SolidWorks CAM vs Infor M3

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Our analysts compared SolidWorks CAM vs Infor M3 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
Infor M3 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
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Infor M3 is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning solution for medium and large global distributors, manufacturers and after-sales service providers. It helps manage complex, mixed-mode value chains and distribution-intensive environments. It provides exceptional user experiences, flexible implementation options and industry-relevant capabilities in a multi-country, multi-site and multi-company environment. Organizations can adapt to industry trends, business models and boost their business’s growth. It has deep capabilities in chemicals, distribution, equipment, fashion and food and beverage industries.

It provides on-demand computing with industry-specific capabilities to provide customer service. It is deployed on Amazon Web Services, providing service at low costs with a secure environment. It is available in 23 languages and supports local requirements for 42 countries.

To explore other popular solutions that Infor offers, visit our Infor company page.
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$995/Seat, Annually
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$10,000/User, Monthly
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Mobile
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Product Assistance

Documentation
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Live Online
Videos
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Email
Phone
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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

  • 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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  • Flexible and Scalable: Meets the needs of users’ businesses with high computing power and scalability for resources.  
  • Security: Supported by Amazon Web Services, making it secure with very low downtimes.  
  • Global Solution: Provides global financial visibility. It has multi-company, multi-site, multi-currency, multi-country and multi-language capabilities. Available in 23 languages and has support for 46 countries.  
  • Supports Core Business Processes: Supports customer sales, financial management, manufacturing, supply chain planning and execution, procurement management and service, rental and equipment management.  
  • Supports Multiple Business Models: Supports complex business models for manufacturing, service, rental and distribution. Manages complex products and includes attribute-based and configured kits. It supports make-to-stock (MTS), configure-to-order (CTO) and make-to-order(MTO). Enables after-sales service and multi-channel sales.  
  • Easy-to-Use User Interface: Creates role-based and personalized home pages. It also supports business collaboration with the help of alerts and workflows. Accessible via multiple devices and browsers.  
  • Low Total Cost of Ownership: Has a shared infrastructure that lowers users' total cost of ownership by lowering operating expenses, reducing implementation costs and time and removing the need for on-premise maintenance.  
  • No More Upgrades: Maintained in the cloud, removing the need for upgrades that on-premise software requires.  
  • Access to Innovation: Adds new functions regularly, and lets users try them out in a test environment before including the feature in their production environment.  
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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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  • Chemicals: Has a suite of offerings specifically for the chemicals industry.  
    • Allows for the planning of by-products and co-products.
    • Lets users optimize their formulas.
    • Supports traceability and quality management protocols.
    • Has templates to manage regulatory compliance.
    • Has features for tank liquid management.
  • Distribution: Has features of support end-to-end distribution management.  
    • Supports order fulfillment across multiple channels.
    • Provides support for rebate management and value-added services.
    • Helps with warehouse, inventory and transportation management.
    • Supports traceability and lot-allocation.
  • Equipment:  Supports the entire equipment lifecycle with relevant features.  
    • Supports pricing, discounts, quoting and complex configuration.
    • Lets users forecast for replacements.
    • Also helps with mobile field service and rental management.
    • Helps users deliver, move and pick-up equipment.
  • Fashion: Handles inventory for fashion industries.  
    • Handles both style and not-in-style items.
    • Lets users sort by flexible style, fit, color and size matrix by product.
    • FSupports lot tracking for ethical sourcing.
    • Gives users support for kitting and pre-packs.
    • Supports automated planning, forecasting and assortments.
  • Food and Beverage: Supports the following features in the food and beverage.  
    • Provides visibility to raw materials and ingredient inventory.
    • Also provides traceability from the start to the end of the product life cycle.
    • Helps in producing scheduling and planning.
    • Helps users manage seasonality and shelf-life.
    • Provides guidance on regulatory compliance.
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Product Ranking

#66

among all
Manufacturing Software

#16

among all
Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

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Good User Sentiment 151 reviews
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78%
of users recommend this product

Infor M3 has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 151 user reviews from 6 recognized software review sites.

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3.3 (1)
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3.8 (54)
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4.37 (30)
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4.3 (24)
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4.1 (15)
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3.0 (27)

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.
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User Friendly: The system is easy to use and intuitive, as noted by approximately 91% of users who mention the system’s usability.
Functionality: Infor M3 offers a robust suite of successful project management tools, as reported by 92% of the users who mention the product’s functionality.
Collaborative: About 95% of users noted that this system helps bridge the gaps between remote teams and quickly coordinate users.
Integrations: Available integrations help add value to the base product, as reported by 100% of reviewers who mention integrations.
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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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User Interface: About 66% of users who mentioned the interface noted that it is old and needs a redesign.
Implementation: The physical implementation process misses the mark, and can be difficult according to 77% of reviewers who mention implementation.
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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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Infor M3 provides a full-suite ERP solution that ranks high on usability and functionality. Some users think that documentation would make the tool easier to use. It supports multi-lingual and multi-currency operations. Most users think it lets them customize the tool according to their requirements. Also, a few users find it difficult to learn and get used to. Support is prompt. It is highly configurable, but a consultant may be required to implement it.

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