Many of our partners are considering migrating from CATIA V5 to CATIA V6.
As an automotive parts supplier in Thailand, we also need to move forward with our migration preparation.
Here, let’s compare V5 with V6 and review the preparations needed for the migration.
[Overview] What’s CATIA V6
- What is CATIA V6
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- CATIA V6 is the successor to CATIA V5
- CATIA V6 was formed in 2008 when CATIA (CAD) and ENOVIA (PLM) merged
- In 2014, the name「CATIA V6」was changed to「3DEXPERIENCE CATIA」
- The latest version is 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA R2024x (as of Jan 2025)
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I see. In other word, 「CATIA V6」is「3DEXPERIENCE CATIA」!!
[Comparison] The difference between CATIA V5 and CATIA V6
- System
- CATIA V5: A standalone CAD software
- CATIA V6: A CAD application available on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that centralizes information and enhances information sharing
*『3DEXPERIENCE platform』is … An environment where all of Dassault Systèmes’ solutions, including PLM, 3D modeling, analysis, and manufacturing management, can be seamlessly accessed through a common user interface。
CATIA V5 is standalone CAD software for design departments, while CATIA V6 operates on a business platform, extending beyond design department.
- User Interface, Operation
- CATIA V6 offers new features, maintaining the operations and functionalities of CATIA V5.
Although the functionality has expanded, the CAD interface is mostly the same, Migrating from CATIA V5 to CATIA V6 shouldn’t be a big challenge for CATIA users.
- CAD data management
- Moving from file-based management in CATIA V5 to database management in CATIA V6
The challenges of “file-based management” …
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- × Can’t tell which data is the latest.
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- × Working with outdated data by mistake
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- × The same part data exists under different names.
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- × Unnecessary rework etc…
The advantages of “database management” …
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- ✓ Always have access to the latest updated data in one place
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- ✓ Manage the data status in real-time.
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- Who owns the data?
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- Who is using the data?
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- What is the status of the data (e.g., in progress, under review, released)?
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- What is the version of the data? etc…
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- ✓ Manage the data status in real-time.
With V5, searching for data took a lot of time and effort..
With V6, it’s a lot quicker, making collaboration across locations and teams smoother!!
[Compatibility] CAD data compatibility between CATIA V5 and CATIA V6
- V5→V6 compatibility
- You can import CATIA V5 format data exported from CATIA V5 into CATIA V6.
- V6→V5 compatibility
- You can export data from CATIA V6 in CATIA V5 format data, and this data can be imported into CATIA V5.
*For more details, please check a previous blog post.
With compatibility between V6 and the existing V5, you can easily collaborate using CATIA V5 format data
[Preparation & Planning] V6 Software and Hardware
- Software
- CATIA V6 licenses are available for either ‘new purchase’ or ‘migration from existing CATIA V5 to CATIA V6‘.
- ‘migration from existing CATIA V5 to CATIA V6‘ is more cost-effective compared to ‘new purchase’ .
- ‘migration from existing CATIA V5 to CATIA V6‘ offers various migration paths depending on your needs. (example: HD2 => PCS＋MES, HD2 => PCS＋MES+TAD, MD1 => PCS+SMW, MD2 => PCS+M3S etc)
When considering the investment, we need to compare the necessity and costs to decide whether to implement new software or migrate.
- Hardware
- CATIA V6 requires the 3DEXPERIENCE server, even for a single user (On-Premise).”
- Depending on the business workflow, you’ll need to plan whether to install the 3DEXPERIENCE server in Thailand or use the FCS server in Thailand and the 3DEXPERIENCE server from Japan.
- You can continue using the existing DSLS servers and workstations from CATIA V5 (depending on the specifications).
We, NSS offers a one-stop service for software, hardware, training, and implementation services. Feel free to get in touch with us.
We will work not only with the Design team but also consult with other teams to move forward with the budget and implementation plan.
