Converting from other software to I-deas

[ZappaDog]

We recently received an RFQ for a new project that specifies that all drawings that are sent back to customer (with VE changes, shape changes etc.) to be in SDRC Ideas 10.1 format. (I bet you can guess who is at the top of this supplier chain).
We will be supplied with files from I-deas. The sample files they sent have the following extensions: .prt, .pkg, .cgm.
We currently have AutoCAD, Solidworks and Inventor available to us. We were also supplied with an igs model which I could open in Solidworks. I am capable of using that or a 2D drawing to get a functional solid model, but the issue is going to be with converting to/from I-deas (and I assume the integrity of their master model from what I have read about I-deas).
I am wondering what possibilities exist as far as 3rd party software or services to acheive this goal. I would appreciate any suggestions. If we do have to purchase I-deas 10, what would be the ballpark price for a single seat? Thanks in advance.

Jeff

 

[RCDLtd]

If you are going to be returning Parts and Drawings back to the client then it will need to be created and modified within I-DEAS, there is not an option to do this work in another system and send back translated files. Unless, that is, you have a deviation from the CAD Statement Of Work that this OEM nearly always works to.

The OEM is also very likely to require your data to be stored directly into their data collector and since the connections for this activity are very expensive it's normal for companies in your position to use a Certified Data Service Provider (CDSP - is a company Certified by the OEM) to move the data about for you.

If you are needing to do the parts and drawings in I-DEAS then the OEM's version of the software is priced at £15K (in the UK). If you have to buy new Hardware and get the software installed the price will rise rapidly from there.

With the future of I-DEAS within that OEM currently under review, few of their suppliers are willing to invest in new seats at the moment. It may be more realistic to outsoucre the CAD and Drawing content of the work to an Engineering Services Supplier that is a CDSP, and ensure the company you choose is capeable of translating the data into a format that you can read with the systems you already have in place.

Realistically, even if you purchase the software, you're likely to have to bring in a hired hand to run it and the incremental cost for that hired hand to bring his/her own machine and License may not be that great, when compared to investment required for you to own you own machine an License.

On the 3rd Party Software front, there are no 3rd party products that would come close to satisfying the CAD SOW from the OEM - if you are responcible for returning data to the OEM.