance productivity and team collaboration to boost on-time deliveries and increase customer satisfaction. 
  • Reduce Costs: Implement shipping analytics and merge them with global shippers to gain operational visibility and eliminate bottlenecks to save time and money. 
  • Obtain Workflow Centralization: Govern sales, warehouses, inventory, production and files on multiple sites with a centralized solution to monitor and supervise all activities. Gain in-depth business activity from any location to better manage and address issues. 
  • Boost Collaboration: Share job information with shop floor teams for increased communication and productivity by keeping everyone on the same page with real-time data. 
  • Reduce Machine Downtime: Automate scheduling to reduce idle machines, unnecessary overtime and missed deadlines while boosting production KPIs and client satisfaction rates. 
read more...
  • Product Design
    • Parametric Modeling: Access a perceptive interface to maintain concentration on creating and editing 3D models. 
    • Assembly Modeling: Review how designs will adhere during the assembly stage. 
    • Drawing Creation: Produce clear, precise, in-depth manufacturing drawings swiftly. 
  • Collaboration
    • Shared View Collaboration: Cooperate with others on models and designs through the internet. Review and comment on shared views and filters. 
    • Non-Native Data: Upkeep related links with non-native CAD information. 
    • BIM Interoperability: Transform CAD models into BIM objects effortlessly. 
  • Design Automation
    • Design Configurations: Permit quick customizations via iLogic. 
    • Automated Frame Design: Craft and assess frame structures rapidly. 
    • Sheet Metal: Build and plan intricate sheet metal products for manufacturing. 
  • Modeling
    • Model-Based Definition: Add manufacturing details in 3D models for downstream programs. 
    • Content Center: Pick standard elements from an adjustable library. 
    • Shape Generator: Develop and analyze high-quality design choices instantly. 
    • Direct Modeling: Establish push/pull controls to shift, rotate, rescale or expand details from other shapes. 
  • Connected Data
    • Printed Circuit Board Interoperability: Merge electronics with mechanical blueprints in a centralized complete product definition. 
    • Data Management: Alter, grow or downsize models with the ideal pull or push tools efficiently. 
  • Simulation and Visualization
    • Simulation: Assess designs with motions, speed and other conditions. 
    • Stress Analysis: Perform fast part checks or product performance evaluations during any product lifecycle phase. 
    • Views and Animations: Employ several filters and animations for intricate product assemblies in reports, manuals and assembly instructions. 
read more...
  • Production Management: Maintain job schedules and track labor to control fees. 
  • Inventory Management: Merge all business data in real time and track all stock information across business functions. 
  • Scheduling: Automate schedules to meet maximum performance for discrete and other production methods. 
  • Shipping Management: Automate and simplify shipping tasks with in-depth analytical and Order Snapshot tools to monitor on-time deliveries and adjust accordingly. 
  • Manufacturing Resource Planner (MRP): Manage and arrange multiple facilities to keep up with ever-changing supply and demand. 
  • Quality Management: Perform automatic, customized requirements for product inspections and quality analyses. Verify improvement areas to keep bottom lines and reputations intact. 
  • General Ledger: Unite all financial data, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, fixed assets register and credit card processing into one centralized system. 
  • Design Studio: Add new fields, change input documents, shift objects and create recent reports. Change search grids to exhibit data in several ways. 
  • Product Configurator: Craft and adjust anything from single-level BOMs to intricate products and parts. 
  • Shop Floor Entry: Gain accurate job fees, prioritizations, real-time job statuses and collected payroll hours. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#36

among all
Manufacturing Software

#126

among all
Manufacturing Software

Find out who the leaders are

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Powerful Modeling: Inventor offers a robust set of tools for 3D mechanical design, including parametric, freeform, and direct modeling capabilities. This allows users to create complex parts and assemblies with a high degree of precision.
Comprehensive Documentation: Inventor excels in creating detailed 2D drawings and documentation directly from 3D models. This streamlines the design process and ensures that manufacturing has accurate information.
Integrated Simulation: Built-in simulation tools let engineers test their designs virtually for stress, strain, and other factors before any physical prototyping. This can save time and reduce costly errors.
Streamlined Workflow: Integration with other Autodesk products, like AutoCAD and Fusion 360, creates a unified ecosystem for design and manufacturing. This interoperability can significantly improve efficiency for businesses already invested in Autodesk solutions.
Show more
Comprehensive Feature Set: ECi M1 offers a wide array of functions, covering production planning, inventory control, and financial management, making it a comprehensive solution for small to medium-sized manufacturers.
Flexible and Customizable: The software's adaptability to different manufacturing processes is a key advantage, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Many users report that once ECi M1 is fully implemented, it significantly streamlines operations, leading to increased productivity and reduced manual processes.
Show more
Steep Learning Curve: New users often find it challenging to learn and navigate Inventor's extensive feature set, requiring significant time investment for proficiency.
Performance Issues: Large and complex models can lead to sluggish performance, including slow opening times, lag, and occasional crashes, impacting productivity.
File Compatibility: Inventor's compatibility with non-Autodesk file formats is limited, potentially causing difficulties when collaborating with external partners or clients using different CAD software.
High System Requirements: Running Inventor effectively, especially with complex models, necessitates a powerful computer with high-end specifications, which can translate to increased hardware costs.
Subscription Costs: Inventor's subscription-based pricing model, while offering flexibility, can become expensive, particularly for small businesses or freelancers who may not require constant access to all features.
Show more
Steep Learning Curve: ECi M1 has a steep learning curve, meaning it can be challenging and time-consuming for users to get up to speed with the software's functionality.
Customer Support Responsiveness: Some users have reported issues with the responsiveness of ECi M1's customer support, which could be problematic when facing urgent technical difficulties or needing assistance.
Complex Initial Setup: The initial setup of ECi M1 can be complex and time-consuming, requiring significant effort and potentially specialized expertise to configure the system correctly.
Limited Batch Manufacturing Support: ECi M1 is not ideal for batch manufacturing, which could be a drawback for businesses that heavily rely on this production method.
Lack of Low-Code Customizations: Unlike some competing ERP systems, ECi M1 does not offer low-code customization options, making it potentially less flexible for businesses with unique requirements not addressed by the software's standard features.
Show more

Can Inventor help users invent 3D models with ease, or will it leave them feeling lost in a digital labyrinth? User reviews from the last year suggest that Autodesk Inventor is a powerful and versatile 3D CAD software with a lot to offer, particularly for experienced users in mechanical engineering and related fields. Users consistently praise Inventor's robust feature set, highlighting its intuitive interface for solid modeling and assembly design. The software's ability to handle complex assemblies efficiently and generate detailed drawings is a significant plus. Additionally, its seamless integration with other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD, is frequently cited as a major advantage, streamlining workflows for users already within the Autodesk ecosystem. However, there are some drawbacks. One common criticism is Inventor's steep learning curve, which can be intimidating for beginners. Some users have also reported occasional performance issues when working with very large or intricate models. Inventor's strengths lie in its professional-grade design and engineering solutions for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation. Its comprehensive features and intuitive interface make it well-suited for experienced users in fields such as mechanical engineering, product design, and manufacturing. However, its complexity and the occasional performance hiccups might pose challenges for beginners or those working with massive, resource-intensive models.

Show more

Is ECi M1 manufacturing a monumental success in the world of ERP software? Recent user reviews suggest a somewhat nuanced picture. While ECi M1 garners praise for its robust functionality, particularly in inventory management, production scheduling, and financial reporting, some users find the initial learning curve to be a bit steep. Many users, especially those already familiar with manufacturing software, appreciate the depth of features, citing the comprehensive inventory tracking and detailed production planning capabilities as major wins for streamlining operations and reducing costly errors. However, the software's complexity can be daunting for some, leading to initial setup challenges and a longer onboarding period. This robust functionality also appears to be a key differentiator for ECi M1. Unlike more general-purpose ERP solutions, ECi M1 is purpose-built for the intricacies of manufacturing, which resonates with users who find generic ERP systems to be a poor fit. The software's ability to integrate with other software is another often-cited advantage, enabling businesses to create a more unified technology ecosystem. That said, the responsiveness of customer support has been an occasional source of frustration for some users, who have reported delays in getting issues resolved. Overall, ECi M1 appears to be best suited for small to medium-sized manufacturers who need a powerful, specialized solution and are willing to invest the time to overcome the initial learning curve.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Manufacturing Software


Acumatica

Aptean ERP

Cetec ERP

DELMIAworks

Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 SCM

Epicor Kinetic

JobBOSS²

Katana MRP

MIE Trak Pro

MRPEasy

NetSuite

Oracle Fusion Cloud

Plex Systems

Sage 100 Cloud

SAP S/4HANA Cloud

SYSPRO

SyteLine

Visibility ERP

Related Categories

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings