Many manufacturers are currently in a position where they are using several CAD applications. This could be because of customer needs, external suppliers, or even internal departments using different CAD packages. While it is not always possible to reduce the number of CAD packages that you have to use, in instances where you can, there are clear advantages. Let's take a look at 4 key factors that make CAD consolidation a viable and profitable choice for many manufacturers.
It’s not unusual for manufacturers to have to work with multiple CAD systems. This could be because suppliers, subcontractors, customers, or even a different department are using a different CAD package. Due to the proliferation of 3D CAD systems and the range of different packages, this can create enormous difficulties for manufacturers when they try to use these models with their own CAD software.
To understand how and why product lifecycle management first developed and why there is a clear and growing need for PLM, we first need to look at what we mean by product lifecycle.
In every field of engineering, calculations are essential. Sometimes these calculations are simple, and performed using a notepad and engineering calculator or, more likely, a spreadsheet program like Excel. But, engineering calculations, much like life, are not always simple. Calculations have to take into account more than just the technical aspects of the task in hand and also consider other aspects such as efficiency and cost. Lets take, for example, the complex calculations needed to design an electric motor or transformer. You need to consider the type of lamination iron to be used, the size of the core, type of insulation, and chose between aluminium or copper conductors. During the calculation process, you have to tie all these elements together to optimise the design, taking into account efficiency, cooling, and cost.
Today we’re going to look at consolidating CAD software. We’re going to take a look at some of the benefits of moving to a single, consistent CAD platform. While there will be cases when this isn’t a feasible option, for instance customer requirements, it a large number of cases it is a solid strategy for your company.
You’re researching Creo Parametric 2.0, but not sure whether it’s the right CAD tool for you? While it is important to understand the capabilities and advantages of a CAD solution (there’s plenty of detailed information available about the advantages of Creo Parametric 2.0 - you can download our guide here), sometimes you just want a quick-fire summary.
Engineering calculations are at the core of successful product design. And, when it comes to engineering calculations, Mathcad Prime 3.0 is the industry standard. This latest release of Mathcad Prime comes with fantastic new features, including global definitions, math formatting in text, templates for advanced numerics and new custom functions. This isn’t your standard spreadsheet; it’s an essential tool for successful engineering calculations:
Having to use a CAD tool that doesn’t match your needs isn’t just frustrating; it can lead to serious problems with your product development. Think about it, if you have an unsuitable tool, delays and mistakes become almost inevitable.
In recent years, a number of leading high tech companies have found themselves suddenly following the competition. They have lost their place as market leaders of the pack to younger upstarts. Partially, this can be explained by the ability of the competition to leverage and optimise their product development processes to beat the leaders to the market with the most innovative products.
Product Lifecycle Management enables companies to manage all the data, information, and communications for the entire product lifecycle – covering all stages from concept development through to product retirement. But, actually knowing when the time is right for your organisation to take the steps to implement a PLM solution isn’t always easy. Recognising the signs that PLM is the right move for your organisation can make the difference between remaining competitive and falling behind in your market. Here are 5 of the common indicators that PLM could be the next move you need to take.