Compare Altium Agile Teams vs. Cadence OrCAD X
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Altium Agile Teams combines Altium Designer, Altium 365, and Octopart intelligence with managed reviews, workflows, and up to 25 concurrent PCB co-authors in one collaborative workspace.
OrCAD X Professional pairs Capture and Presto with OnCloud workspaces and Symphony co-design, but concurrency stops at two designers and collaboration is split across separate apps.
Team Collaboration
Concurrent PCB Co-Authoring
Yes. Up to 25 authors can edit the same PCB layout simultaneously, with the platform automatically managing and merging modifications—no board partitioning or manual stitching.
Partial. Symphony enables real-time co-design in the same board database, but concurrent sessions are limited to two designers in Presto; schematic collaboration relies on OnCloud publish/refresh cycles.
Browser-Based Design Reviews with Free Collaborators
Yes. Offers seat-free browser viewing, live sharing, interactive commenting, and context-aware tasks, plus the structured Managed Design Review workflow with checklists, approvals, and audit-ready review logs.
Partial. OnCloud web viewers let stakeholders view and mark up schematics and layouts in a browser, but there is no structured managed-review workflow with checklists, formal approvals, or audit-ready records.
Cross-Discipline Team Workspace
Yes. Provides one shared workspace with unlimited collaborators, external guests, and role-based permissions. Managed reviews, approval flows, configurable workflows, and managed ECOs connect to the same live data.
Partial. OnCloud workspaces support sharing and team libraries, but cross-discipline collaboration (e.g., procurement, MCAD, manufacturing) is spread across separate apps (LiveBOM, MCADX, LiveDoc) rather than unified one structured workspace.
Task Management & Jira Integration
Yes. Context-aware tasks link comments and to-dos directly to design objects, and bi-directional Jira integration keeps engineering and project-management tools in sync.
No. There is no native task-management layer tied to design objects and no first-party Jira synchronization. Task tracking happens in external tools without design-data context.
Secure Team Scaling (SSO, SCIM & Event Logs)
Yes. Allows SSO and SCIM integration with existing identity systems, user grouping, granular access permissions, and exportable event logs for audit readiness.
Partial. OnCloud offers MFA, regional data hosting, and cloud workspace access management. SSO/SCIM enterprise identity integration and exportable per-user event logs are not documented at parity.
PCB Design
Complete PCB Design Environment
Yes. Schematics, PCB layout, mixed-signal SPICE, high-speed routing, rigid-flex, multi-board, and harness design capabilities are provided in one editor with constraint-driven DRC and real-time 3D, plus concurrent co-authoring.
Partial. Capture and Presto cover schematics, layout, PSpice, HDI, rigid-flex (3DX Canvas), and high-speed routing with the Constraint Manager. There is no dedicated multi-board or harness design environment.
Structured Design Review & Collaboration
Yes. Includes a browser-based Design Viewer, live sharing, commenting, and tasks, plus the Managed Design Review workflow with checklists and audit-ready logs.
Partial. Presto Canvas supports embedded comments, snapshots, and tagging, and OnCloud adds browser sharing and markup. Does not include any checklist-driven review workflow with formal approvals and audit-ready records.
Mechanical Codesign (ECAD-MCAD)
Yes. MCAD CoDesigner syncs bi-directionally with SOLIDWORKS, PTC Creo, Inventor, Fusion, and Siemens NX. Agile Teams adds rigid-flex sync, MCAD-driven placement, enclosure exchange, and multi-board assembly sync.
Partial. MCADX delivers bi-directional sync with SOLIDWORKS via Intelligent Data Exchange. Other MCAD tools rely on standard IDX/STEP transfer rather than a native live link.
Cloud PLM Synchronization (Duro & Arena)
Yes. Comes with the PLM Module with turnkey connectors for Duro and Arena, keeping engineering data in sync with cloud PLM in one click.
No. Does not include any native Duro integration. Cloud PLM connectivity goes through third-party gateway products targeting Teamcenter, SAP PLM, and similar systems.
Supply Chain & BOM Management
Collaborative BOM Management with Live Data
Yes. The BOM Portal consolidates BOM data with real-time Octopart pricing, stock, and lifecycle flags, so engineering and procurement collaborate on the same live BOM.
Partial. Live BOM in Capture provides real-time sourcing and lifecycle data from Sourcengine and team-level BOM collaboration exists in OnCloud, but does not include an engineering-procurement layer at parity.
Embedded Octopart & IHS Markit Intelligence
Yes. Manufacturer Part Search integrates the Octopart catalog and parametrics. IHS Markit lifecycle and risk data is available inside the design tool.
Partial. Native Sourcengine and Ultra Librarian integrations supply pricing, stock, and models. Deeper risk and lifecycle intelligence requires the separate OrCAD CIP add-on.
Centralized BOMs Across ECAD Systems
Partial. MultiCAD capability targets ingestion of BOMs from OrCAD, Allegro, PADS, EAGLE, and KiCad alongside native projects, delivered as an evolving capability.
No. LiveBOM and OnCloud workspaces are built around OrCAD/Allegro project databases. Does not include documented native management of BOMs from foreign ECAD tools.
Automated Sourcing & Risk Management
Yes. The Sourcing Module and Suppliers Portal add BOM health ratings, risk rollups, and automated multi-supplier RFQ workflows.
Partial. LiveBOM supports BOM submission to a distributor and supply-risk visibility. There is no native automated multi-supplier RFQ workflow or risk-rollup engine.
Requirements Management
Requirements in One Shared Workspace
Yes. The Requirements Portal keeps every specification visible, structured, and tied to design artifacts, visible in the same workspace the whole team already uses.
No. There is no native requirements management module. Requirements traceability is only possible through third-party PLM/ALM integrations.
Requirements Linked to Schematics, PCBs & BOMs
Yes. Offers requirements-to-ECAD object linkage with changes traceable across revisions, so distributed contributors stay aligned.
No. Does not offer first-party linkage between requirements and ECAD objects in OrCAD X.
AI-Assisted Requirements Creation & Breakdown
Yes. The AI Requirements Assistant ships with the Requirements Portal to import, analyze, and decompose requirements faster.
Audit-Ready Documents from Live Project Data
Yes. Audit-ready documents are generated from live project data, plus Configurable Lifecycle Management and formal audit export for end-to-end traceability.
No. Does not include any built-in requirements-driven audit or compliance documentation.
Design Data Management
Design History & Version Control
Yes. Every commit and release is recorded with per-user accountability, timestamps, visual diffs, and release-history reports. Exportable event logs make audits easy.
Yes. OnCloud workspaces provide publish/revision history, lock-based check-out, revision schemes, and audit trails. Pro tier extends version history to shared multi-user workspaces.
Visual Design Comparison Across Schematics, PCBs, Gerbers & BOMs
Yes. Comes with visual diff across schematic, PCB, Gerber, and BOM revisions, comparing server-side commits, releases, and local pre-commit files. This is a key enabler of asynchronous team reviews.
No. Although revision history and rollback are documented in OnCloud, there is no dedicated graphical diff at parity with Altium's schematic and PCB compare mentioned in current Cadence documentation.
Unified Component Management in a Shared Library
Yes. Comes with cloud libraries with a unified component model (symbol, footprint, 3D, SPICE, supplier links), where-used tracking, managed lifecycle states, and extensible component templates.
Partial. Capture, footprint, and padstack libraries remain separate. Unified, parameter-rich component management with where-used reports requires OrCAD CIS plus the optional CIP add-on.
Reusable, Certified Circuit Design Blocks
Yes. Managed schematics and reuse blocks are linked to their source, plus formal certified-circuit reuse so teams share validated IP safely across projects.
No. Paste Special allows manual copy across projects, but there is no managed reuse library for validated circuit blocks or templates.
ECAD-MCAD Collaboration
Bi-Directional MCAD Synchronization
Yes. CoDesigner provides bi-directional sync across SOLIDWORKS, PTC Creo, Inventor, Fusion, and Siemens NX, with conflict prevention via the shared workspace.
Partial. MCADX delivers bi-directional sync with SOLIDWORKS only. Other MCAD tools rely on IDX/STEP transfer rather than a live connection.
Advanced Copper Geometry Transfer for FEA
Yes. CoDesigner transfers extruded copper, vias, and 3D mask layers to MCAD for thermal simulation and FEA.
No. MCADX exchanges 3D PCB models with components. The transfer of detailed copper geometry suitable for FEA or thermal analysis is not documented at parity.
Keepout & Room Synchronization Across Tools
Yes. Keep-outs and rooms placed in either the ECAD or MCAD tool propagate through CoDesigner, keeping both teams aware of restricted regions.
Yes. MCADX synchronizes board outline, mounting holes, and keep-out areas defined in SOLIDWORKS into OrCAD X.
ECAD-MCAD Rigid-Flex Synchronization
Yes. Rigid-flex synchronization via CoDesigner pushes flex zones and bends into MCAD for geometry validation in the device assembly.
No. 3DX Canvas supports flex visualization within OrCAD X, but rigid-flex bend synchronization with MCAD via MCADX is not documented.
Engineering Management
Engineering Visibility & Managed Design Reviews
Yes. Managers get browser viewing, live sharing, commenting, and tasks plus the structured Managed Design Review workflow. Managers can see real-time project status without chasing updates across multiple tools.
Partial. Presto Canvas markup and OnCloud web viewers enable browser review, but there is no checklist-driven, audit-ready managed-review workflow.
Configurable Workflows & Process Control
Yes. Diagram-based workflows automate approvals, ECOs, and lifecycle handoffs, with prebuilt templates that standardize processes and sync with PLM and Jira.
No. There is no native configurable workflow engine for design or release approvals. Equivalent process control requires an external PLM.
Multidisciplinary Engineering Collaboration
Yes. The shared workspace invites unlimited collaborators and external guests. The control layer manages reviews, approval flows, workflows, and ECOs. Collaboration puts ECAD, MCAD, supply chain, and manufacturing on one platform.
Partial. Symphony allows two concurrent PCB designers and OnCloud supports co-design and sharing. However, cross-discipline collaboration is spread across separate apps rather than one governed platform.
Requirements Traceability & Audit-Ready Documentation
Yes. The Requirements Portal, Configurable Lifecycle Management, and audit export combine for end-to-end requirements-to-design traceability with automated documentation.
No. Offers no native requirements-to-design traceability or automated compliance documentation.
Manufacturing Handoff
Version-Controlled Release Packages in Browser
Yes. Release packages (Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, BOM, drawings) are stored with version control; manufacturers view and comment via a browser link. Structured release flows tie feedback to the project.
Partial. LiveDoc produces manufacturing packages and OnCloud versions those releases. Does not include a similar structured one-click release-package flow with feedback tied back to the design.
Web-Based Assembly Interface
Yes. The Assembly Assistant provides a paperless, sequential, web-based assembly interface for prototype and short-run production.
No. Offers no equivalent paperless assembly assistant or web-based assembly instruction tool.
Manufacturing Services from Trusted Partners
Yes. Altimade (in Beta) provides in-platform quoting, manufacturability checks, and direct ordering through Altium's vetted CM network.
No. Offers no equivalent in-platform contract-manufacturer marketplace. CM engagement is handled outside OrCAD X.
Why Engineering Teams Choose Altium Agile Teams Instead of Cadence OrCAD X?
- Up to 25 designers co-authoring the same PCB layout at once
- Seat-free browser reviews with checklists and audit-ready logs
- One governed workspace for ECAD, MCAD, procurement & manufacturing
- Design-linked tasks with bi-directional Jira synchronization
- SSO, SCIM, user groups, and exportable event logs for IP control
- Live Octopart pricing, stock, and lifecycle data in every BOM
- Requirements linked to schematics, layouts, and BOMs
- Visual diffs across schematics, PCBs, Gerbers, and BOMs
- Rigid-flex MCAD sync with SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor, Fusion & NX
- Built-in one-click connectors for Duro and Arena cloud PLM
Jeremy Blum
Shaper
Bülent Solan
Co-Founder & CTO
Quarterwave
Nicolas Furnemont
Mechatronics Engineer
Woodoo
David Jin
Team Captain and Driver
Ribbot
Jeremy Blum,
Shaper
About Altium
Altium, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a global software company accelerating the pace of electronics innovation. Altium manages the entire electronics lifecycle and connects all stakeholders throughout the creation process, enabling faster development of electronics-based products for companies of all sizes.
Which Is Better: Altium Agile Teams or Cadence OrCAD X?
Which is better depends on how many people need to work on the design at once, and how much structure your process requires.
OrCAD X Professional is a capable design platform: Capture and Presto cover schematics, layout, PSpice simulation, and constraint management, and OnCloud adds cloud workspaces with version history and browser viewers. For a small team of one or two designers working within the Cadence ecosystem, it is a reasonable fit. The differences appear when the team grows and collaboration has to scale. With Altium Agile Teams:
Up to 25 authors co-edit the same PCB layout, with automatic conflict management and merging. In OrCAD X, Symphony sessions are limited to two designers.
ECAD, MCAD, procurement, and manufacturing work in one governed workspace with role-based permissions, instead of separate apps like LiveBOM, MCADX, and LiveDoc.
Design reviews run in the browser, seat-free, through a structured Managed Design Review workflow with checklists, approvals, and audit-ready logs.
Tasks link directly to design objects and sync bi-directionally with Jira, while SSO, SCIM, and exportable event logs keep a growing team secure and audit-ready.
Requirements, configurable workflows, and turnkey Duro and Arena PLM connectors extend the platform beyond design into process governance, capabilities OrCAD X covers only through external PLM systems, if at all.
If your team is small and your process is informal, OrCAD X Professional gets designs done. If multiple designers need to work on the same board, stakeholders across disciplines need one source of truth, and your process demands traceability and audit readiness, Altium Agile Teams is built for exactly that.
Switching from Cadence OrCAD® to Altium Agile Teams?
Altium gives Cadence OrCAD users a supported migration path into Altium Agile Teams, and it's easier and faster than you might think. Altium Designer's Import Wizard translates complete OrCAD designs (to version 17.4), including Capture schematics, Layout PCB files, and libraries, into Altium's file format in minutes, and converts OrCAD CIS database libraries into equivalent Altium database libraries.
Your team keeps working from day one, supported by free online training, documentation, and an active user community. And with up to 25 co-authors on the same board, the whole team can pick up where the migration leaves off, together.