DriveWorks

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DriveWorks
DeveloperDriveWorks Ltd. (subsidiary of Bechtle AG)
Initial release2001; 25 years ago (2001)
Stable release
DriveWorks 23 / September 1, 2023
Repository
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Engine
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    Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
    Available inEnglish
    TypeDesign automation, Product configurator
    LicenseProprietary
    Websitedriveworks.co.uk

    DriveWorks is a design automation and product configuration software suite developed for SOLIDWORKS, a computer-aided design platform. The software uses a rules-based approach to capture and automate SOLIDWORKS design parameters for creating product variants and generating manufacturing documentation. DriveWorks functions as a configure, price, and quote (CPQ) system for complex mechanical products, enabling mass customization through automated design generation.[1]

    The software operates as a SOLIDWORKS Certified Gold Partner product and comprises three main tiers: DriveWorksXpress (included free with SOLIDWORKS), DriveWorks Solo (mid-tier automation), and DriveWorks Pro (enterprise configuration platform). Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Warrington, United Kingdom, DriveWorks was acquired by German IT-services company Bechtle AG in October 2024.[2]

    History

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    DriveWorks Ltd. was founded in 2001 to provide automation tools for SOLIDWORKS CAD software. The company is registered with Companies House under number 04716162.[3][2] The company became a SOLIDWORKS Certified Gold Partner in 2002.[4]

    Product development and technical evolution

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    DriveWorks 11 (released 2011) introduced form controls and expanded rules engine functionality.[5] DriveWorks 19 (2019) replaced the SQL Compact database with SQLite.[5] DriveWorks 20 (2020) introduced web-based form technology and DriveWorks Apps.[6] DriveWorks 21 (2021) unified web and desktop form technology with WebView2 integration and added CSS styling capabilities.[6] DriveWorks 22 (2022) added form controls and SOLIDWORKS 2024 support.[1] DriveWorks 23 (2023) expanded SOLIDWORKS integration.[1]

    In 2008, Dassault Systèmes included DriveWorksXpress, the entry-level design automation tool, free with every license of SOLIDWORKS desktop CAD software.[4] This integration made basic design automation capabilities available to all SOLIDWORKS users without additional cost.

    Company growth and acquisition

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    In 2019, DriveWorks was awarded the Queen's Awards for Enterprise in two categories: Innovation for its design automation technology, and International Trade for its global market expansion. The company was one of six businesses that year to win awards in both categories.[7][8]

    In 2021, DriveWorks received a £4 million investment from British Growth Fund (BGF).[9]

    In October 2024, DriveWorks Ltd. was acquired by Bechtle AG, a German IT-services company headquartered in Neckarsulm. The acquisition followed the earlier £4 million investment by British Growth Fund (BGF) in 2021, which achieved a 2.7× return on investment. At the time of acquisition, DriveWorks had approximately 59 employees and generated €6.5 million in revenue during the 2023/24 fiscal year. The company continues to operate as an independent entity under Bechtle ownership as part of Bechtle's UK expansion strategy.[10][9][11][12][13][14]

    Products

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    DriveWorks offers three main product tiers:

    DriveWorksXpress

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    DriveWorksXpress is an entry-level design automation tool included free with every SOLIDWORKS license. It automates the creation of SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies, and drawings based on predefined rules and captured design parameters. Features include:

    • Basic parameter capture for dimensions, features, and custom properties
    • Rules-based design variations with simple conditional logic
    • Automated drawing and documentation generation
    • Family-of-parts automation for standard component libraries
    • Integration with SOLIDWORKS Design Library for reusable automation templates

    [15]

    DriveWorks Solo

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    DriveWorks Solo provides design automation capabilities within the SOLIDWORKS environment. The software includes form design tools with resolution guides, control grouping, and validation. It provides a rules builder with function wizard, rule insight, and debugging tools. The software can control color, material, and texture properties, as well as feature properties for Hole Wizards, Sheet Metal, and Weldments. It supports component replacement with existing or dynamically driven files, and exports to formats including STEP, STL, PDF, DXF, and JPEG. The software uses SQLite databases for project data storage and provides control over file names, locations, and naming conventions.[5]

    DriveWorks Pro

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    DriveWorks Pro is an enterprise software suite consisting of independently licensed modules: DriveWorks Administrator for project management and configuration, DriveWorks Autopilot for automated processing with load balancing, DriveWorks Live for web-based 3D product configuration, DriveWorks User as a standalone interface for product specification, and DriveWorks Pro Server for centralized server management.[1]

    The software supports SQL Server and ODBC database integration, web service integration with REST API connectivity, Single Sign-On with Active Directory, user and team management, unattended model generation with load balancing, and third-party integrations including Salesforce CRM, SAP, and Oracle. It includes cloud hosting support for Azure and AWS, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional integration, and provides a software development kit for custom development.[1]

    Technical architecture

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    DriveWorks employs a rules-based automation approach that captures design intent from SOLIDWORKS models through parameters, features, and relationships. The software architecture consists of a client-side SOLIDWORKS add-in, a rules processing engine, and configurable output generation systems. This approach aligns with computer-automated design principles, where product configurators extend CAD systems to automate design generation.

    Rules engine

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    The core automation technology uses a visual rules builder that supports both proprietary rule syntax and Excel-based rule logic. Rules can reference SOLIDWORKS parameters (dimensions, features, custom properties), mathematical calculations, and user inputs. The system supports conditional logic, loops, and hierarchical rule structures.[16]

    Form technology evolution

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    DriveWorks form technology has evolved through several generations:

    • Early versions: Excel add-in interfaces for basic user input and parameter specification
    • DriveWorks 20 (2020): Introduction of WebView2 technology for rendering across desktop and web platforms[6]
    • DriveWorks 21 (2021): Unified web-based form technology with CSS styling capabilities[6]
    • DriveWorks 22 (2022): New form controls and form designer with resolution guides and control grouping[1]
    • Current versions: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript-based forms with responsive design and validation messaging

    Parameter capture and control

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    The software captures SOLIDWORKS design parameters including:

    • Dimensions and geometric constraints
    • Feature parameters (hole wizards, sheet metal properties, weldments)
    • Custom properties and metadata
    • Assembly relationships and mates
    • Configuration-specific variations

    Database and integration

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    DriveWorks supports multiple database architectures based on product tier:

    • DriveWorks Solo: Uses SQLite databases for local project storage and data management
    • DriveWorks Pro: Supports enterprise databases including SQL Server (versions 2014-2022), ODBC connections, and cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure, AWS)

    The software supports web service integration with REST API, third-party system connectivity including Salesforce CRM, SAP, and Oracle, Single Sign-On with Active Directory, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional integration, and cloud hosting for web applications. It is compatible with multiple web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera.[1]

    Database integration supports authentication and user management, group-level tabular data and calculation tables, rollup data tables for hierarchical calculations, and SQL Server database support.

    Data flow architecture

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    The automation process follows a structured workflow:

    1. Parameter capture: Extract design parameters from SOLIDWORKS models
    2. Rule processing: Apply automation logic and user-defined rules
    3. User input: Collect specification data through configurable forms
    4. Model generation: Create automated SOLIDWORKS files and documentation
    5. Output creation: Generate drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing data

    SOLIDWORKS integration

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    DriveWorks operates as a SOLIDWORKS add-in and Certified Gold Partner product. It captures design intent through parameters, features, and relationships within SOLIDWORKS assemblies for automating design variations.[17]

    Since 2008, DriveWorksXpress has been included free with SOLIDWORKS licenses.[4]

    Industry applications

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    DriveWorks is used by manufacturers across various industries for configurable products and design automation. Applications include furniture manufacturing, cleanroom and HVAC equipment, food processing equipment, metal products and fencing, vehicle equipment, custom machinery, and industrial equipment.[18][19]

    The software has been applied in medical and life sciences equipment design, accessibility products, chimney and ventilation systems, and fastener configuration.[20][21] Academic research has documented DriveWorks applications in nuclear engineering, with Wrigley et al. (2019) referencing the software in knowledge-based engineering approaches for nuclear power plant design automation.[22]

    Academic recognition

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    DriveWorks has been referenced in academic research and engineering education. Seven academic publications have documented DriveWorks implementations across various engineering disciplines from 2011 to 2025.

    Engineering research publications

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    Academic research has documented DriveWorks applications in process automation, parametric design, and knowledge-based engineering. Persson and Dulla (2025) examined DriveWorks implementation for automated design and drawing generation at INOR, a Swedish industrial equipment manufacturer.[23] Lombard (2011) included DriveWorks automation features in the technical reference "SolidWorks 2011 Assemblies Bible", documenting its integration capabilities and automation workflows within the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem.[24] Abdelwahab (2025) compared DriveWorks with SolidWorks table methods for ASME Section VIII pressure vessel design automation.[25] Grkovic et al. (2025) demonstrated DriveWorks integration for automated configuration of modular strongroom security systems.[26]

    Engineering education applications

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    DriveWorks has been incorporated into engineering education curricula for teaching design automation and CAD methodologies. Mustonen (2025) developed rule-based design solutions for automated 3D modeling of Flowrox SKH knife gate valve bodies, demonstrating parametric design principles in mechanical engineering education.[27] Szwalek and Carducci (2025) incorporated DriveWorks in mechanical engineering curriculum for design review and CAD project methodologies.[28]

    See also

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    • pCon.planner – characteristic-based product configurator for interior design
    • HiCAD – CAD system with associated product configurator
    • BigMachines – CPQ software (acquired by Oracle)
    • Cincom Systems – CPQ software provider
    • PROS (company) – CPQ software provider (acquired Cameleon Software)

    References

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