Build Prep vs Workflow Software: Why AM Success Needs More Than Just Slicing Tools

Ask most additive manufacturing teams about their “software stack” and the first thing they mention is build prep. And for good reason - slicing and toolpath planning are essential.

But build prep software alone isn’t enough.

If you’re trying to scale, automate, or even just get consistent traceability in additive manufacturing, you need more than a slicer. You need workflow software.

Let’s explore the difference - and why it matters.

What Build Prep Software Does Well

Build prep tools like Netfabb, Magics, and PreForm are essential for:

• Slicing 3D geometry into layers

• Orienting parts

• Generating supports

• Exporting printer-ready files

They focus on a very specific part of the process - preparing geometry for production.

But the moment you hit "export," those tools stop helping.

What Build Prep Doesn’t Do

Here’s what build prep tools typically don’t handle:

• 🔁 Job routing and scheduling

• 📋 Traceability across revisions and orders

• 📦 Material batch tracking and reuse decisions

• 🧾 Quality data capture and compliance reporting

• 🔍 Production monitoring and root-cause analysis

That’s where workflow software comes in - to connect the dots before, during, and after build prep.

Why AM Workflow Software Is the Missing Piece

Workflow software like Authentise Flows integrates across the full additive process:

Design Intent → Build Prep → Production → QA → Post-Processing → Delivery

Instead of exporting files and manually updating spreadsheets, your data flows from one step to the next - automatically.

It helps you:

• Trace every decision, file, and batch

• Automate job scheduling based on real-time constraints

• Capture data for compliance without additional admin

• Unlock cross-team visibility and reporting

“But We Already Use Build Prep Software…”

That’s great - and you should keep using it!

Build prep is part of the workflow - but it’s not the whole thing.

If your team is struggling with:

• Rework

• Missed updates

• Manual reports

• Disconnected systems

...your problem isn’t slicing - it’s lack of workflow.

Ready to Upgrade from Prep to Process?

If you're serious about scaling your additive manufacturing operation, it’s time to move beyond disconnected tools.

👉 Let’s build a connected workflow that works for you. Schedule a discovery session with Authentise