Likelihood to Recommend When it comes to modelling a product using multiple parts, CATIA becomes tedious. One need someone to sit with and learn with the experience from a frequent user. If switching from any other software to CATIA, it can be intimidating as learning curve is lengthy. For example, when working with complex shape in a knuckle joint, more steps are needed in part modelling. This cause part modelling lengthier and consume time more time, in comparison to
SOLIDWORKS . However, CATIA is tremendously helpful in generating really complex features. Surface modelling is way easier when one know how to use it. It becomes really handy to make changes to the design later as well. The design history tree is also very well organized, which save time in later modifications
Read full review Grasshopper is well suited for basic needs of texting in and out as well as calling out if you would like to avoid using your personal line. It also eliminates the need to have a dedicated land land in your office or business. You can obtain a vanity number and forward calls through grasshopper.
Read full review Pros Surface modeling module is extremely developed and successful. 2D drafting module is doing the job effectively (AutoCAD is no more required). Read full review I like that there are differing voicemails for each extension, to keep up with the image of calling a separate line. I love the voicemail text emails. I believe we pay a little extra, but worth every penny for those urgent calls while I am in a meeting. The cost is very reasonable for the value added to our company. Read full review Cons The software is pretty heavy, even with computers designed for heavy-duty loads, resulting in long wait times to load files and make changes, reducing productivity. Read full review It would be nice to have the ability to transfer some calls to another Grasshopper IVR, for those customers who mistakenly dial the wrong number (we have two incoming numbers, one for corporate and one for sales). Likewise, it would be nice to have the ability to forward to a toll-free number, which would have allowed us to work around the inability to transfer between IVRs (see above). Lastly, it would be great to have an 'emergency' switch setting (default off but could be toggled on) that would let us override all IVR settings and transfer all incoming calls elsewhere (either to a direct dial or toll free number) for those rare times when we cannot take any calls (such as a weather emergency OR the one time each year we take all of our staff on a retreat) - that would allow us to send all calls to a backup answering service rather than just voicemail. Read full review Usability The admin functions are kind of confusing in the old interface which was my most recent experience on the admin side.
Read full review Support Rating We got frequent updates on CATIA. There are lots of update notes. Also, there are lots of lots of videos online to solve the issues that you can stumble upon. It also has a built-in help manual, which helps occasionally. I have gotten my education through a physical class on CATIA, so there are opportunities like that as well.
Read full review When I was setting up my account I contacted support a couple of times. They were also very professional, personable, and helpful. Their response is prompt and thorough. I'm confident I can get any question answered as well as help with any issue I might have. That's pretty important to me.
Read full review Alternatives Considered You can create solid or 3D figures more easily and efficiently using Catia than in other programs or in specific
AutoCAD . You can also create different pieces to later assemble them and thus create figures even more complex or in greater detail. In the same way, you can make 2D drawings without much complication.
Read full review I have not used any other phone services like Grasshopper. I know that there is another option out there called Ruby, which is more like a virtual receptionist but since I did not try it out I cannot compare the two. When I started my company I found the services that Grasshopper offers to be perfect. It still works for us and we have no need to change to anything else right now.
Read full review Return on Investment If designing large assemblies or very complex ones, especially in the aerospace industry, CATIA is the way to go. The graphics are really good, and the software offers many possibilities to view a design: 2D, 3D, bird's eye view... Controls pan zoom rotate are easy. Read full review It's allowed us to keep cost down. Other phone systems can seriously get outrageous in implementation and monthly fees! It's allowed our team the confidence to work in locations outside of the office and still be seen as professionals. It's decreased the amount of time spent on unwanted sales calls via the call screening application. Read full review ScreenShots