Inventor vs ProShop

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Our analysts compared Inventor vs ProShop 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

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.
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ProShop is a job shop management manufacturing ERP that transforms workshops into a paperless and web-based atmosphere from the front office to the shop floor to make more appropriate business decisions and smooth operations for the job shops, aerospace, medical and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) industries.

Quality management system (QMS) functionality, MES, document control, job routings, cutting, NCR generation, shop scheduling, estimates, job costing, time clock, purchasing, reporting and contact management are just some of the product's key features.
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$310 Monthly
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$500 Monthly, Quote-based
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Windows
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Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
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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. 
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  • Add Components Off the Shelf (COTS): ProShop offers a COTS accessory that links to work orders so users can add COTS items to BOMs such as fasteners, fluids, materials, consumables and other hardware. The COTS accessory monitors arriving orders and outgoing execution of items such as safety stock, batch dimensions, inventory amounts and worth. Users can track every COTS item handled so certifications promptly run into document bundles when jobs are delivered, eliminating extra work from the purchasing and manufacturing teams. 
  • Intuitive Dashboards: Users may work with more than 25 individual dashboards that display KPIs and data on customer service, planning, shipping, inspection, receiving, finance and more. These dashboards are also adjustable to meet the specific needs of each user.  
  • Effective Time Clock: ProShop is equipped with a time clock that monitors user time punches. The swift interface enables users to clock in and out using any device when they input a password. This tool stores a history of clock punches and permits managers to evaluate, edit, authorize missed or forgotten time punches to the appropriate timestamp. Users can export time clock data to accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage or third-party payroll processors. 
  • Supervise Every Employee: Users can monitor every employee who utilizes ProShop as well as offering HR and management departments a place to chronicle essential employee information such as benefit summaries, contact information and more. Managers with approved authorization can pinpoint direct links to every clock punch and time tracking, effectiveness, training records, positions held, quality performance and more. Employees are also able to review their assigned organizational chart and the training that they are lacking.  
  • Transform Quotes into Purchase Orders: Users can transform quotes into purchase orders with a single click. Purchase orders come with elaborately detailed information on prices, delivery dates, work order numbers, First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements and more. Users can also produce purchase orders by inputting part numbers, costs, distribution dates, credit terms, delivery locations, primary contact, shipping, quality requirements and more for every line item. The orders are ISO 9000 and AS9100D-friendly because of the compliant contract review extension, enabling instantaneous verification without printing out documents.  
  • Fluid Messaging: The messaging module facilitates company dispatching to replace emails. This attribute is thread based and permits conversations among groups of users with links to relevant ProShop pages. Automatic messages such as when non-conformance reports (NCRs) are generated, when time tracking exceeds a target with a determined percentage, when shop machinery is in need of calibration or maintenance, when documents are prepared for assessment and approval, and more can be issued. Users may seek specific communications because the messaging appliance is connected to their business' database, ensuring that all messages are archived and easy to locate.  
  • Upkeep Contacts: Govern vital information of patrons, suppliers and other out-of-company contacts with the contacts element. Emails, phone numbers, annotations, quality requirements, shipping addresses, credit terms, receiving hours and other valuable information can be stored in this accessory. It even has quick links to work orders, purchase orders, on-time distribution, customer satisfaction surveys, historic profit numbers and more. Users may access workmanship standards, cosmetic requirements or other company documents cited by their organization. When handling vendors, it's feasible for users to supervise processes, lot charges, audit results, hours, delivery transit times, employee contacts and more.  
  • Two Choices for Making Quotes: The quote tool allows users to make quotes in two methods. First, they can be made with separate line items on non-repeatable expenses as an NRE or split NRE prices into collective unit prices for every amount users are quoting. Leverage the shopping cart tool to combine several estimates to make numerous part numbers is possible. Users can merge linked notes and agreements in a quote's notes section. Special terms or comments are recognized by their particular part number. Quotes can be saved as a PDF file that can be sent to clients. 
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  • 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. 
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  • Estimates:  Users may execute the estimates attribute to craft thorough price and time estimates for workpieces or procedures either free form or through the Rapid Estimate Template function. It's possible for users to draft any type of operation for any part they are forecasting such as labor time for arrangement and cycle time, extra costs for materials, BOM objects and off-facility operations. This accessory enables users to specify lead times, highlight totals or percentages and attached intricate notes about activity, procedures and more. Users may tailor direct labor rates for each job and alter overhead costs, profit margins, assignments and more in addition to generating quotes for clients in emails when the estimate is finalized in just one click.  
  • Job Costing: ProShop's job costing appliance automatically tracks and informs users how much money is spent on a particular work order along with how much progress was made. As a task progresses, additional expenses are promptly added so users receive a transparent view of a task's health and development from a time and budget standpoint, permitting users to rectify mistakes or make modifications. After sending work orders, users receive finalized expense data that instantly populates dashboards. Users also obtain links to analyze the entire costing history of all part numbers and work orders associated with that part number such as elaborate information on dollars spent and time spent.  
  • Parts: The parts feature stores work instructions, condition templates, site routes and more for particular parts and workpieces. Work instructions contain top-notch photos, videos and other media along with text to assist workers in reaching installation and run quotas to diminish limited shop floor knowledge. This module offers the most up-to-date versions of work directions and stores previous instructions in the archive component. 
  • Purchasing: Users can allocate purchase orders (POs) to their suppliers from the purchasing dashboard in the purchasing appliance. The dashboard exhibits live purchasing requirements for active work orders based on priority date and merchandise type. This tool showcases all outstanding POs, late orders and limited orders. POs are produced with a shopping cart accessory that accumulates purchasing requirements of active work orders and appointed to suppliers for ordering. Each cert for purchased goods is scanned and fastened to each line item, establishing hassle-free recovery of certs mentioned in the work order appliance.   
  • Work Orders: TThe work order trait has thorough documentation for previous and existing assignments with rapid access. Users can review real-time statuses of every job that occurs at their facility in addition to linking relevant information to that job such as labor hours, routine expenses, the quantity of parts completed at a particular manufacturing phase and the exact location of external materials and when they'll return. This module offers part work link instructions and digital consents for each step in the production process while informing users of the exact date and user who gave their stamp of approval on a particular phase. This accessory can link instantly to reports such as FAI, IPQC, delivery documentation, raw material certifications and BOM items, while also linking to direct labor time tracking, total archived profit and loss intel and more.  
  • Scheduling: Stay on top of the remaining hours in an assignment and ensure jobs are completed in accordance with shift schedules by using the schedule accessory. Users receive alerts if they'll be on time with jobs as well as predictions of whether or not users will meet their deadlines for future jobs based on planned hours and available employees. It is also equipped with boosted analytics that can cipher dates to determine when work orders need to leave to get to clients or out-of-plant worksites as well as when they are expected to return to the primary facility. 
  • Inventory: ProShop's inventory feature consists of built-in parts and COTS functions, enabling users to review how much inventory is available at their enterprises, its value and precise location. Users may swiftly identify the exact work order associated with a specific part number or assembly and even pull up the history of any job shipped from inventory and where materials came from. This feature includes total expenses. 
  • Reporting: The reporting attribute automatically generates multi-tiered reports and dashboards in real time so users are never left in the dark. Queries are saved for individual or organizational use and showcase robust data tables for adjustments, arranging, filtering and transporting.  
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Product Ranking

#36

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Manufacturing Software

#43

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Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

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Excellent User Sentiment 65 reviews
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99%
of users recommend this product

ProShop has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 99% when considering 65 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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5.0 (1)
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4.5 (3)
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5.0 (58)
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4.7 (3)

Awards

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ProShop stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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.
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Inventory Management: ProShop simplifies inventory management, allowing users to track stock levels, receive low-stock alerts, and manage purchase orders efficiently.
Production Planning: The platform aids in production planning by enabling users to schedule production runs, allocate resources, and monitor progress in real-time.
Quality Control: ProShop facilitates quality control processes by allowing users to define quality standards, track inspections, and manage non-conformance reports.
Reporting and Analytics: Users can generate comprehensive reports and gain insights into production performance, inventory levels, and other key metrics.
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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.
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Limited Functionality: ProShop may not be suitable for complex manufacturing processes due to its limited feature set. The software lacks industry-specific tools for areas like supply chain management or advanced production planning.
Customization Challenges: Adapting ProShop to unique workflows can be difficult. Users have reported limitations in customizing reports, dashboards, and data fields to align with specific manufacturing requirements.
Integration Issues: Integrating ProShop with existing manufacturing systems and software can pose challenges. Users have encountered difficulties connecting ProShop with ERP, MES, or other specialized manufacturing platforms, leading to data silos and inefficient workflows.
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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.

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Over the past year, reviews highlight ProShop's robust scheduling capabilities as a standout feature, enabling efficient management of complex manufacturing processes and optimization of production schedules to minimize downtime and maximize output. Users also appreciate the software's comprehensive inventory management tools, which provide real-time visibility into stock levels, automate reordering processes, and prevent stockouts and overstocking. ProShop's quality control functionalities are also praised, allowing manufacturers to track and manage quality issues, ensuring products meet the required standards. However, some users note that ProShop's interface can have a steep learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with manufacturing software. Additionally, while ProShop offers a wide range of features, some users find that certain advanced functionalities may require additional configuration or customization to fully meet their specific needs. Despite these drawbacks, ProShop is generally considered a valuable tool for small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Its comprehensive features, particularly in scheduling, inventory management, and quality control, make it well-suited for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their manufacturing processes.

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