Autodesk Fusion 360 Manage vs Autodesk Fusion 360

Autodesk Fusion 360® Manage (the PLM solution) and Autodesk Fusion 360® (the cloud-based CAD application) are two distinct products. We would like to clarify the naming convention used for these products as well as the Autodesk Fusion 360 Manage Extension to help you understand the differences and find which tool will best fit your needs.

Here is a brief outline of the three products:

Fusion 360 is a powerful cloud-based parametric CAD application like Inventor® and SOLIDWORKS® that has become increasingly popular among designers, engineers, and product developers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, simulation, and prototyping, as well as advanced capabilities like generative design and CAM. For additional functionality, add-ons, or "extensions," are available for purchase. A few of these extensions are Machining (CAM), Generative Design, Simulation, and, as you might have guessed, the Manage Extension.

Fusion 360 Manage is a cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) that provides product lifecycle management (PLM) features. It includes processes like Engineering Change Orders/Notices, Quality Control, BOMs, etc. It helps to "connect your people, processes, and data to get your products to market faster."

Fusion 360 Manage Extension is an extension of Fusion 360 (the CAD tool), NOT an extension of Fusion 360 Manage, as the name would imply. Fusion 360 Manage Extension is a tool that provides advanced data management within the Fusion 360 environment. Although it may appear similar to Fusion 360 Manage, it does not offer all of the features included in Fusion 360 Management.

It is essential to carefully review the product descriptions and features to ensure you select the right tool for your needs. By understanding the differences between these products and extensions, you can make an informed decision and maximize your Autodesk Fusion 360 experience. We’re here to help!