In engineering and manufacturing environments, collaboration between departments is essential. While your mechanical design team works in SolidWorks to create detailed drawings and 3D models, they’re not the only ones with a stake in the final product. Input is often needed from fabrication, tooling, quality assurance, and other non-CAD teams. But getting that input into SolidWorks efficiently has always been a challenge — until now.
The Collaboration Gap
Does this sound familiar?
Say your fab shop needs to specify the grade of aluminum or preferred surface finish, so they send an email. Your toolmaker has input on mold texture or allowable parting line mismatch, so they mark-up your drawing by hand. Procurement might need to flag a difficult-to-source material, and they jot it down on a post-it note. These critical details are often the difference between a successful product and costly rework.
Yet for years, these teams have lacked the tools to directly engage with SolidWorks documentation. Instead, resorting to inefficient and error-prone workflows, including:
- Emailing eDrawings, with no way to transfer markups back into SolidWorks
- Circulating PDFs to be redlined, scanned, and emailed — only to require manual data entry back into the CAD file
- Using spreadsheets or external systems to collect or update notes disconnected from the actual source of truth
These workarounds are slow, archaic, and can introduce critical errors if drawings are not checked and re-checked thoroughly.
A Better Way Is Here: Versa Note Desktop
After months of development, we’re thrilled to unveil a major expansion to the Versa Note ecosystem: Versa Note Desktop
This brand-new, standalone desktop application brings Versa Note’s powerful note management capabilities to any Windows PC — even for users without SolidWorks.
Now, non-CAD users can:
- View and modify notes associated with SolidWorks drawings and models
- Collaborate directly with the design team without needing eDrawings or markup files
- Provide input via a responsive interface that is intuitive for users of any background and skill level
Versa Note Desktop shares the same core engine as our native SolidWorks notes editor, enabling painless adoption and a quick learning curve for new users. It’s ideal for:
- Fabrication and shop-floor personnel
- Tool designers and moldmakers
- Buyers, planners, and quality control teams
- Anyone who needs to interact with engineering notes without the knowledge to open SolidWorks — and without the risk of modifying other critical design aspects
Coming Soon
Versa Note Desktop will be available as part of an upcoming update to the Versa Note suite. If your organization relies on accurate, collaborative drawing notes — and you’re tired of inefficient workarounds — this release is for you.
Stay in the Loop
Follow us on LinkedIn and check out Versa Note at cadinnovations.ca to be the first to hear about the launch, receive access to early previews of new features, and get expert tips on streamlining your SolidWorks workflows.
