Breaking All The Rules of CAD and PDM

One of the many challenges of file-based CAD collaboration is that it cannot accommodate distributed and multi-user access – so individuals have to “wait for their turn.” File-based PDM systems rely on slow file check-in/check-out processes that make concurrent access impossible. When a user makes changes to a design file, those changes cannot be seen by the team until the file is checked back into the system. This laborious process forces prolonged serial workflows instead of teams working efficiently in parallel.

Cloud-native CAD provides concurrent editing, meaning anyone with a web-connected device can access, view, and work on designs together - no more waiting. Whenever one member of the team makes a design change, everyone else on the team can instantly see it. Cloud-native CAD provides teams with a single source of truth, eliminating any confusion or doubt over which version of a design is really the latest version. As a result, engineers and designers can focus on what truly matters – delivering high-quality products to market faster and more efficiently.

With file-based CAD systems, data is usually edited by multiple people in multiple places. Particularly with large assemblies, there are lots of files to keep track of – you save a version, make some changes and rename the file. Copies are emailed to colleagues and get copied everywhere. There’s never really a way to know if you truly have the latest version.

To avoid serious version control problems, which could result in costly manufacturing errors and delays, it’s usually imperative to purchase an expensive, add-on Product Data Management (PDM) solution. Even with add-on PDM systems, there are rules to follow to use these tools correctly and to scale their use across the company.

Cloud-native CAD programs typically already include a built-in Product Data Management (PDM) system. Cloud-native PDM enables CAD users to easily keep track of all the iterations of their files. Automatic version control safeguards their CAD files from being altered without their knowledge, and prevents users from inadvertently replacing important data.

Users can design and collaborate on the same documents freely without the fear of their work being overwritten. With cloud-native CAD and PDM, you can be confident that you’re always working with the most accurate, up-to-date design – while lightening your process with fewer rules.

As a rule, CAD and PDM software can break your budget if teams don’t account for the IT expenditure. File-based CAD systems require considerable IT infrastructure, management and administration. Just to keep engineers working, teams need to deal with software licenses, downloads, installs, updates, hardware/software procurement and configuration, system backups, and the setup of user access. In addition, installed file-based CAD systems are very compute-intensive and often require expensive high-end workstations. Software upgrades need to be done on every computer, often creating undesired downtime.

Cloud-native CAD requires zero IT overhead and administration, such as software installation, licenses, copying and backing up files, server maintenance, and other time-consuming tasks. Your work doesn’t need to be saved every few minutes because every keystroke and mouse click is automatically backed up redundantly. Because cloud-native CAD runs in your web browser, with computations done on a remote server versus on a local machine, you can design products on any computer, tablet or phone – or even on an inexpensive Chromebook. Software updates are regularly deployed in the cloud and require zero downtime or interruptions to your work. You no longer need a dedicated CAD administrator, nor do you need to waste your best engineer’s time on non-project-critical IT tasks.