What is CAD design automation needed for?

CAD design automation has revolutionized the way engineers and designers work. It significantly reduces manual work, which speeds up the design process and reduces the possibility of errors. By automating routine tasks, such as creating and editing drawings, designers can focus more on creative and strategic work. This not only improves efficiency but also increases productivity, allowing more time for important design stages.

Automation also enables better data management, which is crucial in complex design projects. When CAD systems are integrated with PLM and ERP systems, information moves seamlessly between different teams. This reduces data fragmentation and ensures that all stakeholders work with up-to-date information. Thus, the design process is not only more efficient but also more error-free.

CAD design automation is a broad concept, ranging from automating individual routine tasks to CAD configurators that automatically produce customer-specific CAD data linked to the CTO process. This article approaches the issue from the latter perspective.

What is needed to implement CAD design automation?

The most essential part of CAD design automation is naturally the CAD program. The most popular and capable CAD programs for this task are parametric 3D CAD systems, such as Creo (PTC) and Solidworks (Dassault Systemes).

In addition, a capable add-on program that seamlessly supports the CAD program is needed, allowing the creation and management of configuration rules for CAD models and drawings, as well as automating CAD data transfer to other systems. Configuration rules can theoretically be programmed using the CAD program’s API or a similar internal programming language, but this is not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, creating configuration rules using the API requires special expertise and is laborious to maintain. Secondly, internally programmed rules in a CAD model make the CAD model rigid for both product development and customer-specific special requests bypassing sales options. Thirdly, add-on programs designed for CAD configuration often also include the capability to connect CAD configuration to other systems in the CTO process.

What type of business benefits significantly from advanced CAD design automation?

When discussing design automation as a producer of customer-specific product individual CAD data, the product must naturally be customer-specifically variable, meaning it is sold with certain customer-selectable features and options. However, mere product variability does not necessarily require design automation. CAD design automation is needed when the sale or manufacturing of a customer-specific individual or both require 3D CAD models, drawings, or other information produced in the CAD system to succeed. If your company sells and manufactures a customer-specifically variable product, but at some point in the offer-order-delivery process a CAD designer is needed, then advanced CAD design automation can create significant cost savings and transformative competitive advantage for your company.

How does CAD design automation support digital transformation?

CAD design automation is a key part of digital transformation when integrated with other digital systems such as CPQ, PLM, and ERP. Digital transformation not only enhances existing processes but also enables the creation of new business models. As companies adopt new technologies and work methods, they can remain competitive in a changing market environment.

CAD design automation is not just a technology, but a comprehensive approach that can transform how companies design and develop their products. Our solutions, such as the Link-It® software, help companies fully leverage this potential. If you want more information on how we can support your digital transformation, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts are ready to help you achieve the next level of efficiency and innovation.