CAD Database

Juniper Design is renowned for its unique and modular lighting systems, which posed a significant challenge in managing their database to efficiently provide 3D models and BOMs for architects and production teams. The first phase of implementation involved using SolidWorks configurations to reflect modular options for each product, from parts and subassemblies to top-level assemblies, sometimes creating thousands of configurations for a single product.

While part and subassembly configurations were created prior to SolidWorks PDM deployment, top-level configurations could not be pre-setup. A unique SolidWorks PDM workflow was designed, allowing configurations to extract BOM information. The top-level assemblies were set up with a “soft-release” option, enabling active creation of new product configurations and maintaining data without going through the rigorous engineering revision and release process required for subassemblies and parts.

Custom development allowed the ERP system ODOO to pull data from SolidWorks configurations, producing BOMs and managing inventory consumption efficiently.

For DYNO Conveyors, differentiating between standard products and customizations was crucial for building a consistent product line and avoiding repetitive problem-solving. In the project-driven material handling industry, tracking engineering revisions and customizations can be challenging. Autodesk Vault was chosen for this task, given DYNO's use of Autodesk Inventor for design.

The Vault was structured to maintain a master copy of conveyor designs in the Library, serving as a released starting point for projects. During project work, engineers determined whether deviations were engineering revisions or customizations. Customizations were assigned unique SKUs, distinct from Library SKUs, for clear differentiation. Engineering revisions followed a different workflow than project-specific customizations, allowing the design to evolve over time while preserving revisions in the Library. This system ensured continuous improvement and efficient project execution.

In the road and flight case industry, producing bespoke cases for clients necessitates the frequent sharing of specific design information without compromising proprietary details. Directly connected to the consumer market, this industry requires efficient, low-cost solutions for managing design data. Implementing PDM (Product Data Management) or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software often incurs additional costs and involves complex steps that can further reduce profit margins. Given that most parts in any two cases differ significantly, except for off-the-shelf purchased components, and typically only one design engineer works on a case, moving to a PDM/PLM system is not cost-effective. Instead, a more suitable solution was adopted: using MS SharePoint for CAD data storage. A specific filing system was developed alongside automations to ensure unique files for every case. Off-the-shelf parts are stored in a Solidworks library to maintain integrity and follow the engineering revision workflow if modifications are necessary. This approach allows for efficient data sharing and management while minimizing costs, thus preserving profit margins and ensuring project-specific customization.

Companies involved in architecture and infrastructure projects, such as Premier Composites Technologies (PCT), generate extensive amounts of data, including CAD files, necessitating a cost-effective solution for data maintenance and sharing. Ensuring data integrity in large teams and providing real-time access to information is critical. For PCT, managing a global team and extensive data, with multiple designers working on a single project, posed a significant challenge. They opted for BOX Drive as their primary data sharing and maintenance resource. However, this choice required implementing strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for file editing to prevent progress loss. Regular backups are essential to prepare for accidental deletions or unintended modifications. Additionally, meticulous revision management is crucial to keep track of changes in large projects. This system ensures that data remains accessible and secure, facilitating efficient collaboration among stakeholders and project teams while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of information.