GrabCAD Workbench (discontinued) vs. Vectorworks Fundamentals

GrabCad Workbench is well suited for group projects, where all my team members can view the designs at the same time, and by integrating it with CAD software like SolidWorks, all my team members can see the live changes in the projects based on the recommendations received. I can also do conversations with my team, which are project-specific, thus reducing time in email and video conferences. For assemblies, I can generate a Bill of materials with a single click. However, there are some drawbacks like every member needs to have an account in order to sync files with everyone, and the platform requires good internet connectivity otherwise file uploading will be time-consuming.

Incentivized

It is perfectly suited for residential work, and work where the project requires integrated 2d and 3d. It is terrible for integrated energy modeling. This needs to be fixed immediately.

Incentivized

• GrabCad is great at uploading files to the cloud.

Incentivized

• We really like the wall tool, as it is extremely customizable. Additionally, it has many smart elements that work with BIM.
• We like the parametric functions that allow for rapid customization of various building elements, such as windows and doors.
• The terrain modeler is very good, too. We are able to analyze cut and fill calculations in real time with it.

Incentivized

• One major drawback is, that it cannot display sketches and drawing files, only solids and surfaces can be seen on this platform.
• The platform sometimes becomes unstable, it lags when I try to upload complex assemblies. Hence, GrabCad teams need to work to improve the stability of the platform.

Incentivized

• We wish more US-based BIM users were trained in Vectorworks - however, it's very easy to get up to speed.
• AR tools are in their infancy on mobile devices - however great improvements in recent releases. Very accessible and impressive tools for use with clients.

Incentivized

Never needed.

Incentivized

SOLIDWORKS PDM is great because it is connected with your windows explorer, so you can guarantee that you will get the most recent version of the file. You need to remember to regularly update your files when using GrabCAD. SOLIDWORKS PDM has a more useful interface, where you can see previews, find BOMs, and view configurations without opening any files or checking them out. GrabCAD was chosen as a starting point to get the team started and familiar with a PDM system with the intention that another PDM would be chosen at a later date

Incentivized

• Our team can share and open their files from anywhere, and we don’t lose time.

Incentivized

• Subscription model ensures we always have the latest versions - per-seat license is very affordable.
• Training costs are low (i.e. new hires get up to speed quickly).

Incentivized