Arena Review
March 03, 2020
Arena Review
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Arena
We use Arena as a PLM software where we have the database of all our parts, from customer off-the-shelf parts to design-owned parts. We keep our design/drawings/important information, etc. We also use Arena for internal processes of approval. For purchasing these parts, we transfer the information to another software. However, Arena is our source of truth.
- Arena is good at jumping from one place to the other quickly to retrace information
- Arena is good for processes of approval.
- Arena allows for fast searches
- Arena could include tracking functionality that could be used as a purchasing software.
- Arena could have built-in macros for quick imports.
- Arena allows for quick releases of new designs
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Prior Experience with the Product
- Vendor Reputation
- Third-party Reviews
The single most significant factor in choosing Arena over the competition would not be the price but the ease of use. Complex programs, even if they have more functionnality, have a much higher risk of making mistakes. Mistakes can be very costly. Also, time lost trying to figure out how to do a certain thing on a complex program can also be very costly. An easy to use program that can be self-taught is the most important deciding factor.
I was not part of the implementation team. However, from what I know, it took a team of a few people over the course of a couple of months. I believe that this is remarkable.
- IFS Planning and Scheduling Optimization (formerly from mplSystems)
I have only used that PLM and an In-house built PLM. Arena is the top of my picks. The in-house did not have enough functionality. IFS was way too complex and took years to implement. Once implemented the staff kept complaining about how complex it was and hard to get the information you were looking for.