In the manufacturing industry, efficiency is key. Any delay, error, or extra step can lead to higher costs and/or longer lead times. Yet, many companies still use CAD software without industry-specific extensions. While these programs are versatile, they often fall short of meeting the specific demands of the manufacturing sector.
Industry-specific CAD extensions provide the solution. They better align with industrial requirements, increase productivity, and minimize errors. But what does this mean in practical terms for manufacturing companies?
Why Generic CAD Software Doesn’t Always Work
At first glance, generic CAD software seems like a smart choice. It is widely applicable and often cheaper in its basic form. However, as companies grow and undertake more complex projects, they encounter limitations:
- Too much manual work. Certain operations must be repeatedly configured because the software does not account for industry standards.
- Lack of industry-specific tools. Standard CAD systems often lack specific tools needed by steel fabricators, façade builders, or metalworkers, resulting in unnecessary time loss.
- Limited integration with other systems. Many manufacturing companies use ERP and CAM systems. If CAD software does not integrate well with these, it leads to delays, duplicate data entry, and production errors.
- Risk of errors and rework. Generic CAD programs do not recognize industry-specific requirements, increasing the likelihood of design errors, which lead to costly corrections.
Generic CAD software can work well for simple designs, but once a company seeks to optimize its processes, a specialized solution becomes necessary.
The Benefits of Industry-Specific Extensions
Industry-specific CAD solutions are designed to address the unique challenges of the manufacturing industry. They include tools and automation features that streamline daily operations and reduce error margins.
Working More Efficiently Through Automation
Many designers waste time on repetitive tasks, such as entering dimensions or repeatedly setting material parameters. Industry-specific extensions help companies by:
- Automatically reusing standard components, allowing designs to be created faster and consistently.
- Providing proven templates that are immediately applicable in steel construction, façade building, and metalworking.
- Offering automatic error checking, ensuring that design flaws are detected before production begins.
The Dutch metalworking company Straatman managed to reduce its lead time by thirty percent by implementing advanced automation in the design process. By developing custom scripts for repetitive tasks, such as generating drilling and cutting patterns, the company optimized its engineering and production processes. This resulted in faster designs, fewer errors, and a smoother transition to production.
Better Integration with ERP and CAM Systems
Many manufacturing companies use an ERP system for planning and a CAM system for controlling CNC machines. If CAD software does not integrate well with these, data must be transferred manually, which is error-prone and slows down production.
With industry-specific extensions, a direct connection to these systems can be established, resulting in:
- Elimination of errors caused by duplicate data entry.
- A smoother transition from design to production.
- Instant updates to designs across all systems.
Staalservice Hardenberg, a specialist in complex steel structures, reduced design errors by forty percent in this way. By linking CAD software to their ERP system and implementing automated error detection, design and production consistency improved. This led to fewer rework instances and a more efficient production process.
Fewer Errors and Less Waste
Design errors are costly. A small mistake in a steel structure can mean that an entire series of parts must be reproduced. Industry-specific CAD software reduces this risk with:
- Smart error detection, ensuring designs are checked before they go into production.
- Parametric design, where the entire model adjusts automatically with changes, eliminating the need for manual modifications.
The Belgian façade construction company Covrr saved fifty thousand euros annually on error corrections by switching to industry-specific CAD software. Thanks to integrated error detection and a more accurate design process, rework was minimized, and material waste was significantly reduced.
Support for Industry Standards and Compliance
Many sectors within manufacturing operate under strict regulations and standards. Industry-specific CAD software ensures that designs immediately comply with these standards.
- Libraries with leading standards (DIN, ISO, EN).
- Compatibility with production and assembly instructions, preventing execution errors.
- Export options in industry-specific file formats for machine control.
Conclusion
Many manufacturing companies still use generic CAD software but face limitations. They waste time on manual work, struggle with integration issues, and frequently need to correct design errors.
Industry-specific extensions offer a solution by providing:
- More efficient workflows with automated tasks.
- Seamless integration with ERP and CAM systems.
- Fewer errors and waste, resulting in direct cost savings.
- Support for industry standards, enabling faster design approvals.
Switching to an industry-specific solution is a logical step for companies that want to work more efficiently and strengthen their competitive position.
Want to discover what industry-specific extensions can do for your company? Request a demo and explore the possibilities.
https://www.isdgroup.com/en/test-and-buy/hicad/online-presentation/
