Engineering Change Order Template for SolidWorks (Free Download in Word)

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What Is an Engineering Change Order?

An Engineering Change Order is a formal document that defines, evaluates, and approves modifications to existing designs, assemblies, drawings, or manufacturing processes. It goes beyond simply “editing a CAD file.” An ECO records why the change is necessary, what items are affected, how the change will be implemented, and who must approve it.

Without this process, teams risk version conflicts, missed updates in assemblies or BOMs, and costly production errors.

Why SolidWorks Users Need ECO Templates

SolidWorks is often at the core of mechanical design workflows. Its part (.SLDPRT), assembly (.SLDASM), and drawing (.SLDDRW) files are interdependent, meaning a small modification in one file can ripple through multiple downstream artifacts.

A dedicated ECO template for SolidWorks ensures that:

• All file types are accounted for: parts, assemblies, and drawings are listed with their revision levels.
• PDM actions are documented: check-in/check-out requirements, workflow states, and revision bumps are clearly defined.
• Impact analysis is thorough: changes in CAD models are evaluated for their effect on BOMs, CNC/3D printing output, ERP part numbers, and vendor relationships.
• Approvals are traceable: engineering, quality, manufacturing, and procurement all review the change before it is released.

Key Sections of a SolidWorks ECO Template

A SolidWorks-specific ECO template typically contains the following sections:

1. Header Information

• ECO number
• Date
• Prepared by, reviewed by, approved by
• SolidWorks file references and current revision levels

2. Affected Items

A structured table listing:

• Part files (.SLDPRT)
• Assembly files (.SLDASM)
• Drawing files (.SLDDRW)
  Each entry includes the file name, revision, and PDM ID for traceability.

3. Change Description

A clear explanation of what is changing within SolidWorks, such as:

• Feature modifications (e.g., hole diameter, chamfer addition)
• Assembly changes (mates, sub-assembly replacement)
• Drawing updates (dimension corrections, annotation additions)

4. Reason for Change

The rationale, whether due to a design error, cost reduction initiative, customer feedback, or regulatory compliance.

5. Impact Analysis

Evaluation of how the change affects:

• BOMs generated from assemblies
• 2D drawings and exported PDFs
• CAM/CNC or 3D printing processes
• ERP part numbers and procurement records
• Suppliers and lead times

6. Implementation Plan

Details for rollout, including:

• New revision level
• Effective date
• PDM actions (state transitions, check-in/check-out)
• Responsible engineers
• Training or communication requirements

7. Traceability

Links to related ECOs, affected revision levels, and other reference documents in the PDM system.

8. Approvals

Signature fields for all key roles (engineering, QA, manufacturing, supply chain) to ensure accountability.

Benefits of Using ECO Templates in SolidWorks

• Consistency: Teams follow the same process for every change, reducing oversight.
• Compliance: Regulatory requirements (ISO, FDA, aerospace standards) are satisfied through documented traceability.
• Efficiency: Stakeholders know exactly where to look for information and which steps to follow.
• Error Reduction: By forcing engineers to consider downstream impacts, the risk of shop-floor mistakes is minimized.

Conclusion

For organizations using SolidWorks, an ECO template is more than a form—it’s a safeguard against chaos in design and production. By formalizing change management, companies can balance agility with control, ensuring that every modification improves the product without introducing costly errors.

Implementing a SolidWorks-specific ECO template in Word or within your PDM system bridges the gap between CAD design and organizational alignment. The result is smoother collaboration, fewer mistakes, and faster delivery of better products.

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