Continuous improvement is important for a company, regardless of the sector in which it operates. Process optimisation with CAD software is an obvious choice. At a minimum, it can reduce the number of manual operations. But more is possible. These are the 4 major trends in process optimisation with CAD software.
4 trends in process optimisation with CAD software:
- End of fixed workstations - Fixed workstations are on their way out. The need for them has diminished considerably, partly because people can work in all sorts of places. The only condition that applies is a stable internet environment. That internet connection, such as for your CAD software, can also be used for optimisation activities. If you or your colleagues always have access to the latest, most up-to-date files, then that fixed workstation is really no longer necessary.
- Paperless work - Companies are exchanging piles of paper for digital information. Monitors and tablets with applications are excellent for carrying out work. You have access to the latest version of a drawing, something that is not always possible with a paper version. This certainty provides peace and overview in the production and assembly environments.
- The end of island automation - Companies that are growing and looking to optimise are realising that the focus should not be on one application or department, but on how systems and departments work together. It is extremely important to show employees what their role is in the whole and convince them which steps in the chain are necessary to move forward as a company as a whole. If employees can be convinced, they will use systems more efficiently and fulfil their roles better.
- Reducing the number of workshop drawings - Working with single-piece drawings of individual components is something that you, as an entrepreneur, want to reduce. The vast majority of these drawings are, or rather were, required to program machines to perform operations. Thanks to smarter tools, such as modern 3D CAD software, this is also easy to do with the file formats in these systems. This also eliminates the need to measure something manually. You just conjure up the part on your screen and set the software to work.
Do you want to get to know our smart CAD software? In a handy video we show how HiCAD can optimise your business process.
Optimising processes can quickly pay off
The most important trends in process optimisation come down to digitalisation. The CAD system is central to this. Digitisation helps you reduce errors, work faster and produce more with the same number of people. A smooth exchange between IT systems, such as between an ERP package and CAD software, is essential. If this smooth data exchange is in place, then no-one is needed anymore for retyping data. You also save hours and reduce the chance of producing parts incorrectly. Optimising business processes can quickly pay off, especially with today's high material prices.