Smart forms of automation with CAD software can make the daily work of a chief draftsman much more enjoyable. Think script, APIs or specific configurations. CAD software plays a key role in automating data and operations at companies that design and make products. Something can always be done faster, easier or more reliably. With the right steps, you automate actions that would otherwise take a few to 10 minutes.
Sometimes the desire to innovate is the reason that drives companies to want to automate operations. At least as often, it is the request to help think about the work process. Occasionally, frustration is the driver. Regardless of the reason, it is wise anyway to assess once in a while which processes could or should be more efficient.
There are a number of reasons to opt for more than standard automation. For example, you have good (3D) CAD software, but want to spend less time on manual operations. Another reason is that you want to link the CAD software to other software, such as Helios or an ERP package. The big advantage of HiCAD, ISD's 3D CAD software, is that a number of standard interfaces are already available and it is always possible to create APIs. ISD develops the basic application itself and comes up with improvements for the software at least three times a year. In addition, custom development is always possible.
HiCAD's broad base of capabilities is not always sufficient for users. Among the software's users are many smart people who see how they can make work processes more effective and reliable. In some cases, a script offers a solution for this. Suppose you have a particular finish for a product that is not part of an industry standard. That finish can be modelled manually in the software, but it is also possible to convert it into a standard function that automates that operation next time. This is possible for various industries, including facade construction, steel construction and mechanical engineering.
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Automation makes work processes smarter and faster. Drawing parts and generating assemblies are both present in HiCAD, but sometimes a customer wants an even more specific form of automation. For example, if it is necessary to package a subsection for a product, when you know that two weeks later another part is due. One option is to repeatedly perform these operations yourself and spend ten minutes on them each time, or you have a script written for them. The latter saves time, something that is very welcome in times of growth opportunities and staff shortages. It avoids a choice between hiring someone or being able to do more with the same number of people.
Yet automation is not always about achieving cost savings, process optimisation or error reduction. Setting yourself apart from the competition is also something for which forms of automation are hugely suitable. For instance, NC file formats are present in almost every CAD software package. But what if you want to deviate from that standard? Does your CAD supplier think along with that? At ISD, as far as HiCAD is concerned, we emphatically do, so that you not only work smarter, but also distinguish yourself from the competition.
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