Many modern enterprises use computer-aided design systems , or CAD. There are a large number of suppliers of such solutions. The functions and capabilities of these design systems, in particular those presented by specialized software for the corresponding purpose, can be very different. What is the essence of CAD? What are the nuances of developing these systems?
What are CAD systems?
CAD systems are automated systems that are designed to implement a particular information technology for design. In practice, they are technical systems that allow, therefore, to automate, to ensure independent from the human functioning of the processes that make up the development of projects. Depending on the context, CAD can be understood as:
- software used as the main element of the relevant infrastructure;
- a set of personnel and technical systems (including those that involve the use of CAD in the form of software) used by the enterprise to automate the development of projects.
Thus, a broader and narrower interpretation of the term in question can be distinguished. It is difficult to say which one is used in business more often, it all depends on the specific sphere of CAD use, the tasks that these systems are designed to solve. For example, in the context of a single production workshop, CAD is likely to mean a specific program for computer-aided design. If we are talking about strategic planning for the development of the enterprise, this concept will probably correspond to a larger infrastructure involved in order to increase the efficiency of the development of various projects.
It is worth noting that CAD is an abbreviation that can be decrypted in different ways. In general, it corresponds to the phrase “computer-aided design system”. However, there are other options for decoding the corresponding abbreviation. For example, it may sound like a “project automation system."
In English, the Russian term CAD means the meaning of the abbreviation CAD, in some cases - CAX. Let us consider in more detail for what purposes computer-aided design systems can be created in mechanical engineering and other fields.
CAD goals
The main goal of CAD development is to increase the labor efficiency of specialists who solve various production problems. In particular, related to engineering design. The increase in efficiency in this case may be due to:
- reducing the complexity of the design process in production;
- reduction of project implementation timelines;
- reducing the cost of design work, as well as the costs associated with the operation;
- ensuring the improvement of the quality of the design infrastructure;
- reduction of modeling costs, as well as testing.
CAD is a tool that allows you to achieve the above benefits by:
- automation of documentation;
- effective information support of specialists involved in the development of projects;
- application of concepts of parallel design;
- unification of various solutions;
- implementation of strategic design;
- the use of mathematical modeling as an alternative to expensive tests;
- improving the quality of business management processes;
- optimization of design methods.
Let us now consider in which structure CAD can be represented.
CAD structure
An automated process design system, for example, may include the following components:
- a set of automation elements;
- software and hardware infrastructure;
- methodological tools;
- Elements of CAD functionality support.
A common approach is that various subsystems should be distinguished in the CAD structure. The key is considered to be:
- service subsystems that support the functioning of the main design components of CAD, the infrastructure responsible for data processing, software maintenance;
- design subsystems, which, depending on the correlation with the development object, can be represented with object tasks or invariant, that is, associated with the implementation of specific projects or with a combination of several.
CAD systems are systems that include certain functional components. Consider their features.
CAD components
The automated design of control systems and industrial infrastructure, as we already know, consists of various subsystems. In turn, their components are components that ensure the functioning of the corresponding CAD elements. For example, it can be one or another program, file, hardware. Components with common features form the means of providing design systems. These can be represented by the following main varieties:
- technical support, which is a combination of various technical means, such as computers, network components, measuring instruments;
- mathematical models that combine certain algorithms that are used to solve various problems;
- software - system, application;
- information support, which is a combination of various data that are necessary for the implementation of design;
- linguistic models, which are a set of different languages that are used in CAD to reflect design information;
- methodological support, which is a set of approaches to ensuring the functioning of CAD, various methods of selecting technological concepts to achieve optimal results in the implementation of certain projects;
- organizational support, which is represented mainly by sources that determine the structure of project documentation, as well as the characteristics of the automation system and how the results of project implementation should be reflected.
Automated systems for designing and processing information can be classified according to various criteria. Consider their specifics.
CAD classification
Among the common classification criteria for CAD is the industry-specific purpose of the respective systems. So, allocate:
- computer-aided design of engineering infrastructure;
- CAD for electronic equipment;
- Computer-aided design in the field of construction.
The first type of CAD systems is used in a wide range of industries - in the automotive industry, aircraft, shipbuilding, in the segments of the production of various consumer goods. The appropriate infrastructure is used to develop both individual parts and various mechanisms using various approaches within the framework of parametric design and modeling.
The second type of CAD is used to design finished electronic equipment, as well as its individual elements, such as processors, integrated circuits, and other types of hardware.
The third type of CAD is used for the design of various buildings, structures, and infrastructure elements.
The next criterion by which computer-aided design and programming systems can be classified is the designation of CAD. So, allocate:
- design tools used to automate two-dimensional or three-dimensional geometric models, the formation of design documentation ;
- systems used to develop various drawings;
- CAD designed for geometric modeling;
- systems designed to automate calculations as part of engineering projects, as well as dynamic modeling;
- CAD, designed for computer analysis of various parameters for projects;
- automation tools used for technological optimization of projects;
- CAD systems used for planning automation.
It should be noted that this classification should be considered conditional.
An automated technological design system may include the widest range of functions from those listed above, and not only. A specific list of CAD capabilities is determined primarily by the developer of the corresponding system. Consider what, in principle, tasks he can solve.
CAD development
Designing automated systems for information processing, management, programming and the implementation of other functions aimed at improving the efficiency of project development in various industries is a process that is characterized by a high level of complexity and requires its participants to invest significant resources - labor, financial. Experts identify several basic principles in accordance with which CAD development can be conducted. Among those:
- unification;
- complexity;
- openness;
- interactivity.
Let's consider them in more detail.
Unification as a principle of CAD design
Working with computer-aided design systems both at the stage of their development and during the use of the appropriate infrastructure requires adherence to the principle of unification, in accordance with which, certain solutions can be equally effectively implemented using similar algorithms in various industries. This principle assumes that a person using a CAD module that is familiar to him or, for example, a computer-aided design technique in one environment, can easily adapt them to specific applications in other conditions.
The unification of CAD is also important from the point of view of the development of the enterprise - the developer of the corresponding system: the more universal the modules and approaches that this business entity offers to the market, the more intense its growth can be, the higher the competitiveness and willingness of new consumers to cooperate.
Integrity as a principle of CAD development
The next principle that characterizes the process of designing automated systems is complexity. He assumes that the CAD manufacturer will be able to endow its product with components that will allow its user to solve tasks at various levels of the project. This aspect is perhaps the key in terms of ensuring the competitiveness of the product and the development of new markets. But it should be borne in mind that even the most complex solutions must satisfy other key principles of CAD design. Among them is openness.
Openness as a CAD development principle
Openness in this context can be understood in different ways, but in all cases its interpretation will be appropriate. Development of a computer-aided design system is a process that should primarily be characterized by openness from the point of view of forming feedback between the CAD manufacturer and its users. A person who uses the appropriate system should be able to inform its developer about the problems identified, the features of CAD functioning in various conditions, and convey to the manufacturer brand their wishes regarding product improvement.
Openness in the development of CAD can also be expressed in the willingness of the manufacturer to actively monitor technological developments, including from competing manufacturers, to monitor various trends. In this case, the leading role in the business can be played not only by technology departments, but, for example, company’s marketers, PR specialists, and managers who are responsible for negotiations between the company and partners.
Openness in the development of CAD is also the willingness of the developer of the corresponding system to direct dialogue with other suppliers, which again can be its direct competitors. The exchange of technologies that allow creating products through which effective automated design of control systems, industrial infrastructure, and engineering can be carried out is also a significant factor in increasing the competitiveness of the brand supplying CAD systems in various market segments.
Interactivity as a CAD design principle
The next most important principle for creating CAD is interactivity. It implies, first of all, the creation by the developer of appropriate systems of interfaces that maximally facilitate the process of their involvement by a person, as well as the implementation of the necessary communications with other CAD users.
Another aspect of interactivity is the provision, if necessary, of interaction between the various modules of computer-aided design systems as part of the formation of the production infrastructure.
It can be noted that the principle of interactivity is closely related to the first - unification. The fact is that data exchange within the framework of various interactive procedures will be most effective provided that the interaction between various entities is necessary. This can be expressed in the unification of file formats, documents, procedures, language, engineering approaches in the development of certain projects.
Of particular importance is the principle considered in CAD, through which the automated design of information systems is carried out. This field of application of CAD is characterized, in particular, by a high degree of need of users of the corresponding infrastructure:
- in a regular, dynamic interaction with each other;
- providing links between a large number of CAD modules;
- optimization of various interactive procedures;
- operational reporting.
Only under the condition of sufficient interactivity of computer-aided design systems, users can count on an effective solution to such production problems.