IQS vs SolidWorks CAM

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

IQS Software Tool
SolidWorks CAM Software Tool

Product Basics

Cority's IQS is a SaaS program that extends quality management and compliance to aid clients in cooperating with regulations and producing high-quality products. It converts challenging and everyday tasks into painless operations. It's designed by quality experts for quality professionals to review and identify problems that arise in supply chains, execute corrective actions and allocate change management.
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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
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$50,000 Annually
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$995/Seat, Annually
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Product Insights

  • Perform Quality Assessments: IQS is equipped with quality management modules that perform quality assessments and workflows to deplete quality costs. 
  • Meet Regulations: It allows users to meet and cooperate with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 12485, AS9001 and other compliances. 
  • Complete Transparency: Real-time analytics permits users to obtain full visibility of their data to spot and rectify potential hazards. 
  • Advanced Communications: IQS grants users with clear communications throughout distinct manufacturing locations and a universal connection of suppliers. 
  • Expert Installation: Users can work closely with the IQS Professional Services Team to execute and install IQS with accessories that align with specific business needs. 
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  • 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.  
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  • Audit Management:  Users can concentrate on other tasks as the audit management module documents, plans and executes every job involved in conducting an audit. Users can also build any sort of audit they want like internal system, layered process, supplier assessments and third-party audits. 
  • Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA):  IQS offers a CAPA tool that assists users in recognizing corrective and preventive actions such as notifications, responsibilities and escalations while recording the effects on people, processes and products. Users can review deadlines, resolve wrongdoings and complete effective reports of corrective actions by region, site, accountability and more. 
  • Product Management: The product management component oversees crucial changes to design requirements throughout several manufacturing locations and suppliers. Users can integrate this module with other ERP software to create data flow free of bottlenecks by diminishing data redundancy and inaccuracies. Users can archive and evaluate product revisions and record who made the latest revisions with the electronic signature tool. 
  • Manage Customer Objections: Users can promptly analyze customer complaint trends and costs by supplier, product, worksite, employee, region and more with the customer complaint management module. This tool can link with other solutions to join complaints with customer lists, part numbers and other information. Users can chronicle, administer and review every complaint and evaluate whether the cause, source or event is external or internal. 
  • Document Control:  IQS contains a document control module that enables users to search globally and employ fast retrieval. There's a web-based document viewer so users can shave time off downloading documents to view them, avoiding the risk of viewing outdated files. This accessory also enables users to track ownership, approvals and allocations for document revisions and publish documents for a company.  
  • Equipment Maintenance: The equipment management module automatically monitors users' spare parts and tools inventory, promptly schedules machine maintenance and develops compliance documentation digitally, saving trees. This accessory boosts productivity by employing data forecasting to predict when machinery needs a tune-up. Users can deplete downtime by allowing this tool to efficiently administer their spare parts inventory.  
  • Employee Training: Users can educate their workers on new technology programs with the employee training accessory. It performs periodic assessments of employee skills and chronicles them on a single interface. Users can track training records, employee skills, job descriptions and surveys across an organization. This module also tracks and assesses employee knowledge of new or revised files, policy awareness and certifications for specific workers. 
  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Control Plan:  The FMEA tool enables users to use failure modes when generating requirements for item and function and process and function. The requirements can be prioritized by risk priority number (RPN). Users can employ the control plan tool to pinpoint how each operating characteristic is supervised, display which equipment is needed to create a product, locate the right machinery to measure the product, draft sample sizes and formulate the preferred amount of inspections and reaction plans.  
  • Calibrate Measurements: Users can use the gauge calibration module to chronicle and manage measuring gadgets and test equipment within one system. When users automate a large range of measurement system analysis (MSA) experiments, they can create a calibration schedule that's aligned to their manufacturing needs. This tool permits users to supervise calibration schedules in one core system with color-coded status fields. These status fields alert users when it's time to internally or externally adjust their machinery.  
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  • 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. 
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#66

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 81 reviews
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87%
of users recommend this product

IQS has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 81 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

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4.33 (81)
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Reduced Scrap and Rework: Users appreciate the software's ability to help them identify and address quality issues early in the production process, leading to less wasted material and time spent on fixing mistakes.
Improved Supplier Quality: The platform facilitates better communication and collaboration with suppliers, enabling users to track supplier performance and ensure they meet quality standards.
Enhanced Regulatory Compliance: IQS assists users in adhering to industry regulations and standards by providing tools for managing documents, audits, and training records.
Increased Customer Satisfaction: By improving product quality and consistency, users can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The software provides users with real-time data and analytics, empowering them to make informed decisions about quality improvement initiatives.
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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.
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Limited Customization: The platform's rigidity can be frustrating for users with unique or complex manufacturing processes, as it may not easily adapt to specific workflows or data requirements.
Steep Learning Curve: IQS's extensive features and functionalities can overwhelm new users, leading to a prolonged onboarding process and potential delays in realizing value from the platform.
Cost: The pricing structure, particularly for larger enterprises or those requiring advanced modules, can be a significant investment, potentially exceeding budgets or requiring careful cost-benefit analysis.
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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.
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IQS received generally positive feedback from users in the past year. Users found its interface intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to learn and use. They also appreciated the software's flexibility, which allowed them to customize it to fit their specific needs. Some users noted that IQS could be slow at times, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. Others mentioned that the reporting features could be more robust. What sets IQS apart is its comprehensive quality management capabilities. It covers everything from document control and training management to non-conformance tracking and corrective action. This makes it a one-stop shop for all things quality-related, which can be a major advantage for businesses looking to streamline their operations. The software's focus on compliance is another key differentiator. IQS helps businesses meet the requirements of various industry standards, such as ISO 9001 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11. This can save businesses time and money by avoiding costly compliance issues. IQS is best suited for small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses that need a comprehensive and user-friendly quality management system. Its flexibility and compliance focus make it a valuable tool for businesses in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical device, and food and beverage. However, businesses with large amounts of data or complex reporting needs may want to consider other options.

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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."

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