HELiOS
What it is
HELiOS is a product data management system for CAD data and documents associated with articles and products. It manages information created during product development and later updates. Users can link Office documents, emails and other files to product records, then use release and version management to retrieve previous information. CAD functions cover release, derivation, versioning and search for drawings and geometries linked to articles. The maker describes cross-department work using rights-based access, checklists and workflow technology. Listed integrations include HiCAD, AutoCAD and Inventor, with EPLAN as an ECAD integration; HELiOS can also connect Microsoft Office information and documents to the product model. It can act as a controlled data-flow component between CAD, PDM and ERP systems. Deployment is on premises, and pricing is on request. The HELiOS 2025 client requires a 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB RAM, 2 GB free disk space, and Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or newer.
For and against
For
- Manages CAD data and product documents.
- Release and version tools provide access to past information.
- CAD integrations include HiCAD, AutoCAD and Inventor.
- Supports approval workflows and revision control.
- Modular add-ons are available.
Against
- Pricing is available on request.
- Deployment is on premises.
- The HELiOS 2025 client requires Windows 10 or newer.
- Minimum listed RAM is 4 GB.
The verdict
HELiOS links CAD data and documents to product records and supports revision and workflow management. Its on-premises deployment and stated client requirements are key considerations.
Who it suits
HELiOS suits organizations managing CAD files, product documents and revisions across departments. The maker’s Out of the Box introduction is intended for companies with up to five engineering workstations and no non-CAD system connections.
Plans and prices
HELiOS PDM/PLM
Viewer, Office and Engineer base modules; add-on modules available
Read 30 Sep 2026 · isdgroup.com
On the record
- CAD integrations
- The maker lists integrations with HiCAD, AutoCAD and Inventor, with EPLAN as an additional ECAD integration.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- CAD management
- Features include release, derivation, versioning and search functions for drawings and geometries linked to articles.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Deployment and extensions
- The modular product offers add-ons including a Spooler, Internet Server, replication management and VaultServer.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Document management
- Users can link Office documents, emails and other files to articles and products, then use release and version management to access past information.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- ERP connection
- The maker describes HELiOS as a controlled data-flow component between CAD, PDM and ERP systems.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Licensing
- The maker documents standalone, network and commuter license types, activated through the ISD License Manager.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maker history
- ISD says it was founded in Dortmund in June 1977 as an engineering company for structural analysis and dynamics in plant and mechanical engineering.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Other integrations
- HELiOS can connect product information and documents from Microsoft Office applications to its managed product model.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product lifecycle
- HELiOS manages data and information created while developing new products or updating existing products.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- HELiOS manages CAD data and provides document management for article-oriented work.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Small-company option
- The Out of the Box introduction is intended for companies with up to five engineering workstations and no connection to systems other than CAD.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maker offers phone support on weekdays and says software-maintenance-contract customers receive hotline support and updates.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Windows requirement
- The HELiOS 2025 client requires a 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB RAM, 2 GB free disk space, and Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or newer.help.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Workflows and access
- The maker describes cross-department communication with user-rights-based data access, checklists and workflow technology.isdgroup.com · read 30 Sep 2026
