Creating a flexible data management environment in CAD/CAE/CAM for product lifecycle management

Most commercial CAD/CAE/CAM software programs offer Product Data Management and Product Lifecycle Management functionality that incorporates 3D design/graphics, engineering drawings, digital archiving and revision control, collaboration tools and centralized databases for managing information and facilitating reduced times to market. Although these systems are powerful and available for product designers, engineers and managers, over-stated capability and cumbersome user interfaces often fail to deliver on promises made to customers. In addition, the resources for implementing these programs and the high cost of software licenses have forced many companies (especially small-medium sized) to post-pone or reconsider plans to invest in this promising technology. This paper describes a methodology for streamlining the engineering and development of new products using computer aided applications and software made using Application Programming Interface tools. Advances in computing and engineering will bring new ideas and innovation to make the product development process more agile and customizable to the needs of each company. This paper focuses on combining the areas of CA'X' based product development and software engineering to address some of the shortcomings of "off the shelf" programs and raise awareness of the possibilities that exist when CAD/CAE/CAM is viewed as the hub of a more integrated and flexible working environment that is rich with accessible information.