Manufacturing · head to head
SolidWorks vs TrakSYS
SolidWorks
Manufacturing
3D CAD design software for engineers and designers
- From
- $3300/year
- Rated
- -
TrakSYS
Manufacturing
Manufacturing execution and plant performance platform
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support; TrakSYS configuration is the implementation, so deployment is a project measured in months and needs a partner or trained staff
- They diverge on capability: SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, TrakSYS covers Real-time production tracking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SolidWorks and TrakSYS actually diverge.
| Attribute | SolidWorks | TrakSYS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3300/year | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | quote |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, Web, Self-hosted |
| Founded | 1993 | Unknown |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Manufacturing).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in SolidWorks
- 3D solid modeling
- Assembly design
- Technical drawings
- Simulation
- Rendering
- PDM systems
- ERP systems
- CAM software
Only in TrakSYS
- Real-time production tracking
- OEE and downtime analysis
- Configurable workflows
- Quality management
- Equipment connectivity
- Reporting
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SolidWorks
- Product designnot TrakSYS
- Engineering analysisnot TrakSYS
- Manufacturing documentationnot TrakSYS
- Prototypingnot TrakSYS
- Quality controlnot TrakSYS
TrakSYS
- Plants whose processes do not fit a packaged MESnot SolidWorks
- Attributing downtime to cause rather than reporting an aggregatenot SolidWorks
- Regulated production needing enforced in-process quality checksnot SolidWorks
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
SolidWorks
- Windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
- High perpetual licensing costs compared to cloud-based competitors like Fusion 360
- Performance can degrade with very large assemblies containing thousands of parts
- Requires separate licensing for advanced simulation features in Professional and Premium editions
TrakSYS
- Configuration is the implementation, so deployment is a project measured in months and needs a partner or trained staff
- Quote-only pricing with no published rates
- Flexibility means two TrakSYS installations can look nothing alike, which makes hiring for it harder
- Considerable overkill for a small plant tracking output in a spreadsheet
Pricing, plan by plan
SolidWorks
$3300/year- Standard$846/year
- Parametric modeling
- Assemblies and drawings
- Basic analysis
- Professional$4995/year (approx)
- Advanced simulation
- Surfacing tools
- Sheet metal design
- Premium$7100/year (approx)
- All Professional features
- Reverse engineering
- Advanced analysis
TrakSYS
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the TrakSYS review.
Which should you pick?
Choose SolidWorks if
- You need 3d solid modeling.
- You work on Windows.
- You also want assembly design.
Choose TrakSYS if
- You need real-time production tracking.
- You work on Windows, Web, Self-hosted.
- You also want oee and downtime analysis.
Questions people ask
- Is SolidWorks or TrakSYS better?
- Neither clearly leads. SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and TrakSYS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SolidWorks or TrakSYS?
- SolidWorks starts at $3300/year and TrakSYS at On request.
- Does SolidWorks or TrakSYS run on more platforms?
- SolidWorks runs on Windows. TrakSYS runs on Windows, Web, Self-hosted.
- What is SolidWorks best used for?
- SolidWorks is most often used for product design, engineering analysis, manufacturing documentation, prototyping. Of those, product design and engineering analysis are not what TrakSYS is typically brought in for.
- What can SolidWorks do that TrakSYS cannot?
- SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. TrakSYS covers Real-time production tracking, OEE and downtime analysis, Configurable workflows, Quality management.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
SolidWorks: What is the cost of SolidWorks?
SolidWorks pricing varies by license type. Standard Edition costs approximately $846 on average, while Professional and Premium editions are priced higher depending on reseller and licensing model. Costs typically range from $3,300 to $7,100 depending on features and add-ons.
SourceTrakSYS: What does TrakSYS cost?
Quoted per site and not published; implementation is normally a substantial part of the total.
SolidWorks: What editions of SolidWorks are available?
SolidWorks offers three main editions: Standard (essential CAD with parametric modeling and assemblies), Professional (adds advanced simulation and surfacing), and Premium (comprehensive engineering suite with reverse engineering and complex analysis).
SourceTrakSYS: Is it a product or a platform?
A platform. Screens and workflows are configured for the plant, which is why it fits unusual processes and why deployment is a project.
SolidWorks: Does SolidWorks run on macOS?
SolidWorks is primarily a Windows-only application. While macOS users can run it via virtual machines or Boot Camp, native macOS support is not available.
SourceTrakSYS: When is it the wrong choice?
When a packaged MES fits your process, or when the plant is small enough that the configuration effort outweighs the gain.
SolidWorks: What AI capabilities does SolidWorks 2026 include?
SolidWorks 2026 integrates native AI assistants LEO and AURA directly into the interface. These AI features provide design assistance and automation for tasks like optimization and feature creation.
SourceSolidWorks: Can I create assemblies and complex 3D models in SolidWorks?
Yes. SolidWorks includes unlimited assembly capabilities, parametric modeling for complex designs, detailing and drawing tools, and built-in analysis for stress simulation and dynamic motion.
Source