Windchill Consulting Prices

6/4/2025

Hate talking to sales people? Do you hate spending so much time talking to them before you actually get a quote? In this post, I am going to give you real quotes and costs for the typical technical Windchill jobs. That way, you are prepared for what you are going to get hit with...

Like my AI image? Official logo not used for obvious reasons.

I've been doing Windchill Consulting for 14 years now. I have created 100's of quotes/statements of work. I prefer to be fair with how I quote things and don't add fluff. Although I can't control the extra nonsense that gets added in before it gets to the customer, I can at least show you what I quote typical jobs.

Consulting Rates

Every since I have been doing this work, the MSRP has been $250/hr. 99% of the jobs are fixed bid and I prefer it that way. Time & Material is reserved for support and customers that have money to burn. If the consulting company is desperate for work, has an immediate available opening that they want to fill, you have a massive job you want done, or you are a good long time customer (have worked with many times, always paid on time, nice and considerate) then you can likely get that rate to $200-$225/hr. For everyone else, it's $250/hr for a US citizen consultant.

Where Does That Money Go?

Now, don't you dare assume that I get paid anywhere near $250/hr. I am on salary and always have been. A consultant will always get paid better if they go it alone and do contracts. That $250/hr needs to cover things such as:

The technical resource (Consultant)
Sales (yes, they get a bonus for making a sale but they also have a base pay rate with benefits)
Accounting (sends the bills, payroll, hunts you down if you are late to pay)
Middle Management (first head to roll when things go bad)
Upper Management (CEO, Vice President, any other impressive sounding titles such as Director of Bench Warming)
IT
Office Costs (rent, utilities, unlimited espresso bar, etc.)
And since these bills keep coming whether we have work or not, enough needs to be brought in to make up for the down time between the end of one project and the start of another. It is rare to get jobs lined up back to back to back.

1. New Windchill Install (New Customer)

Starting from the very beginning, this is a customer who doesn't have any PLM system and wants to start off with OOTB Windchill. That means there are no customizations or workflow changes but they do get a custom lifecycle, attributes, roles, access controls, versioning, etc. Basically, anything that doesn't involve coding is considered a configuration so they would get any configuration within reason i.e. 1 lifecycle, 5 custom roles, 10 custom attributes, etc. We would typically ask questions to see if this is a simple quick start or whether it needs more time for discussion or configuration.
Let's assume this is the most basic new install job which means it is a Quick Start. Here is what I typically quote with some explanation of the work:

Day 1: Install Windchill
- Just OOTB Install for now. Need it to show what the system can do when discussing configurations.
- This also includes the CAD Worker for just Creo and Solr Server for indexing.
- This just includes PDMLink. ProjectLink can be installed as well but no configurations for it are included in the basic quick start.
Day 2: Windchill Business Administration Mentoring
- This is where we would have some conversations about what configurations are needed like the things from the paragraph above.
Day 3: Windchill Configuration
- Configuration of Windchill based on agreed upon configurations.
Day 4: Windchill User Mentoring
- Show customer how to connect to Windchill (Workgroup Manager or Creo).
- Go through the configurations and walk through getting new data in, modifying, releasing, changing, etc.
- Some changes can be made on-the-fly during the training.
Day 5: System Admin Mentoring
- Walk through the system install, backup and recovery procedure, licensing, how to add new users, logs, troubleshooting, services, etc.
Total Cost: 5 x 8 x 250 = $10,000. Of course, I would do it for half but no one is taking me up on that offer...

2. Windchill CPS Patch Install i.e. Windchill 13.1.0.0 to 13.1.0.x

Windchill CPS Patches include bug fixes and security updates. They can include some functionality changes but those are mainly for support of newer CAD software versions i.e. SolidWorks 2025 being newly supported in a CPS patch. How much does it cost? We have to start adding some scenarios here as we get into the "already have Windchill" type work. I will list out some:

Scenario 1:
- You only have a production server, no file servers, 1 Creo CAD Worker, PDMLink/ProjectLink only, no Navigate, no cluster, no customizations, this is the most basic scenario.
- Assume I have never worked with you before.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
  - You'd be amazed at how much time it takes to get access and work through everyone's "we have the most secure" VPN. I need to make sure there isn't anything on that system that will get in the way i.e. customizations.
  - Most people don't know what they have no matter how confident they seem. This is why it is often explicitly stated in SOWs that customizations are Out of Scope.
- Day 2: Backup, CPS Install on Prod Server, Final Checks
  - Installing the CPS patch is fairly simple. Taking a backup is what kills the time. I have no problem installing CPS patches without testing first on a test system. I've done it way to many times to not trust my instincts. Don't let other consultants convince you it is something more serious okay?
- Total Cost: 2 x 8 x 250 = $4,000
Scenario 2:
- Same as scenario 1 but you have a dev server as well.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
- Day 2: Backup, CPS Install on Dev Server
  - We are assuming the Dev server is the same version as prod and a recent clone. If not, then this is a complete waste of time and you should either skip this part, rehost prod to dev first, or rehost prod to dev after to have it up-to-date. Refer to rehost job below for pricing.
  - You will then spend time validating the Dev server. Let me know when you are done.
  - Have more environments? QA, UAT? Just add a day for each taking into account the first bullet point. If you have many environments and they aren't the same version as prod or recent clones i.e. last 6 months then what are you doing even?
- Day 3: Backup, CPS Install on Prod Server, Final Checks
- Total Cost: 3 x 8 x 250 = $6,000
Scenario 3:
- Same as scenario 1 but I do regular health checks for you so I already have access and know your system.
- Day 1: Backup, CPS Install on Prod Server, Final Checks
- Total Cost: 1 x 8 x 250 = $2,000
Extra Costs:
- 1/2 Day: File Server Update
  - Most of the time is waiting for the update to be sent to the file server. What a pain.
- 1/2 Day: CAD Worker Update
  - Maybe the CPS Patch now supports SolidWorks 2025 and you want the CAD worker to be able to publish that. Well, we are just redoing the CAD worker all over again so no time saved here.

3. Windchill Maintenance Update i.e. Windchill 13.1.0.x to 13.1.x.x

This is otherwise known as a minor update. The good news is that you get updated straight to the latest CPS patch in the process. More functionality is likely added in minor builds (but let's be honest, no). What does it take?

Scenario 1:
- You only have a production server, no file servers, 1 Creo CAD Worker, PDMLink/ProjectLink only, no Navigate, no cluster, no customizations, this is the most basic scenario.
- Assume I have never worked with you before.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
  - You know why this is here.
- Day 2-3: Backup, Maintenance Update Install on Prod, Post Install Steps, Final Checks
  - It takes more time than a CPS patch. The install files are larger and there are usually post install steps that need to be followed. The more serious the changes, the more it takes to verify and validate.
- Total Cost: 3 x 8 x 250 = $6,000
Scenario 2:
- Same as scenario 1 but you have a dev server as well.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
- Day 2-3: Backup, Maintenance Update Install on Dev, Post Install Steps
  - Customer validates on Dev.
- Day 4: Backup, Maintenance Update Install on Prod, Post Install Steps, Final Checks
  - It's more of a 1 1/2 days for each server so keep that in mind in case you are wondering.
- Total Cost: 4 x 8 x 250 = $8,000
Scenario 3:
- Same as scenario 1 but I do regular health checks for you so I already have access and know your system.
- Day 1-2: Backup, Maintenance Update Install on Prod, Post Install Steps, Final Check
- Total Cost: 1.5 x 8 x 250 = $3,000
  - Are you starting to see the benefits of regular health checks?
Extra Costs:
- 1/2 Day: File Server Update
- 1/2 Day: CAD Worker Update

4. Windchill Upgrade i.e. 13.1.x.x to 13.x.x.x or 14.x.x.x

Upgrading gets you to the next major release. Try to understand the below bullet list if you dare.

This is going to get confusing so bare with me:

New Windchill Versioning scheme since 12 is A.B.C.D
Major release is A.B
Minor release is C
CPS is D
You can upgrade from 11.x to the latest Windchill 12.1.2.x directly.
You can't upgrade from 11 to 13 directly nor from 12 to what will be 14 directly.
If you want to go from 11.0 to 11.1 or 12.0 to 12.1 or 13.0 to 13.1, it is still an upgrade.
If you want to go from 11 to 13 or 12 to 14, it is a double upgrade. The same process done twice in a row. I would save you a single day if you do it back to back but do yourself a favor and stop waiting for 14 just so you can get the most bang for your buck. It will just be twice as much...
- Of course things change and 14 isn't out until next year but this is how it has always been...
- If you are barely on 11, you need to move now unless you want a triple upgrade?

What does it cost?

Scenario 1:
- You only have a production server, no file servers, 1 Creo CAD Worker, PDMLink/ProjectLink only, no Navigate, no cluster, no customizations, this is the most basic scenario.
- Assume I have never worked with you before.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
- Day 2: Run WinDU and WinRU
  - This is the diagnostic tool used to detect Windchill upgrade blocking issues as well as other issues. Since this can be a complete drain on time if there are issues i.e. logging tickets with PTC, getting fixes, taking backups before running fixes, etc., this is limited to 8 hours of work with the rest being T&M. I have only had it drag out maybe 2 times in the 40-50 upgrades I have done but I am not taking any chances. We can't just fix an unlimited number of issues on a fixed bid job.
  - If you are a large customer or are on a very early build, I might require a CPS patch to be installed first. This would give the latest WinDU and WinRU tools and is the only way to update them now. See CPS patch for added time.
- Days 3-7: Rehearsal Upgrade on New Prod Server
  - I do everything on a single environment for the simple upgrades. The data gets refreshed between the rehearsal and production upgrades. It is much faster and easier than installing and configuring Windchill twice on dev and prod.
  - You then do your testing. It is on you to validate your data and make sure it doesn't blow up when you open it in Creo. I can only open random things but do I know how a large assembly is supposed to look?
- Days 8-9: Production Upgrade on New Prod Server
  - The New Prod server is reset and the upgrade is redone with a new export from the old server.
  - The old server will be offline for these two days. Anything that gets added after the export is on you to bring over so it is best to just stay away for two days.
- Day 10: Go-Live Support
  - Typically limited to 8 hours on a use it as needed basis and must be used within 30 days (use it or lose it). Most issues are on day 1 to help get users connected.
- Total Cost: 10 x 8 x 250 = $20,000 ...or it could be $10,000 if you know who to ask ;)
Scenario 2:
- Same as scenario 1 but you have a dev server as well.
- Total Cost: scenario 1 plus cost to rehost to make dev server after production. I will still insist on doing validation on what will be the new prod server. See rehost cost below.
Scenario 3:
- Same as scenario 1 but I do regular health checks for you so I already have access and know your system.
- Total Cost: scenario 1 minus 1 day since you are my buddy.
Scenario 4
- Double upgrade
- Total Cost: scenario 1 * 2 - 1 day from access and assess - 1 day for back to back optimization = 10 * 2 - 1 - 1 = 18 * 8 * $36,000 ...could be $18k instead. Just saying but you do you.
Scenario 5
- Double upgrade for my long term friend
- Total Cost: 10 * 2 - 2 days from access and assess - 1 day for back to back optimization - 1 day for health check customer = 10 * 2 - 2 - 1 - 1 = 16 * 8 * 250 = $32,000
- Possible to get an extra day taken off if I really like working with you. I'm not kidding, discounts are given when people pay on time, don't complain unnecessarily, and things historically run smoothly from past projects.

5. Windchill Rehost

Another popular job. A rehost is when you clone Windchill to another server i.e. to make a dev server. This also needs to be done if any part of the fully qualified hostname (hostname or domain) changes.

Let's get straight to the costs:

Scenario 1 (Dev Server Creation):
- You only have a production server, no file servers, 1 Creo CAD Worker, PDMLink/ProjectLink only, no Navigate, no cluster, no customizations, this is the most basic scenario.
- Assume I have never worked with you before.
- Assume we are making a dev server without the CAD worker. It is not typical to include the CAD worker in another environment other than Prod. One reason is that most people don't find it valuable to have and another is they don't have the spare licensed for Creo, SolidWorks, AutoCAD hanging around to dedicate to it. You only get 1 free Creo license to use with Windchill and that is going to be with the Prod server.
- Assume the Database needs to be moved as well i.e. (SQL Server reinstall). Most people don't have some large SQL cluster that always stays the same.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
- Day 2: Export and Copy PTC Installation, Database, LDAP, Filevault to New Location
  - Self explanatory. There are a few methods to do this. I prefer copying the Windchill installation since it is the easiest.
- Day 3: Rehost
  - Reinstall SQL Server, Import Database, Reinstall LDAP, Import LDAP, Run Rehost procedure.
- Total Cost: 3 * 8 * 250 = $6,000
Scenario 2 (Prod Server Name Change):
- Same as scenario 1 but this is for the production server hostname or domain change.
- Day 1: Getting Access and Assessing the System
- Day 2: Rehost
- Total Cost: 2 * 8 * 250 = $4,000
Scenario 3 (Dev Server Creation):
- Same as scenario 1 but you are my friend.
- Day 1: Export and Copy PTC Installation, Database, LDAP, Filevault to New Location
- Day 2: Rehost
- Total Cost: 2 * 8 * 250 = $4,000
Scenario 4 (Prod Server Name Change):
- Same as scenario 2 but you are my friend.
- Day 1: Rehost
- Total Cost: 1 * 8 * 250 = $2,000

Windchill Add-Ons

These add-ons are things you can always add to any job.

1/2 Day: CAD Worker for SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
- It's more of a pain to make a CAD Worker for third party tools.
1/2 Day: SSL install
- Most of the time spent is explaining and getting customer to get the correct SSL certificate with private key.
- This is required if you are going to use Navigate.
1/2 Day: Active Directory Integration
- This is to connect company LDAP to Windchill. It is 1/2 day for each adapter needed (most only have one but some have backup LDAPs they want configured).
1/2 Day: File Server Installation
- This allows remote users i.e. in Asia, to have a file server that is local to them which allows for faster upload and download speeds. The data is synched in the background to the master server.

Too Be Continued...

I will add more when I feel like it. I hope this was helpful.

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