With Creo 1.0 released mid-June, now’s a great time to get a sanity check from those that have taken the time to download and try Creo, and capture their initial impressions – good and bad.
Damián Castillo, CAD & Administration Manager at Hensley Industries, was one of the first.
After attending Planet PTC Live event in Las Vegas, he was using Creo 1.0 the monday afterwards. Hensley Industries is based in the US and manufactures ground engaging tools, buckets, and specialized attachments for excavation, reclamation, mining, trenching, or any other earth-moving industrial equipment.
Damián Castillo, CAD & Administration Manager Hensley Industries
GH: Damián, could you tell us a little bit about your background?
Castillo: I’m responsible for making sure the engineering team is as productive as possible with respect to their design tools. This involves using the right tools, management, and services such as training, customization, etc. I’ve been using Pro/ENGINEER since version 12, and now have over 16 years experience with the software.
GH: What did you initially think when you first heard about Project Lightning, or as we know it today, Creo?
Castillo: We faced many of the challenges PTC described in their Project Lightning teaser videos. The problems were easy to agree with, I was not sure if PTC could solve them.
GH: Now that Creo 1.0 is here, what are the apps you’ve been most focused on?
Castillo: Creo Parametric. As this is the new parametric app, I want to make sure it delivers the next level of productivity we’re seeking. I’ve also now realized that with the introduction of apps that cater to specific users, this is something we need but didn’t realize. We see a use for both Creo Direct and Creo View. Having a role-based set of Creo apps available will help us better leverage our licenses, focusing on each users responsibility in the company. Instead of giving each user a common set of software tools that wasn’t really related to their specific job or role, we can now give them the tools that matter and make the software much easier for them to learn and use.
GH: How long have you had a chance to work with Creo Parametric first hand?
Castillo: I downloaded it a few days after it was released, so I’ve had a chance to test and work with it for about three weeks now. I have not deployed it at our company but I am using it on specific design tasks and activities see how Creo Parametric works.
GH: And what’s your overall impression?
Castillo: I used it and created some parts with Creo Parametric and my impression was very positive. I actually think PTC is doing things differently with Creo and they have their passion back for design software. I found Creo 1.0 easier to use than Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5 by a long shot and the search function built into it allows you to quickly search for any command you want, and Creo Parametric locates it on the Ribbon for you and then highlights it. The consistency across the user interface and user experience is refreshing. I can switch from modelling mode to sketch mode, and back, easily. I feel I’m using one piece of software that flows perfectly together.
GH: What do you think is one of the biggest myths around Creo 1.0?
Castillo: Creo 1.0 is not Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 6 with a new name. It’s new design software from PTC that uses the same Granite engine under it. Pro/ENGINEER was always powerful but very difficult to use, Creo Parametric offers the same power, but in a much easier to use way. I’m very impressed with the amount of work that went into the user experience and the powerful search function that will make it easier to learn and adopt.
Creo Parametric is using the same engine but on a completely new framework. It’s like using the same Ferrari engine on a new chassis, with new body work, seats, dashboard and functions. It’s a new car with the same powerful engine. This new car is easier to use and has modern features on it.
GH: What did the upgrade to Creo Parametric cost?
Castillo: We’re on maintenance, so Creo 1.0 doesn’t cost us anything extra; the same is true for all the extensions we currently own. They will migrate over to Creo 1.0 as extensions and some of them will become stand alone apps in later versions.
GH: Are you recommending your teams move to Creo 1.0?
Castillo: Creo has been under development for 2 years with over 100 million dollars invested in it, I see it as a complete product that has the functions required for many companies. I’ve seen maintenance release already scheduled for Creo 1.0, it’s definitely worth upgrading, with the new UI experience, lots of enhancements, and new capabilities like the FreeStyle design. I recommend everyone should check the current extensions and functionality they use today and make sure Creo 1.0 has them covered.
GH: Is Creo 1.0 perfect?
Castillo: No software is perfect but I feel that PTC is really standing behind this product and their new vision. I walked away from PlanetPTC Live with the feeling that PTC actually believes in this product launch, they have a new vision to regain leadership in design software and they are excited about what is in the works for future releases.
Will we find bugs? Yes we will find bugs. All software has bugs, but I think it’s a far better product with respect to features, usability, and stability than any previous release.
GH: What about Creo 2.0?
Castillo You can see that Creo 2.0 will add more, including the AnyBOM Assembly technology, but I think Creo 1.0 is good enough for many companies to jump on and run with.
Bottom Line: I like what I saw, what I’ve experienced, and the direction PTC is taking. I am looking forward to moving Creo 1.0 into production and will keep an eye out for all future enhancements that are in the works.
