I spent last few days attending SOLIDWORKS World 2019 in Dallas, TX. My timeline was very intense with many meetings, so it took me time to digest and come with some pictures comments about what I’ve seen and heard.
The first day and keynote brought the biggest news about changes in Solidworiks brand. Solidworks is introducing 3DEXPERIENCE.works. Picture above suggests 3DEXPERIENCE.works will include multiple products for design, manufacturing, simulation and planning. Changes are hard, especially when it happens with such large and passionate community of Solidworks customers. I don’t have a dog in this fight – I’m sure it will take long time to make a change in people’s mind and habits.
Almost traditional pictures of Solidworks World general session crowd and opening – this is the biggest CAD event for mechanical engineers and one of the biggest CAD events in the world (probably 2nd after AU)
The announcement of 3DEXPERIENCE.Works and high level view on what is that made by Solidworks CEO, Gian Paolo Bassi including reminder and commitment for 2 products desktop and platform (pay attention that word “platform” is replacing word “cloud”).
Dassault Systemes CEO and vice chairman Bernard Charles, brought a longer perspective on DS vision development from 3D design, 3D digital prototype, 3D PLM and 3D Experience. I’m not sure usage of “3D” word across all these years was the same, but have no doubt Dassault Systemes was vocal and persistent in their vision of 3D everywhere.
3DEXPERIENCE.Works is a not a single brand and developed now by global organization of multiple brands. Gian Paolo Bassi presented leaders of the brands.
What is my conclusion? This is probably one of the biggest transformations in Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS product for many years. The transformation will be coming everywhere – in technologies and products, people and experience. I’m sure Solidworks customers are leaving SOLIDWORKS World 2019 with a mixing feeling of excitement about new things and fear of changes and transformations. Just my thoughts…
Best, Oleg
Disclaimer: I’m co-founder and CEO of OpenBOM developing cloud based bill of materials and inventory management tool for manufacturing companies, hardware startups and supply chain. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.
[UPDATE 15-FEB-2019] I’ve made a correction based on the feedback from Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS. The brand name Solidworks will continue to exist and 3DEXPERIENCE.Works is a strategy, which combines products from different brands including Solidworks]
