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Browse the industries where Zixel is most often used to connect design review, change control, service delivery, and downstream enablement.
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Who this is a good fit for
Structural engineersDesign engineersEngineering managersReviewersIT managers
Bring models from multiple CAD systems, large-assembly review, online feedback, and version coordination into one practical workflow.
Common example situations
- Multi-CAD collaboration for large assemblies in energy storage equipment
- Online design review and version sync for industrial automation products
- Large-assembly review for lithium battery production lines with Winchill integration
You may be running into these problems
If several of these sound familiar, this theme is usually worth reviewing first.
CAD data moves poorly across teams
When SolidWorks, NX, Creo, and other sources coexist, teams lose time exporting, translating, and rechecking files.
Large assemblies are slow to open and review
Assemblies with thousands of parts can be slow to load, slow to package, and painful to review in meetings.
Comments and versions drift apart
Feedback gets scattered across screenshots, email threads, and chat messages, making it hard to tell which version is current.
What customers usually ask for
These are the requests that tend to surface early in real conversations.
We want people to open 3D models from different CAD sources in the browser, without forcing every team to install specialist tools.
We want review sessions to open quickly, with comments and markups tied to the same source of truth.
We want to connect gradually to Winchill, PDM, or approval workflows instead of rebuilding everything at once.
How teams usually roll this out
You do not need a massive transformation on day one. The best first step is usually the part of the workflow that is slowing people down the most.
1
Create one model entry point
Bring models from different sources into one place so teams stop hunting for files and exporting the same data again and again.
2
Review in the browser
Let engineering, process, and management teams open, section, measure, annotate, and discuss the same model online.
3
Edit only when changes are needed
When structural updates are required, move into 3D CAD for redesign, parameter updates, and drawing output.
4
Control version and release together
Use PDM to manage versions, BOMs, approvals, and release status so outdated files stop circulating.
Recommended product mix
You can phase these in over time. Not every module has to go live on the same day.
| Module | What it does in this solution |
|---|---|
| 3D Viewer | A shared browser-based entry point for model viewing, lightweight review, and cross-team collaboration. |
| 3D CAD | Handles redesign, parameter changes, and engineering drawing output. |
| PDM | Controls versions, BOMs, permissions, and release records. |
| Geometric Search | Helps teams find similar parts and past designs so they can reuse instead of redraw. |
Deployment and integration
The right rollout depends on security requirements, the systems you already have, and how many teams need to be involved first.
Deployment options
Teams can start in the cloud or choose on-premises / private deployment when performance, access control, or security requirements are higher.
Integration path
The rollout can connect gradually with Winchill, an existing PDM/PLM, project workflows, or file storage.
Best place to start
The fastest path is usually to fix browser-based review first, then extend into change management and release control.
What teams usually see first
Every organization is different, but these are the early changes teams most often notice once the workflow is running.
Cross-CAD collaboration becomes smoother, with less waiting caused by file mismatches.
Large-assembly reviews are easier to organize, even for non-design teams.
Version and approval paths become clearer, reducing the risk of working from the wrong file.
Historical designs become easier to reuse, which cuts repeat modeling and repeat purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
If you already have CAD, PLM, MES, ERP, or in-house systems in place, these questions are usually a good place to start.
We already use SolidWorks, NX, or Creo. Is this still relevant?
Yes. A practical first step is not replacing those tools, but giving everyone a shared review and collaboration layer that works across them.
If model performance is the biggest issue, should we start with CAD or review?
Most teams see value faster by fixing browser-based viewing and review first, because it immediately reduces meeting delays and cross-team waiting.
What if security requirements are high?
These projects are often a strong fit for private or on-premises deployment, with model access, permissions, and version control kept inside a controlled environment.
You may also want to review these themes
If the problem you are solving touches more than one workflow, these pages often go together.
R&D Project & BOM Governance
R&D Project & BOM Governance
Bring projects, BOMs, engineering files, and approval flows back into a trackable, collaborative rhythm.
Drawing Conversion & PLM
Drawing Conversion & PLM
Standardize drawing conversion, naming, BOM-based distribution, and downstream access without disrupting the existing PLM backbone.
Want to see how this could fit your team?
Tell us what systems you use today, who needs access, and where the handoff is breaking down. We can help you decide the best place to start.