Why Do We Use Design Automation in Product Development?

Design automation is a powerful tool in modern product development that drives efficiency, accuracy, and innovation across various industries. It allows for the capture and reuse of engineering knowledge and intent, streamlining often tedious and repetitive tasks. By automating these processes, designers and engineers can focus on more creative and critical aspects of the design process, ultimately leading to better products and faster time-to-market.

Efficiency in Design

One of the key benefits of design automation is the ability to automate the creation of common features in sheet metal parts and welded frames. These parts often include standard features that require simple yet repetitive modeling. By automating this process, designers can eliminate tedious and inefficient tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex and creative design elements.

Rapid Product Configuration

Manual adjustment of models to meet specific customer requirements can be a time-consuming and resource-draining task. Design automation can help by defining parameters and rules that drive a custom product configurator. This means that manufacturers can configure and customize products to meet customer specifications much more efficiently, reducing the time engineers typically spend on these tasks.

Eliminating Design Errors and Streamlining Processes

Design errors can be a significant issue in product development, but design automation helps mitigate this risk by automating model and drawing design. Rules-driven design ensures that dimensions are calculated automatically, reducing the chances of human error. For example, if a manufacturer needs to produce 10 tables with different sizes, it can be done within minutes with minimal risk of errors. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in product quality.

Time and Effort Reduction in Mass Customization

Mass customization is a trend where products can be tailored to individual customer requirements. However, the process of manually configuring and approving dimensions for each product can be very time-consuming. Design automation allows for the rapid generation of custom 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings. This means that the entire process can be expedited, reducing the effort and time required to meet tight deadlines. Even though the base product may be the same, such as a chair or a table, the customization process can now be completed more efficiently, leading to better customer satisfaction and faster production cycles.

Improved Time Utilization and Research

Design automation not only streamlines the modeling and configuration processes but it also allows designers to use their time more effectively. By automating these tasks, designers can dedicate more time to research, innovation, and developing new product ideas. This can lead to a more sustainable and forward-thinking approach to product development, as manufacturers can constantly adapt to new ideas and technologies.

Automatic Document Creation and Pre-Planning

Design automation platforms offer automatic generation of Bill of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing drawings. This provides manufacturers with pre-planning tools for material and machine scheduling, ensuring that products can be delivered on time without last-minute hassles. This not only enhances efficiency but also improves the overall quality control of the manufacturing process.

Conclusion

Design automation significantly enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in product development. It is a critical tool for manufacturers, especially those dealing with ETO (Engineering to Order) and CTO (Custom to Order) products. As more companies explore the use of design automation, they are likely to discover additional benefits that can help them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.