Tech-Clarity Insight: The Best of Both Worlds for CAD. Taking the Pain Out of Multi- CAD Data within a Consolidated CAD Platform

Transcription

1 Tech-Clarity Insight: The Best of Both Worlds for CAD Taking the Pain Out of Multi- CAD Data within a Consolidated CAD Platform Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

2 Table of Contents Executive Overview... 3 Realize the Value of CAD Consolidation... 4 Develop a Plan for Legacy Data... 5 Consider a Direct Approach to Support Multi-CAD Migration... 6 Recognize the Impact of Duplicate Objects... 7 Understand the Business Value of a Multi-CAD Direct Approach... 8 Extend to Collaboration Conclusion Recommendations About the Author Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

3 Executive Overview In todays' competitive environment, companies rely on their engineers to develop the next great product that will create future revenue streams. To accomplish this and capture market share, engineers must develop innovative products with the high levels of quality and performance customers expect. This is a lot to achieve so engineers cannot afford to be distracted with non-value added work. To support the important work engineers are doing, companies should identify areas that waste time and detract from innovation. One area that can create engineering inefficiency is developing products in a multi-cad environment. A multi-cad environment is one where multiple types of CAD software are in use. There are numerous reasons for multi-cad environments, including: Suppliers may use different CAD tools Mergers and acquisitions of companies that use different CAD tools Past corporate initiatives to change CAD tools Rather than deal with the challenges of a multi-cad environment, some companies consolidate on a single CAD platform. CAD consolidation can offer cost savings in addition to strategic benefits. As concluded in Tech-Clarity s Report Consolidating CAD The Benefits of a Unified CAD Strategy, At the highest level, standardizing CAD software offers corporate benefits. For example, a single CAD environment can enable a design anywhere build anywhere strategy. This approach allows companies to rapidly adjust to market changes and resource shortages by offering the ability to transfer design or production to new facilities without concern for incompatible design data, tools, or processes. Of course, issues such as customer and supplier constraints may not allow all businesses the opportunity to unify their CAD solutions, but for those who can, there are multiple advantages. At the highest level, standardizing CAD software offers corporate benefits. For example, a single CAD environment can enable a design anywhere build anywhere strategy. After consolidating, there is still the need to take advantage of legacy data from other CAD tools for new or revised designs - this can be a challenge. A new technological approach provides the ability to directly open multi-cad data, without converting it. With this method, engineers can open assemblies from other CAD tools without creating copies of the original data. Data is only converted when it needs to change as part of the overall design. Collaborating with partners or suppliers who are using other CAD tools can also be a potential challenge. With direct access, engineers can collaborate with multi-cad data 3 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

4 and reference it in their assemblies, without reassembling it when it changes. This report describes some of the technical approaches within CAD tools to make working with multi-cad data as seamless as possible, while supporting the business benefits of a consolidated CAD platform. Realize the Value of CAD Consolidation CAD consolidation means standardizing on a single CAD platform. As identified in Tech-Clarity s report, Tech-Clarity s Consolidating CAD The Benefits of a Unified CAD Strategy when consolidating on a single CAD platform, Cost savings are attractive and are certainly attainable through consolidation. Beyond cost savings, though, are even greater strategic benefits. Reducing the number of CAD licenses creates savings, but the savings go far beyond just license and maintenance fees. Cost savings are attractive and are certainly attainable through consolidation. Beyond cost savings, though, are even greater strategic benefits From a staff and productivity perspective, there is also the cost of initial training plus update training with each release. In addition, there are numerous IT costs. Costs include administrating and maintaining the software plus the hardware costs for workstations and servers needed to run the software. IT staff also must address the complexity of managing the interoperability of all the different CAD solutions with enterprise solutions such as PLM and ERP. On top of that, adding the complexity of different operating systems, it becomes clear how something as a simple as installing an operating system patch requires significant effort to validate it against a matrix of software applications. Limiting to just one CAD tool significantly lowers all of this cost and complexity. Moving to just one CAD platform would save a lot of time, training, and cost. Will Ober, Mechanical Engineer, Boston Engineering Boston Engineering, a new product development consulting firm, agrees. Will Ober, a mechanical engineer at Boston Engineering explains, Boston Engineering is mostly a services firm and we have to use the software that the client uses-every other desk is using a different type of modeling software. Moving to just one CAD platform would save a lot of time, training, and cost. Another benefit of CAD consolidation is improved resource utilization. Standardizing on a single CAD tool makes it easier to: Reuse CAD data because it is in the same format Collaborate across the development team as everyone uses the same tool Apply consistent best practices with workflows that use the same tool 4 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

5 Consolidation also makes project staffing easier. Project resources are no longer limited to those who are familiar with the CAD tool. Without consolidation, staffing a project requires thinking about which CAD tool will be used and then identifying which engineers know that tool. The availability of those engineers further limits who can work on the project. By consolidating on a single CAD platform, projects can be staffed according to how many engineers are needed. This offers far more staffing flexibility, creating a more efficient development team that is more likely to meet target dates. Consolidation also makes project staffing easier. Project resources are no longer limited to those who are familiar with the CAD tool. Develop a Plan for Legacy Data While there are many benefits to consolidating, one of the biggest challenges is taking advantage of legacy data. Recouping the investment in CAD tools should involve leveraging work previously created, validated, and released in other CAD tools. Reusing data from older designs saves time by not reinventing the wheel. Plus existing proven designs mean less testing and less chance of errors. However, similar to foreign languages, CAD data must be translated so it can be understood by different CAD applications. The question is, how should the data be converted? Engineers are already under a lot of pressure to remain focused on innovation. Diverting their attention with data conversion isn t a good use of resources. To minimize the impact on the daily engineering workload, a Big Bang approach can be taken. This involves outsourcing the conversion to an offshore, low cost service center to convert everything at once. Engineers benefit because converted data is readily available when they need it. The problem is that even using low cost labor, this is a very expensive process. Also, it is very difficult to validate the converted data is 100% accurate. Another approach is using third party conversion tools for batch conversions. This lowers the cost of converting CAD data, but still requires significant time and effort. Plus, there is still the challenge of validating the accuracy of the converted data. In reality, only a small percentage of older legacy data will need to be changed. In most cases, the data just needs to be viewed and validated in context of a larger assembly. In reality, only a small percentage of older legacy data will be changed. In most cases, the data just needs to be viewed and validated in context of a larger assembly. Knowing this makes it hard to justify the additional expense and effort of converting all CAD data. 5 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

6 The background processes to open multi-cad data are different across individual CAD tools. While the approach may appear to be the same, some CAD tools convert data, which can lead to confusion. Another approach is converting CAD data as it is needed. With this method, time and money is not wasted converting data that will never be needed. Overall, this is less expensive. However, manufacturers should carefully consider how the selected CAD tool supports this to minimize the impact on engineering workflows. The background processes to open multi-cad data are different across individual CAD tools. While the approach may appear to be the same, some CAD tools convert data, which leads to confusion. This should be considered when selecting a CAD tool to consolidate on. Consider a Direct Approach to Support Multi-CAD Migration Traditionally, bringing CAD data into a new CAD application requires converting it to a neutral format such as STEP or IGES. This involves opening it in the original CAD application, exporting it as STEP or IGES, importing it in the new CAD application, and then correcting surfaces that did not translate properly. The process can be rather tedious. I m constantly dealing with import issues from STEP and IGES files, or export issues out to vendors that deal with the same thing. Walter Brewer, Training Manager, PACCAR PACCAR, a global leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of highquality premium trucks, has felt the pain of this process. Walter Brewer, Training Manager at PACCAR explains, I m constantly dealing with import issues from STEP and IGES files, or export issues out to vendors that deal with the same thing. In addition to being tedious, this process also requires maintaining a license of the legacy CAD tool just so that design files can be retrieved and exported. While reducing the number of licenses of the legacy CAD tool does save some cost, maintaining this license reduces some of the value of CAD consolidation with costs such as dedicated hardware. Plus, this is a lot of extra steps just so to view an old file. If we get to a unified platform where we can just use the native files, it will be a lot easier and a lot more efficient. Walter Brewer, Training Manager, PACCAR Third party translation tools can also convert CAD data to different formats as needed. This reduces the cost of the additional CAD licenses and dedicated hardware, but still involves another tool and extra steps. Many companies would just prefer to skip this conversion process all together and use the native multi-cad files directly in a single 6 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

7 platform. PACCAR s Brewer confirms, If we get to a unified platform where we can just use the native files, it will be a lot easier and a lot more efficient. One of the newer advancements in CAD is the ability to open other CAD formats directly within the CAD tool with a simple File, Open, without translating that data. One of the newer advancements in CAD is the ability to open other CAD formats directly within the CAD tool with a simple File, Open, without translating that data. This convenient direct approach means engineers can open the files they need, regardless of where they came from, without leaving their CAD application. The workflow is more natural and as a result, far more efficient. The other big benefit is that additional applications do not need to be maintained, saving license, maintenance, and hardware costs. Recognize the Impact of Duplicate Objects Figure 1: The Creation of Duplicate Objects While the File, Open approach offers benefits in terms of convenience and efficiency, understanding what is happening in the background is important. With some approaches, the CAD tool still does a conversion in the background. Then when the part or assembly is saved, all of the converted parts are also saved, but in the new file format, creating duplicate parts in the database. For example, if you are using CAD A, but you open Part 1 from CAD B, and do nothing but assemble it in Assembly X, when you save Assembly X, you will now have two versions of Part 1, one from CAD A and one from CAD B (Figure 1). Since nothing actually changed in Part 1, this becomes very confusing, creates duplicate design versions of the same part, and ultimately doesn t add value to engineering. How do others know which file is the most current one? 7 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

8 How do downstream departments know which file to use? The confusion created by duplicate parts means people need to take the time to track down which file is right. The confusion created by duplicate parts means people need to take the time to track down which file is right. While there is confusion when it is only a single part, imagine the confusion when working with an entire subassembly from CAD B. If that is assembled in a top level assembly in CAD A, once saved, that subassembly, and all its components, are now duplicated in the database. Multiply this by the tens or hundreds or even thousands of components that could be in an assembly, and the amount of effort required to identify which files are the correct ones can be significant. Then, not only is engineering impacted, but manufacturing, procurement, and anyone in the enterprise who accesses CAD information. On top of this, consider the different time zones involved and the resulting delays tracking down the correct file. The time sink from this seemingly simple issue quickly becomes very apparent. Multiply this by the tens or hundreds or even thousands of components that could be in an assembly, and the amount of effort required to identify which files are the correct ones can be significant. Understand the Business Value of a Multi-CAD Direct Approach With a direct approach, the CAD tool opens the file and no duplicate objects are created When saving an assembly with components from multiple CAD applications, if those components have not changed, there is nothing to save so duplicate components are not created. There is no wondering which file is the right one, avoiding the wasted time and confusion felt by the enterprise. Only when the multi-cad data is modified is it converted into the new CAD format. However, when the file is changed, it would either get a new revision or new part number so there is no cause for confusion. With a direct approach, the CAD tool opens the file and no duplicate objects are created. There is no wondering which file is the right one, avoiding the wasted time and confusion felt by the enterprise. To illustrate this, consider Subassembly Y. The subassembly comes from a supplier using CAD B. An engineer using CAD A works with the top-level assembly, Assembly X. The engineer brings Subassembly Y into the top-level assembly using File, Open and assembles it into the top-level assembly (Figure 2). 8 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

9 Figure 2: Creating a Multi-CAD Assembly With Subassembly Y in place, the engineer notices an interference so needs to make a change to one component in Subassembly Y. The ability to manipulate and modify multi-cad data is also an important consideration for CAD consolidation. A CAD tool that can understand design intent and apply intelligence to multi-cad data, regardless of where it came from, can save engineers time. This will make it easier to work with both legacy data as well as multi-cad data from customers and suppliers. In this case, the engineer needs to modify a surface to avoid an interference so editing what is there already will be much faster than deleting everything and recreating it. Another example of intelligent updates is recognizing a pattern of holes. Perhaps the mounting holes do not line up and both the position and number of holes need to be adjusted. A CAD tool that can recognize a hole pattern in multi-cad data will allow the easier and faster option of modifying the pattern parameters rather than deleting and recreating those holes. Without that intelligence, the engineer would instead have to remove everything and recreate it or go back to the CAD tool the component was originally created in and fix it, without the context of the entire assembly. 9 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

10 Figure 3: Change Made to a Single Component Once the engineer makes the change to the component (Figure 3), the top level assembly is saved. This is where the distinction for how multi-cad data is handled by the CAD tool becomes more apparent. Without the direct approach, even though only one component in Assembly Y changed, all of Assembly Y, with all of its components are saved as new components in the database, but in the format of CAD A. Since none of these components have changed, they are now duplicates without a way to know which copy should be used. The number of duplicate objects can quickly become overwhelming as can be seen in the top half of Figure 4. The bottom half of Figure 4 shows the impact of the direct approach. Only the changed component is saved and converted. Also, only a single version of Assembly Y and the rest of its components reside in the database. Without the direct approach, even though only one component in Assembly Y changed, all of Assembly Y, with all of its components, are duplicated. 10 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

11 Figure 4: The Benefit of the Direct Approach Extend to Collaboration While the direct approach can be a very important tool to support CAD consolidation, it can also support better collaboration with suppliers or others using different CAD tools. System Logistics Corporation is a global supplier of solutions of intra-logistics and material handling for the optimization of the supply chain of warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing operations worldwide. They believe this direct approach will help their business. Roberto Dolci, their CIO and VP of Operations & Customer Care, shares his thoughts on direct access to multi-cad data, For our business, these capabilities will instantly improve our ability to collaborate with customers, prospects, and large suppliers. Now, irrespective of the CAD tools and formats customers or 11 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

12 suppliers use, we can simply open the design data, work with it in one environment, and automatically update to new versions of the design data. For our business, these capabilities will instantly improve our ability to collaborate with customers, prospects, and large suppliers. Roberto Dolci, CIO and VP of Operations & Customer Care, System Logistics Corporation Since the direct approach does not convert multi-cad data unless it has changed, intelligent relationships can be built between components, regardless of which CAD tool the file is from, even if that multi-cad data is still under development. Traditionally, when using CAD parts from another tool, the parts could be assembled into the assembly of multi-cad components. However, every time those parts from other tools changed, the original version would have to be deleted and the new updated part reassembled. Any relationships or assembly features that referenced the updated multi-cad part would have to be recreated. With the direct approach, the link to the multi-cad data is maintained so as it evolves, the changes can be updated without leaving the CAD tool or removing it and reassembling it. For example, relationships can be defined between the shape and location of mounting holes. This means engineers can continue their work while referencing multi-cad data from other applications. Because engineers can see the updates, without disrupting their workflow, collaboration is improved and development time is more efficient. Now rather than wasting time recreating work, they can focus of innovation. Since the direct approach does not convert multi-cad data unless it has changed, intelligent relationships can be built between components, regardless of which CAD tool the file is from. Conclusion With the competitive pressures manufacturers face, it is important that their engineers are enabled to focus their energy on developing innovative products that will create competitive differentiation and drive profitability. To support them, companies should streamline the engineering process by identifying areas of inefficiency. Engineers commonly need to work with CAD data from multiple CAD applications. However, a multi-cad environment can be a source of inefficiency because it is harder to share and reuse CAD data. In addition, staffing is less flexibility because engineers are limited to the CAD tools they are familiar with. Consolidating on a single CAD platform, while still enabling engineers to work with multi-cad data, can be a powerful way to address the inefficiencies. 12 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

13 One reason for the need to work with multi-cad data is so that legacy CAD files from other CAD applications can be reused on future designs. However, using this data typically means converting it. Requiring engineers to stop their work to convert CAD data can be very disruptive of the workflow. Converting everything at once can avoid disruption during design, but it is very expensive. Plus, typically only some legacy CAD parts will be needed in future designs. A newer approach is direct access to multi-cad data. This enables engineers to open files from other CAD tools, directly from their CAD application with the simple menu picks, File, Open. With this method, multi-cad files are opened, but not converted so duplicate objects are not created. Because of this, the engineering workflow is more streamlined, and confusion over which duplicate object is the correct file is avoided. Recommendations Based on industry experience and research for this report, Tech-Clarity offers the following recommendations: Understand the complete cost of operating multiple CAD systems Evaluate the opportunity to consolidate CAD systems to reduce cost, recognizing the multiple cost drivers go well beyond software license fees When consolidating, empower greater reuse by making sure there is a plan for legacy data Be aware of the impact converting legacy data will have on engineers and seek to minimize the impact on their workflow Understand the database impacts of the conversion process and seek options that will not create confusion for the rest of the enterprise Consider a direct approach that allows multi-cad data to be opened using File, Open, without converting it or creating duplicate parts in the database About the Author Michelle Boucher is the Vice President of Research for Engineering Software for research firm Tech-Clarity. Michelle has spent over 20 years in various roles in engineering, marketing, management, and as an analyst. She has broad experience with topics such as product design, simulation, systems engineering, mechatronics, embedded systems, PCB design, improving product performance, process improvement, and mass customization. She graduated magna cum laude with an MBA from Babson College and earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering, with distinction, from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 13 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015

14 Michelle began her career holding various roles as a mechanical engineer at Pratt & Whitney and KONA (now Synventive Molding Solutions). She then spent over 10 years at PTC, a leading MCAD and PLM solution provider. While at PTC, she developed a deep understanding of end user needs through roles in technical support, management, and product marketing. She worked in technical marketing at Moldflow Corporation (acquired by Autodesk), the market leader in injection molding simulation. Here she was instrumental in developing product positioning and go-to-market messages. Michelle then joined Aberdeen Group and covered product innovation, product development, and engineering processes, eventually running the Product Innovation and Engineering practice. Michelle is an experienced researcher and author. She has benchmarked over 7000 product development professionals and published over 90 reports on product development best practices. She focuses on helping companies manage the complexity of today s products, markets, design environments, and value chains to achieve higher profitability. 14 Tech-Clarity, Inc. 2015