Fusion 360 vs ECi M1

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Our analysts compared Fusion 360 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.

Fusion 360 Software Tool
ECi M1 Software Tool

Product Basics

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM software that bridges the gap between design and manufacturing. It's well-suited for individuals and small-to-medium businesses seeking a streamlined solution for product development and fabrication. Users praise its intuitive interface, integrated design and manufacturing tools, and cloud collaboration capabilities. Popular features include generative design, simulation tools, and machining capabilities for various manufacturing processes. While some users note performance limitations with complex projects and a reliance on internet connectivity, Fusion 360 stands out for its affordability compared to traditional CAD/CAM software, with subscription plans starting under $500 annually.

Pros
  • Integrated CAD/CAM
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Design for manufacturing
  • Generative design
  • Simulation capabilities
Cons
  • Cloud dependency
  • Performance limitations
  • Limited feature depth
  • Subscription model
  • Learning curve
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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.
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$425 Annually
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$5,000 Monthly
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Mobile
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Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
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Documentation
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Email
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Extensive Library: Fusion 360 offers a complete library of free, open-source and entirely revisable processors for users to upload thorough numerical control (NC) applications so they can rapidly make parts or workpieces.  
  • Intuitive Cloud Interface: Users can log into this solution and access projects from any device with an internet connection. The interface is also adjustable and simple for users to operate. 
  • Fulfill Design Needs: Fusion 360 enables users to design, model, assemble and render projects and workpieces in one centralized system without exporting files to external solutions.  
  • Distraction-Free Rendering: Users can run the rendering process in the background while working on other processes so they can stay on top of their productivity,  
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  • 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. 
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  • Numerous Sketch Tools: Users can implement the 3D modeling module to create products with the ideal form, fit and function. This tool enables users to develop and revise sketches with constraints, dimensions and a robust chain of sketching accessories. Users can also develop parametric models by creating a list of frequently-used features such as extrude, revolve, loft, sweep and more that instantly update with design changes. 
  • Various Modes of Modeling: Fusion 360's 3D modeling component is equipped with a variety of different modeling modes. The direct modeling tool allows users to modify and fix imported shapes from different file formats. Users can draft intricate sub-divisional surfaces that have T-splines and effortlessly edit them with push-pull maneuvers thanks to the freeform modeling extension. The mesh modeling accessory allows editing and repairing of imported scans or mesh models such as STL and OBJ files. Other extensions in the 3D modeling module include sheet metal modeling, parametric modeling, surface modeling, assembly and printed circuit board (PCB) design integration. 
  • Add Electronic Intelligence to Designs: Users can bring 3D designs to life with the electronic intelligence feature. The schematic capture function has several schematic editing tools. Users can construct gerber, drill and assembly files in one click and with the PCB manufacturing (CAM) accessory.  
  • Ensure PCBs Fit Designs: Thanks to the electronics module's MCAD-ECAD unification ability, users can rest assured their PCB fits their designs every time with the unified MCAD and ECAD software. Users can peruse the PCB component library and component wizards for ready-to-use PCB designs and there are adjustable design rules users can set to align with users' manufacturing requirements in the design for manufacturability and design rule checking (DRC) tool. Other extensions in the electronics module include PCB layout, simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation, and electronics cooling. 
  • Real-World Simulations: Fusion 360's simulation allows users to test their designs and models against life-like conditions digitally so they can save money on prototypes. The status stress function oversees parts and workpieces for displacements, stresses and other effects caused by static loads. The thermal and thermal stresses function enables users to comprehend thermal distributions and they connect with physical forces. Users can estimate unexpected failures for parts under compression thanks to the buckling tool. The non-linear stress extension studies permanent deformations and unleveled materials in designs. Other functions within this module include event simulation, shape optimization, modal frequency, comparing results, simplifying, breadth studies and cloud simulation.  
  • Accurately Determine Outcomes: Users can pinpoint several manufacturing-prepared results for their products or workpieces to meet design specifications while dwindling weight, boosting efficiency and condensing parts. Users can recognize design conditions, restrictions, materials and manufacturing choices to create manufacturing-ready diagrams with the project objective definition function. The editable results element allows users to pick the ideal outcome for their designs so they can promptly begin modeling instead of conducting lengthy importing or exporting procedures. Thanks to aPriori in the cost insights function, users can formulate manufacturing costs for every potential outcome in their designs in reference to production volume requirements. Other extensions in this component include generating and exploring designs and cloud solve. 
  • Efficacious Documentation: Fusion 360's documentation accessory permits users to effectively convey designs with internal or external stakeholders with 2D manufacturing drawings, renderings and animations. The 2D manufacturing drawings function chronicles manufacturing requirements with integrated associative drawings for parts and assemblies. The rendering tool enables users to develop photography-esque images of their models with local or cloud rendering options. Lastly, users can effectively convey designs with 3D-expanded views and animations to showcase design assembly thanks to the animation extension.  
  • Unify Teams: Users can eliminate communication roadblocks with their teammates and external stakeholders with the collaboration tool. The team participant extension authorizes users to add members to their zones for data management and teamwork purposes. Users can share links to model previews in any web browser so third parties can evaluate and interact with the model without access to Fusion 360 with the public and private design sharing function. The commenting and redlining extension allows users to gather and share critiques on the design with comments, markups and redlines on practically any device. Other functions included in this tool include user management, global sharing and unlimited access. 
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing tool suits practically every manufacturing need and collaborates with various types of machinery such as cutting, milling and turning machines. The 5-axis simultaneous milling extension permits users to mill complex shapes, evade collisions and diminish tool lengths to complete sleek surfaces. Turning toolpaths can be verified with stock simulations to detect errors or collisions in models, stocks, tools and work holdings with the turning function. Users can draft toolpaths from solid model features, such as flattened sheet metal components, to activate water jet, laser and plasma cutters. Other extensions in this accessory include 2.5 and 3-axis milling, 3+2 milling, 4-axis milling, setup probing, mill-turning and a free post processor library.  
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  • 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. 
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Product Ranking

#39

among all
Manufacturing Software

#126

among all
Manufacturing Software

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Integrated CAD/CAM: Streamlines design-to-manufacturing workflow by unifying design, simulation, and toolpath generation within a single platform.
Cloud Collaboration: Facilitates seamless teamwork and real-time project visibility for enhanced communication and faster decision-making.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Guides designers to create manufacturable parts from the outset, reducing production costs and delays.
Generative Design: Explores multiple design options tailored for specific manufacturing processes, accelerating innovation and optimizing material usage.
Simulation Capabilities: Validates designs for structural integrity, thermal performance, and motion behavior, minimizing physical prototyping and testing costs.
Intuitive Interface: Simplifies the learning curve with user-friendly tools and a modern, streamlined interface.
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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.
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Cloud Dependency: Requires a stable internet connection for most features, potentially hindering productivity in areas with limited connectivity.
Performance Limitations: Can experience slowdowns or crashes when working with large, complex assemblies or simulations, especially on less powerful hardware.
Feature Depth: While comprehensive, certain specialized manufacturing features might not be as robust as in dedicated CAD/CAM software for specific industries.
Subscription Model: Restricts access to software and data if the subscription lapses or encounters billing issues, potentially disrupting workflows.
Learning Curve: While intuitive, mastering advanced features and workflows can require a steeper learning curve, especially for those transitioning from traditional CAD/CAM systems.
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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.
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For hobbyists and professionals alike, Fusion 360 resonates with its cloud-powered accessibility and integrated workflow. "It's like SolidWorks and SketchUp had a baby," one user raves, praising its intuitiveness compared to heavier CAD software. This ease of use shines in rapid prototyping workflows, with another reviewer calling it "a dream come true for quick design iterations." However, Fusion 360's cloud reliance can be a double-edged sword. While it liberates users from hefty installations, internet hiccups can cripple productivity. "Offline functionality, even basic rendering, would be a game-changer," pleads one reviewer. This sentiment echoes for complex projects, where users yearn for the raw processing power of desktop-only alternatives. "Fusion 360 choked on my intricate assembly," admits another, highlighting limitations compared to software like CATIA. Despite these quirks, Fusion 360's unique blend of affordability, user-friendliness, and integrated features like simulation and CAM tools keeps users hooked. "The value proposition is unbeatable," one designer declares, while another appreciates the "constant stream of updates and new features." For those seeking a versatile and accessible entry into the world of 3D design and manufacturing, Fusion 360 remains a compelling choice, even with its occasional hiccups.

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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.

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