CATIA V5 to 3DEXPERIENCE migration for automotive suppliers
In short
A CATIA V5 to 3DEXPERIENCE migration moves design data, catalogues, templates and automation from file-based V5 to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, often while V5 stays in use for OEM deliveries. We plan the steps with you, test them on real parts and rebuild macros and rules where they no longer run.
Updated 27 Oct 2026
Many suppliers move to 3DEXPERIENCE while some OEM customers still specify a CATIA V5 release for delivery. The move touches more than geometry: catalogues, start models, PowerCopies, Knowledgeware rules and VBA or CAA macros each need a decision.
- Start with
- Intro callfree, 45 minutes
- Billing
- Day rates€790 engineer day · €990 lead day
- Systems
- CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE, ENOVIA
How it works
- 01
Take stock of V5
We list what exists today: parts and products, catalogues and standard parts, start models, PowerCopies and user features, Knowledgeware rules, design tables and macros, plus the V5 release each OEM customer requires.
- 02
Choose a route per data set
Per data set we decide with you: native import into 3DEXPERIENCE, continued authoring in V5 with the data managed on the platform (Dassault Systèmes calls this Power'By), or archive only. Running programmes can stay in V5 where the OEM requires it.
- 03
Rebuild the automation
3DEXPERIENCE works with PLM objects instead of files, so V5 macros that open, save or search files have to be rewritten. Knowledgeware rules and checks are carried over in EKL, CAA code is ported, and each rebuild is tested against its V5 result.
- 04
Pilot with one programme
One team or product line goes first. We test the full round trip with the OEM: data out in the required release and format, changes back in, and the prescribed check profile passed as before.
What you get
Migration concept
Route per data set, order of teams and programmes, effort and risks, agreed with design, IT and the contacts at each OEM.
Catalogues and templates on the platform
Standard parts, start models and PowerCopies taken over and checked, with a list of what was cleaned up or retired.
Automation inventory and rebuild
Each macro and rule with a decision: rebuild in EKL or the automation interface, replace by a standard function or retire. Rebuilds are tested against the V5 result.
Rules for parallel operation
Which programme runs in which system, how data reaches each OEM in the required release, and when V5 can be switched off for a programme.
Limits
A migration cannot change what the OEM specifies. As long as a customer requires native V5 data in a given release, that programme keeps a V5 path. Data with broken links, missing references or unclear revisions has to be cleaned up before the move, and the effort depends on the state of the archive. Macros that rely on file paths or the V5 document structure have to be rebuilt. Licences and platform setup are agreed with your Dassault Systèmes reseller.
Systems
- CATIA V5
- 3DEXPERIENCE
- ENOVIA
Frequently asked questions
What changes when moving from CATIA V5 to 3DEXPERIENCE?
The biggest change is data management. CATIA V5 works with files such as CATPart and CATProduct, while 3DEXPERIENCE stores designs as objects on a platform with revisions, maturity states and access rights. The modelling workbenches stay familiar, but catalogues, templates, Knowledgeware and automation have to be set up again on the platform. Many suppliers keep V5 for a while because some OEM customers still require V5 data.
Can CATIA V5 VBA macros and CAA applications run in 3DEXPERIENCE?
Usually not without changes. 3DEXPERIENCE supports VBA and VBScript automation and has its own CAA, but its object model works with PLM objects instead of files, so macros that open, save or search files must be rewritten. CAA code has to be ported. Knowledgeware rules are carried over in EKL, the Enterprise Knowledge Language. A sensible first step is an inventory that decides per macro whether to port, rebuild or retire it.
What is the difference between Power'By and a native migration to 3DEXPERIENCE?
With Power'By, CATIA V5 data is managed on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform while design work continues in V5. A native migration imports the data into 3DEXPERIENCE, where it is then edited in 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA. Power'By keeps V5 deliveries simple but means running two systems; native data gives access to all platform functions. The choice can differ from programme to programme.
How long does a CATIA V5 to 3DEXPERIENCE migration take for an automotive supplier?
It depends on the data volume, the number of OEM customers and their V5 requirements, and how much automation exists. Typical stages are an inventory, a pilot with one team or product line and a rollout in steps. Concept and pilot work are usually billed by day rate per engineer, with tasks agreed with the project lead.
Talk to us about your task.
In the free 45-minute intro call we show a live demo on comparable geometry. Someone from our team replies personally within one working day.