Why companies end up multi-CAD
- Customers or OEMs require specific CAD systems (CATIA in aerospace, NX or CATIA in automotive).
- Acquisitions bring different tools together.
- Different disciplines use different tools: AutoCAD for layouts, SOLIDWORKS for machines, Revit for buildings.
- Suppliers deliver data in their own formats.
Challenges
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Different property names and formats | Inconsistent BOMs and reports |
| Separate data management per CAD | No single view of the product |
| Translation losses | Missing features, broken geometry |
| Duplicate automation per CAD | Higher development and maintenance cost |
| Skills spread across tools | Harder resource planning |
Integration strategies
1. Common property standard
Define one property set and map each CAD's names to it. All downstream systems see consistent data regardless of source.
2. Shared data management
Use a PLM system with connectors for all CAD tools, so parts and BOMs are managed in one place.
3. Shared automation core
Put business logic (rules, numbering, ERP mapping) in a common library or service, with thin adapters for each CAD API.
Business logic service (rules, ERP, numbering)
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲
SOLIDWORKS Inventor Creo AutoCAD
adapter adapter adapter adapter4. Neutral formats where needed
Use STEP, JT or Parasolid for exchange between tools, with automated translation and checks.
Write business logic once; adapt it to each CAD system.
Multi-CAD integration with ENGIMANDI
Our team works across AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA and Inventor, so we can build shared tools for all of them. See CAD integration services.