SolidWorks CAM vs E2 Shop System

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared SolidWorks CAM vs E2 Shop System based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

SolidWorks CAM Software Tool
E2 Shop System Software Tool

Product Basics

SolidWorks CAM bridges the gap between virtual designs and physical prototypes, translating 3D models into precise instructions for computer-controlled machines (CNCs). This powerful software caters to professionals like machinists, programmers, and engineers, streamlining workflows and optimizing production. Key benefits include reduced errors through automated toolpath generation, enhanced efficiency with machine simulation, and shorter lead times thanks to streamlined workflows. Popular features encompass 2D/3D machining, 5-axis support, and collision detection, ensuring smooth operation and accurate results. While offering a robust feature set, SolidWorks CAM comes with a premium price tag, typically licensed per seat and requiring annual subscriptions. This makes it ideal for established businesses with high production volumes who prioritize precision and efficiency. Smaller shops or hobbyists might find alternative solutions with more accessible pricing models.

Pros
  • Seamless SOLIDWORKS integration
  • Intuitive interface and workflow
  • Powerful toolpath generation
  • Accurate simulation capabilities
  • Comprehensive feature set
Cons
  • High price point
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited post-processing options
  • Occasional performance issues
  • Subscription-based pricing
read more...

E2 Shop System is a solution that manages job shops and made-to-order, mixed-mode and job-based manufacturing. It is available in a cloud-based or on-premise deployment model and gives users the flexibility to handle job schedules and change customer due dates. Users can control their data, clock out and on jobs, and update their inventory from their mobile apps. 

It is suitable for assembly, fabrication, foam, mold, captive shops and more. It gives users real-time tracking insights into the manufacturing shop floor. It supports job tracking and costing and handles the complexities of printed circuit boards to keep production expenses low. 

read more...
$995/Seat, Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$4,995 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

  • NC Editor: Verify and back plot G-codes to evaluate and deliver to the computer numerical control (CNC) with direct numerical control (DNC) tools. 
  • eDrawings: Analyze 3D models with their relevant toolpaths to comprehend machining orders inside of eDrawings. 
  • CAM Probing: Recalibrate coordinate systems for manufacturing critical features with restricted tolerances with CAM probing, permitting users to reset toolpath coordinates for precise product fabrication. 
  • CAM Tab Cutting: Work with larger scrap pieces attached to the finished product with the tab cutting apparatus. It enables users to supervise time for toolpath setup and production after post processing. 
  • Universal Post Generator: Add and maximize procedures such as crafting and editing clients' post processors with the universal post generator. 
  • UserGroups: Carry out conversations with other SOLIDWORKS CAM users with the usergroups community accessory.  
read more...
  • Generate Quick Quotes: E2 Shop System helps users generate quotes quickly with one mouse click. Users can also email quotes directly from their workstation to send customer estimates rapidly. 
  • View Detailed Information: Users can see detailed information about costs for labor, materials, overhead and more. This helps users analyze the profitability of one job at a time. 
  • Recall Data: E2 Shop System allows users to recall information for related jobs to benchmark estimates for labor and materials. 
  • Customize Variables: Users can customize scrap percentages, efficiency rates and other variables by machine or workstation to assess an accurate estimate. 
  • Review Past Estimates: With E2 Shop System, users can review past estimates. This is so that users can view which estimates are closed and which ones aren’t. Users can utilize this data to strengthen their sales cycle. 
  • Allocate Materials: Users can appropriate materials while estimating to keep track of their inventory in real time. 
  • Improve Sales Process: E2 Shop System has an estimating module, which helps users track old estimates and mistakes. Users can also follow up with clients who rejected the quotes and make changes to their bid.
  • Flexible Search Options: It makes it easy to find details or team members using the quick view feature with flexible search options. 
read more...
  • Rules-Based Machining:  Utilize rules-based machining to superintend programming operations concurrently with implementing tolerances allocated to specific parts. This accessory pinpoints critical areas when crafting a piece instead of touching every individual feature that requires machining. 
  • Tolerance-Based Machining: Amend asymmetric tolerances to mean tolerances for various cutting tool tactics with the tolerance-based machining appliance. 
  • Knowledge-Based Machining: Establish machining strategies and tools needed for particular shapes and workpieces with the automatic or interactive feature recognition tools in the knowledge-based machining appliance. This function also automatically sets recurring machining operations per specific company regulations. 
  • Automatic Feature Recognition: Recognize prismatic parts such as holes, pockets, bosses and more with the automatic feature recognition module. 
  • Automatic Machine Times: Cipher and compare machine times to traditional techniques to verify each part's aspects are present before pledging to productions. 
  • 3+2 Programming: Execute machining styles with a three-axis milling platform utilizing two rotational axes on a five-axis machine within a tilted cutting machine through the 3+2 programming apparatus. 
  • High-Speed Machining: Sustain consistent tool pressure across the cutting process with the high-speed machining appliance. Users may implement several feed rates for tools to cut at full depth to decrease cycle times while prolonging the life of their tools and machinery. The machining route extension merges with standard cutting machinery to diminish overhead costs for machining parts. 
  • Turning: Carry out various forms of turning such as face rough and finish, groove rough and finish, OD threading and more via the turning feature. 
  • Part Modeling and Importing: Draft and input parts to effectively communicate with designers, study MBD data and apply vital manufacturing modifications with the part modeling and importing apparatus. 
  • Assembly Modeling and Importing: Verify fits and tolerances in parts with the assembly modeling and importing accessory. This tool can import clamps and vises to guarantee workpieces are made correctly the first time and provide users with the required clearances to remove the product upon completion. 
read more...
  • Estimating and Quoting: E2 Shop System sets up estimates that capture profitability and job specifications and creates orders without delays. It calculates the cost to produce parts and multiple quantity breaks per part and adjusts profit margins at every quantity break.
  • Scheduling: It has a built-in scheduling and planning whiteboard that has real-time capabilities, letting users manage scheduling and tracking. Users can see a machine’s availability while allocating time for the part being produced. 
  • Job Costing and Tracking: E2 Shop System controls workspaces and prints reports that users need, like job schedules and more. It maintains job schedules, backlog summaries, machine loading, margin summaries, order entry rates and more. 
  • Shipping: With a click, it creates bills of lading and packing slips, removing the hassle of doing it manually.
  • Inventory and Purchasing: This feature brings purchasing and inventory together, removing guesswork when ordering. When items in inventory are allocated to a job or finished goods are sold from inventory, the system stores locational data for raw materials or where the finished parts were pulled. 
  • Data Collection: Users can gain a real-time picture of their complete job history and present activity. It has a time ticket feature that allows users to record time information about a job. Users can enter job and step numbers, employee codes, work centers and more.
  • Accounting: It integrates accounts payable and receivable with the general ledger, facilitating complete operational control. The system provides aging summaries, income statement reports, bank reconciliations, cash flow analysis, deposit summaries and more. 
  • Quality: It manages supply chain activities and engineering to improve business processes, profitability and performance. It addresses quality assurance and activities concerning vendors, customers, employees, work centers, tooling and document numbering and control. 
  • Contact Management: Users can start with a robust database with over fifty pre-defined fields, or create user-defined fields to meet their needs. It also stores unlimited, time-stamped notes for each contact to keep track of important conversations and commitments. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#66

among all
Manufacturing Software

#4

among all
Manufacturing Software

Find out who the leaders are

User Sentiment Summary

we're gathering data
Great User Sentiment 655 reviews
we're gathering data
86%
of users recommend this product

E2 Shop System has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 655 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

n/a
3.6 (4)
n/a
4.3 (649)
n/a
2.1 (2)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Seamless Integration: Works seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS models, minimizing data transfer errors and streamlining workflows.
Intuitive Interface: User-friendly interface with clear menus and icons, making it easier to learn and use even for beginners.
Powerful Toolpaths: Generates optimized and efficient toolpaths for various machining operations, reducing cycle times and material waste.
Accurate Simulation: Provides realistic machine simulations to identify potential collisions and optimize programs before actual machining, minimizing errors and rework.
Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of features for various machining needs, including 2/3/5-axis machining, wire EDM, and surface milling, making it suitable for diverse projects.
Show more
Interface: Approximately 85% of users stated this program has a user-friendly interface with simple implementation procedures and helpful training material.
Customer Support: Precisely 87% of users said E2 Shop System has a resourceful and extremely helpful customer support team.
Performance: Of the users who mentioned overall performance, 57% said it has a robust database and easily tracks every aspect of their organization.
Functionality: Roughly 50% of users that mentioned the system’s functionality found that this solution has a suitable amount of features for their business.
Show more
High Price Point: Requires a significant upfront investment and annual subscriptions, making it less accessible for smaller shops or hobbyists.
Steep Learning Curve: Mastering advanced features and toolpath strategies can be challenging for beginners, requiring dedicated training or experience.
Limited Post-Processing Options: Offers fewer built-in post-processors compared to some competitors, potentially requiring manual customization or third-party tools for specific machine setups.
Occasional Performance Issues: Users report occasional performance issues, especially with complex models or simulations, potentially impacting workflow efficiency.
Subscription-Based Pricing: The subscription-based model can be a disadvantage for businesses with low or unpredictable production volumes, leading to potentially higher costs per use.
Show more
Performance: Nearly 42% of users said the solution experiences glitches and occasionally shuts down, losing the progress of certain tasks.
Functionality: Of the users who discussed accessories, 49% stated the scheduling attribute is clunky, complaining that they have to input the entire serial number of a part in the search tool and the reporting appliance is difficult to master.
Show more

SolidWorks CAM gets high praise for its seamless integration with SOLIDWORKS models, streamlining workflows and minimizing errors. One user says, "It's like working with one program instead of two." The intuitive interface and powerful toolpath generation are also popular, with another user reporting, "I was able to program my first part within hours of installing it." However, the high price tag is a major sticking point for many. "It's definitely an investment," one user admits, "but it saves us time and money in the long run." The learning curve can also be steep, especially for complex features. As one reviewer puts it, "Mastering some of the advanced functions takes dedication, but the online resources and community are helpful." Compared to competitors, users appreciate SolidWorks CAM's accuracy and reliability. "The simulations are incredibly realistic," one reviewer notes, "it helps us avoid costly mistakes." However, limited post-processing options compared to some competitors like Mastercam can be an inconvenience. "We had to purchase a third-party post-processor for our specific machine," one user mentions. Ultimately, SolidWorks CAM shines for its tight integration, user-friendliness, and powerful features, ideal for businesses with high production volumes and complex machining needs. While the cost and learning curve can be barriers, the accuracy and time-saving potential make it a worthwhile investment for many users. As one reviewer concludes, "It's not perfect, but for integrated CAM with SOLIDWORKS, it's the best option on the market."

Show more

E2 Shop System is a job shop manufacturing program that streamlines production with a seamlessly easy interface and rapid implementation process. Its overall performance is satisfactory, although it experiences the occasional glitches. Its vast amount of features —such as inventory management, quality management, accounting and invoicing amongst others —is helpful in expediting tasks. However, some users found that the reporting, searching and scheduling modules have limitations. The customer support team is knowledgeable and quick to resolve issues. Overall, most users find E2 Shop System a helpful and sophisticated software.

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