CAD Migration / CAD Tool Change - Part 1

CAD Evolution?

CAD technology originated in the 1960s, initially serving as a replacement for manual drafting. Early CAD programs were basic, providing only 2D sketching functionalities. They were predominantly used in industries, where the complexity of designs necessitated a transition from traditional drafting methods. Nevertheless, modifications and revisions became easier with this revolution, and CAD software and hardware became cheaper a nd affordable for mid-size companies over a period of time.???

By the 1980s, CAD software took a giant leap forward with the introduction of 3D modeling capabilities. This transition allowed engineers to visualize their designs from different perspectives and conduct thorough analysis ahead of physical prototype development.??

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, CAD software further evolved by incorporating parametric and associative features. These features enabled engineers to establish relationships between different design parts, ensuring that any changes made to one part would automatically reflect in the related parts. This innovation significantly increased design efficiency and accuracy, reducing errors, and streamlining the modification process.?

The most recent evolution in CAD software has been the integration of simulation and analysis tools. They can perform a range of analysis, from structural to thermal to fluid dynamics, helping to identify potential design flaws early in the process and minimize costly iterations.?

With the introduction of PLM tools to manage CAD data, organizations were able to reduce data duplication to a greater extent. At the same time, data sharing across domains of organization became ever simplified and secure.?

?

Why has CAD tool change become Essential?

"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often"

With the rise of industrial revolution 4.0, the integration of PLM and CAD became the game changer to meet organizational CAD challenges. This evolution also helped organizations to understand PLM and CAD tools that better suit their business requirements thus forcing them to change. Following are some of the challenges that drive the need for change:

• New consumer habits are demanding stringent delivery time, so organizations are switching tools to comply.?
• To sustain increased competition in the market, companies must improve performance and adapt quickly.
• New quality standards are emerging, so traceability must be implemented in a flawless manner.
• Definition of being successful and leading in the market is greatly driven by the emerging technologies now a days, so keeping the organization up to date is must. Regular trainings, early planning and being adaptable is crucial.
• In the event of a merger and acquisition, organizations prefer to work on a single CAD and PLM application which will maintain the organizational standards and be effective for developing products.
• As the products are becoming more and more complex, small CAD applications are unable to handle the complexity of the designs.
• Inability of CAD applications to provide advanced features, irregularities in the update of the application, and restrictions for the customization/configuration as per organizational needs.

Stay tuned for the important things that need to be considered while changing CAD applications!!!

Do you think of any other challenges that are faced while switching CAD Applications as User / Organization?