With international competitors, volatile demand and tight deadlines, productivity is a central challenge. With its place at the forefront of the product development process, the design flow can be constantly improved, through technology and people. Our long-standing experience in the integration, support and customization of CAD and CAM software solutions enables us to provide you with a few tips that can serve as a basis for reflection on how to improve the design process:
5 advices to improve CAD productivity
Our advices to be more efficient in CAD
Emmanuel HIARD | 
1- Implement design standards
CAD standards can take the form of shared databases, guaranteeing consistency in your models. These standards can include :
- Standardized drawing templates.
- Libraries of standard parts and components (screws, nuts, bearings, tubes, etc.).
- File naming and saving protocols.
Why is it useful ? It reduces errors, facilitates collaboration between teams and speeds up design modifications.
Tip: Centralize your standards in a PDM (Product Data Management) system to make them accessible to all your collaborators in real time.
2- Invest in software and modules tailored to your needs
Choosing the right CAD software can transform the way you work. But not all tools are created equal. Make sure you select a solution that matches the specifics of your projects.
Why is this crucial ? Modern CAD software, such as Solid Edge or NX, includes advanced features such as integrated simulation and realistic 3D rendering. By choosing the right modules or plug-ins, you can automate certain repetitive tasks, such as generating technical drawings or analyzing tolerances.
Tip: Consider exploring modules or add-ons specific to your sector. For example, an industrial designer might benefit from a realistic rendering module, while a mechanical engineer might prefer structural simulation tools.
3- Take advantage of automation features
The repetition of identical tasks is a major brake on productivity, as efforts are concentrated on actions with no added value. The automation features found in most high-performance CAD software, such as Siemens NX, save precious time :
- Parametric models: adjust model dimensions or geometries without starting from scratch.
- Scripts or macros: automate common tasks such as BOM updates or repetitive simulations.
- Multiple configurations: create multiple variants of a product with a single click, instead of duplicating files.
Tip: Learn how to use these tools via tutorials (like our QuickTips) or advanced training sessions. An investment in time today translates into sustainable gains in the long term.
4- Strengthen your team's skills
High-performance CAD software is nothing without a team that knows how to use it to its full potential. Take the time to :
- Train your staff in the new functionalities.
- Communicate clearly about process changes and the impact on everyone's work.
- Share best practices internally, such as file organization or assembly optimization.
- Encourage continuous learning, via e-learning platforms or recognized certifications.
Why is this important ?
A user who masters his software perfectly is faster, more precise and better prepared to solve complex problems.
5- Adopt a collaborative and connected approach
Collaboration is often the key to delivering projects faster. Connected CAD solutions with exchange, sharing and revision facilities, integrated with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) platforms, enable centralized data management and real-time interaction between teams. Key benefits :
- Track changes live.
- Simplified file sharing with stakeholders.
- Avoids errors between different file versions.
- Cloud-hosted IS: secure access from any device, anywhere.
Tip: Integrate tools like Siemens NX or Solid Edge (CAD/CAM process) with Teamcenter (PLM process) for seamless collaboration.
Emmanuel HIARDTraining & Project Manager
E-Mail: Emmanuel.Hiard@janus-engineering.fr
Training & Project Manager
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