Fusion 360 vs SAP Manufacturing

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Our analysts compared Fusion 360 vs SAP Manufacturing 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
SAP Manufacturing 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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SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing is an integrated ERP solution that digitally transforms manufacturing operations, enabling businesses to achieve a high level of efficiency, agility, and innovation. It caters to discrete, process, and mixed manufacturing industries, providing comprehensive functionalities for production planning, execution, and quality management. Key features include sales order processing, material requirements planning, production planning, shop floor control, and quality management. Benefits encompass improved production visibility, optimized resource utilization, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality. Compared to similar products, SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing stands out with its real-time insights, advanced analytics, and seamless integration with other SAP solutions. However, its complexity and implementation costs may pose limitations for some businesses. Pricing is based on company size, modules selected, and deployment options. User reviews highlight its ability to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and gain a competitive edge.

Pros
  • Integrated business processes
  • Real-time data analytics
  • Improved supply chain management
  • Scalable and flexible deployment options
  • User-friendly Fiori UX
Cons
  • High implementation costs
  • Complex customization process
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long implementation timeframe
  • Potential compatibility issues with non-SAP products
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$425 Annually
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Product Assistance

Documentation
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Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Videos
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Email
Phone
Chat
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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  • Enhanced Production Efficiency: Streamline manufacturing processes, optimize resource utilization, and reduce production lead times.
  • Real-time Visibility and Insights: Gain real-time visibility into production operations, inventory levels, and supply chain dynamics for informed decision-making.
  • Improved Quality Management: Implement robust quality control measures, reduce defects, and enhance product quality consistently.
  • Boosted Agility and Adaptability: Respond quickly to changing market demands, adapt to disruptions, and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Accelerated Innovation: Foster a culture of innovation by enabling data-driven insights, continuous improvement, and new product development.
  • Reduced Costs and Improved Profitability: Optimize resource allocation, minimize waste, and drive operational cost savings.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Break down silos, facilitate cross-functional collaboration, and improve communication across departments.
  • Streamlined Supply Chain Management: Optimize inventory levels, improve demand forecasting, and strengthen supplier relationships.
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction: Deliver products on time, meet customer expectations, and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Implement sustainable manufacturing practices, reduce environmental impact, and promote eco-efficiency.
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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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  • Shop Floor Execution: Govern manufacturing operations in real time with this module on SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud. Users may initiate shop floor scenarios and maximize manufacturing assets and production performances. 
  • Data Collection: Chronicle trackability, quality and other appropriate information as well as monitor commitment to production specifications with the automatic data collection tool in SAP Manufacturing Execution. It also permits users to establish preset non-conformance triggers for any deviations from production specifications. 
  • Production Planning: Determine capacity and inventory availability restrictions within a planning model with SAP S/4 HANA Manufacturing for Planning and Scheduling. Users may also merge routings, bill of materials and other manufacturing data with this module to establish detailed production planning data compositions. 
  • Plant Upkeep: Effectively gauge and study current and historical facility performance with conventional data sources that extend equipment availability, performance and quality barometers with SAP Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence. 
  • Environment Management: Superintend the air and water emissions from a facility to comply with legal requirements with the environment management apparatus via SAP Environment, Health and Safety Management. Users may also pinpoint and relay deviations, administer investigations and trace follow-up procedures. 
  • Incident Management: Increase the visibility of environment, health and safety (EHS) risks via automated global reporting and real-time analytics with SAP Environment, Health and Safety Management. Users may also implement this accessory to research, monitor and follow up on incidents. 
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Product Ranking

#39

among all
Manufacturing Software

#38

among all
Manufacturing Software

Find out who the leaders are

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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Improved Production Efficiency: Users have reported significant improvements in production efficiency and reduced production lead times after implementing SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing.
Real-time Visibility and Insights: Users appreciate the real-time visibility into production operations, inventory levels, and supply chain dynamics provided by SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, enabling informed decision-making.
Enhanced Quality Management: Users have experienced enhanced product quality and reduced defects due to the robust quality management features of SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing.
Streamlined Supply Chain Management: Users have benefited from streamlined supply chain management, improved demand forecasting, and strengthened supplier relationships with SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing.
Reduced Costs and Improved Profitability: Users have achieved reduced operational costs, improved resource utilization, and increased profitability through SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing.
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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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Complexity and Implementation Costs: Users have found SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing to be a complex ERP system with significant implementation costs, making it challenging for smaller businesses or those with limited IT expertise.
Limited Customization: Users have expressed concerns about the limited customization options available in SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, which may not be suitable for businesses with unique or highly specialized requirements.
Steep Learning Curve: Users have experienced a steep learning curve when adopting SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, requiring extensive training to fully grasp its functionalities and maximize its benefits.
Data Integration Challenges: Users have encountered challenges in integrating SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing with existing legacy systems, potentially disrupting business operations.
High Maintenance Costs: Users have noted that the ongoing maintenance costs for SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing can be significant, especially for larger enterprises.
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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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SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing is an ERP solution that has received mixed reviews from users. While some users have praised its ability to improve production efficiency, provide real-time insights, and enhance quality management, others have expressed concerns about its complexity, implementation costs, and limited customization options. Users who have found SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing to be beneficial have highlighted its ability to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve decision-making. One user stated, "SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing has helped us to streamline our production processes and reduce our lead times by 20%. We are now able to respond to customer demand more quickly and efficiently." Another user commented, "SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing has given us real-time visibility into our inventory levels, which has helped us to avoid stockouts and improve our overall supply chain management." Additionally, users have appreciated the enhanced quality management features of SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, which have led to reduced defects and improved product quality. However, some users have encountered challenges with SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, particularly during the implementation process. The complexity of the system and the high implementation costs have been major pain points for some businesses. One user noted, "The implementation of SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing was a complex and time-consuming process. We had to invest a significant amount of resources to get the system up and running." Another user commented, "The implementation costs of SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing were quite high, especially for a small business like ours." Additionally, some users have found the system to be limited in its customization options, which may not be suitable for businesses with unique or highly specialized requirements. Overall, SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing is a powerful ERP solution that can provide significant benefits for businesses that are willing to invest the time and resources required for implementation. However, businesses should carefully consider their specific needs and requirements before deciding whether or not SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing is the right solution for them.

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