It’s a fact: jobs, missions, methods, organization, tools and work habits, … everything seems to oppose the Design Engineers and the Process Engineers, and this happens within many companies. The two entities often do not operate in the same environment and are geographically distant. The lack of interaction between the two departments can sometimes create what we speak of: a “border.”

However, at the time of Industry 4.0, where connectivity and communication in all directions are a strategic necessity.  The divide between the IT department through the manufacturing department tends to become a structural issue for the company’s performance.

Let’s discover how the TopSolid digital solution can break down these walls!

1) Design Office VS Process Office: two entities often in opposition within a company

A) Reminder of the missions of each

Design Office

Between engineering and expertise, the mission of the design office revolves around advice, recommendation, and control: 

• As a subcontractor, the design office receives and evaluates the feasibility of its entrusted external projects.
• As an integrated department within a manufacturer, the design engineer is responsible for designing projects for their company’s customers.
• Project management also falls within the scope of the design office, which must ensure compliance and traceability.
• Finally, the design office draws up a detailed plan of the design and sends it to the process office.

An innovative mission dedicated to service

Process Office

As the linchpin between the production line and the design office, the process office is responsible for implementing the project from the design office. Its mission has several facets:

Validation of the product’s feasibility after studying elements such as modeling, average dimensions, the geometry of the raw material, or machining assembly. 

– Industrialization: it is the study of the means (tools, machines, operators, materials, and equipment) and the solutions to be implemented in the manufacturing process.

– Optimization of work organization (flow management, access, handling, etc.) and machining (time and cost management) to increase productivity.

They monitor machinery and equipment: reporting the need for maintenance or replacement.

– Management of the conformity of the production about the operating procedures (order of operations, tools used, number of people, and time required to carry out each task).

A multi-faceted mission at the heart of which is naturally a strategic need for communication with the design office.

However, often these exchanges between departments are far from being fluid and collaborative.

B) Two worlds that can clash

Creative on one side, functional on the other, and incompatibility of opinions … the reality is hardly subtle. Moreover, the lack of geographical proximity can also factor in.

It so happens that the mission of the Design Office lies in the conception of innovative projects resulting from R&D and consequently presenting a very elaborate technical plan. As such, the department can misrepresent these gratifying aspects, with other departments or subcontractors, thus obscuring how the projects will be industrialized… or even the project feasibility! 

However, the Process Office is in charge of industrializing the projects issued by the Design Office … an endemic situation inevitably puts the two departments in opposition, with the Design Office defending innovation and considering the Process Office as the “brakes” on design and creativity … the Process Office, for its part, is not always able to respond favorably to the conceptual project because of a proven lack of solution.

Should we accept this state of affairs as inevitable and “deal with it”?

2) The disadvantages of a two strong opposition between Design Office and Process Office

One thing is sure; the two departments speak the same language: that of 3D modeling, average dimensions, raw materials, machine set-up, and tolerances. There is no shortage of opportunities to exchange information for the smooth running of the project: information needed for industrialization from the design office to the manufacturing office, as well as requests for clarification or revisions before launching the machining, from the manufacturing office back to the design office.

But when the border between the two departments is unbridgeable, a cascade of dysfunctions harmful to the entire organization ensues:

• Waste of time in post-design discussions; each defending their own position.
• Increased risk of errors and data loss if there is no direct exchange interface.
• What about the automatic recovery of part properties and manufacturing characteristics for process office or design office patches?
• And then … we talk about the work atmosphere and motivation?

It is mainly from this cumbersome operation that tensions arise. The loss of time due to a lack of reliability and traceability is the number one enemy of efficiency. A situation that increases standard costs potentially decreases the quality and puts a heavy burden on productivity… not to mention the delay in deadlines!

In short, the exact opposite of what is expected to meet the company’s strategic challenges. How, then, to create the bridge between the design office and the process office to close this counter-productive border?

3) TopSolid: the solution that links the two worlds

Going from a product idea to its industrialization implies, in the current context linked to Industry 4.0, the practice – and if possible, the mastery – of several so-called “basic” requirements:

• a shared thinking process on the global project scale
• a single, reliable, shared information, to frame and manage exchanges
• fluid and factual communication
• a reactive decision-making process
• a genuine and synergistic collaboration

Also, to connect and rally the two departments falls under a logic of synergy of the processes, the objective being to achieve the rigorous management of the geometrical data, the orchestration of the flows, and the collaboration. An ambitious challenge that TOPSOLID takes up with brilliance!

TopSolid’s CAD and CAM solutions are developed on a common database (PDM) with an intuitive user interface and are associative. In addition, the design process integrates all the tools in line with the manufacturing process: the updates of the parts follow in CAM, and the process office can even make slight modifications in agreement with the design office.

With this highly successful CAD/CAM software solution, TopSolid meets the needs of today’s companies:

• Data control: the PDM of the solution manages both the technical data of the design office and the manufacturing office, thus allowing the full recovery of the “parts and manufacturing” characteristics.
• Traceability: TopSolid automatically transfers CAD modifications to CAM, managing common modification indicators.
• Streamline and secure the exchange of information: with TopSolid, file conversions, data entry, and risks linked to errors and data loss are over.
• Efficiency: By merging the design and manufacturing processes, the collaboration between the design and manufacturing departments is improved, thus boosting efficiency and motivation.
• Increased productivity and improved quality.

Suppose this new configuration of the relations between the design office and manufacturing office requires to know how to manage the change (company culture, working methods, tools, …). In that case, it also constitutes the beginnings of digital continuity, so essential to the industrial requirements of tomorrow.

As you understand, fluid and collaborative communication between the design office and the manufacturing office allows the border between the two departments to be erased… And because data volumes are increasing and work flows need to be justified, it has become difficult for industries to pass up a software solution. TopSolid, through its CAM, CAD, PDM, and ERP applications, enables the simplification of exchanges between the design office and the manufacturing office, ensuring the coherence of projects, and secures the design and manufacturing processes while reducing their cost. The time saved is colossal, and the efficiency of the design and manufacturing teams increases. In the end, it is the company’s productivity that improves… A successful challenge!

The furnishing and design sector present an infinite creative range. In addition, the demand is characterized by needs as varied as they can be complex. An efficient design and manufacturing tool is therefore essential. The question is how to find the rare pearl, adaptable to both customer requirements and project constraints, but also capable of preserving efficiency, reliability, and – the most important – respect delivery deadlines.

With TopSolid’Wood, a solution specialized in furnishings, TopSolid SAS reveals the five features that are necessary for CAD/CAM software to meet the challenges of the sector.

1) Intuitive modeling features

Design and produce, this is the main answer to which a CAD/CAM software worthy of the name must respond. It is therefore important that it offers highly relevant features to cover all the user’s needs. For the woodworking industry, such features include material removal, configuration of assemblies between parts, parametric 3D modeling, as well as advanced software customization to allow for greater benefit and ease of use. And the list goes on.

Imagine a tool that is easy to use, providing you with a range of tools adapted to meet your needs.

The TopSolid’Wood solution includes all those features and more: the application works in real-time and provides results that are as realistic as possible, whether the designs are simple or specific and complex, and all this while saving considerable time!

Slot function

Profiling function

2) Scalable component libraries

Most CAD/CAM software offers “turnkey” component libraries designed to increase productivity. However, there are very few norms or standards for the design industry, as each company has its own specific needs, even for the most obvious components. How then, can you increase productivity by using component libraries that are certainly rich and easy to use, but that do not take into account the unique character of each designer when the point is to bring out the DNA of the designs?

The answer lies in the ability to create your own scalable component library capable of growing daily, by integrating, new methods or different means of production. It is important to understand that it is the company’s practices that enrich the software library, and make it possible to create, capitalize and then factorize know-how. This is not possible with turnkey solutions.

In short, customization and configuration power of a component library are essential criteria for choosing a CAD/CAM software. Think about it when the time comes!

Scalable component libraries

3) Real-time visualization of the changes made

In the vast CAD/CAM software market, keep in mind that most tools use a polyhedral engine to model designs. Can such a process provide an accurate and precise representation of 3D designs? Of course not.

Moreover, these same tools are not advanced enough to design in an associative way. This means that the design department has to anticipate and redesign a potentially large number of elements for each modification request. No need to mention the colossal loss of time and the countless possible sources of error!

In a context where project requirements are as demanding as they are complex, real-time feature is an unequivocal imperative.

Thanks to its accurate 3D modeler, TopSolid’Wood allows you to visualize the modifications made in real time and to make changes to dimensions without having to check each element. Therefore, the operation of the chosen design rules, as well as the conformity of the rendering based on the customer’s wishes, are verified on the spot and with reliability. Not to mention that drawings, bills of materials, and machining programs are also updated automatically: invaluable comfort and time saving for the design department!

Real-time visualisation of modifications made with TopSolid’Wood

4) Perfect management of the modifications to be made to a project

Bigger, more storage, shallower and less expensive if a scalable component library allows the user to quickly decline a project while respecting the initial specifications of his customer which are likely to evolve often and quickly! In short, a “normal” design department life which can seriously call into question the very composition of a project.

To be able to make the various adjustments requested by the customer at a moment’s notice and with a smile, configuration tools are required. But be careful, not just any tools! Indeed, the solution used must allow you to modify various functional or aesthetic aspects of the project, either locally or globally.

Must I remind you that drawings, bills of materials, and machining programs are also updated automatically?

In this respect, the TopSolid’Wood software offers mechanisms for the interchangeability of components and sub-components, coupled with configurators, which allow this type of action.

5) Automation of the digital chain

TopSolid SAS’s approach is to ensure continuity between design and production, i.e., not to break the digital chain between the design department and the workshop. Not only is the risk of error considerably reduced as there is no need for post-processing, but also the time saved is invaluable! TopSolid’Wood is one of the few software packages on the market to offer this essential advantage. 

One software to meet CAD/CAM needs

Intuitive modeling, scalable component libraries, associative design, real time feature, and digital chain continuity: five necessary and non-negotiable essentials for your furnishing CAD/CAM software.

TOPSOLID SAS, one of the world leaders in CAD/CAM/ERP publishing software, offers one of the most advanced solutions on the market. Customizable and dynamic, it allows unlimited creativity without sacrificing the efficiency and fluidity of the processes. By integrating design, manufacturing, and ERP, the tool allows perfect management of your furnishing or design projects. From design to production, you save time, develop everyone’s skills, and factorize your know-how!

The CAD software must have all the necessary features to address your needs. To choose your computer-aided design (CAD) software, you need to take into account the current issues specific to your business! What are the challenges that professionals encounter for designing parts and machines?

• Strict delivery time requirements: new consumer habits and the rise of Industry 4.0 are making delivery times even shorter, so compliance is urgent.
• Competition is increasing: in this context, the company must improve performance and make a difference in its market.
• Just-in-time logistics require optimized stock management.
• New quality standards are emerging, traceability must be implemented in an exemplary manner.
• The technicalities of the business are constantly evolving: faced with this fact, the company must surround itself with personnel that is not only qualified but also regularly trained.

To fully meet these challenges, equip yourself with a CAD software with seven key features.

#1 A modern and ergonomic user interface

The first essential feature of the CAD software: its user interface. The way in which the tool is controlled and operated has a direct impact on the final productivity. The easier and faster the software is to use, the more productive the user becomes.

• The commands must be designed according to modern conventions: copy and paste, drag & drop, contextual menus, etc. to allow the user to immediately adapt to the new tool.
• Access to the commands should be easy, fast and intuitive, in order to optimize the user’s working time.

Choose a CAD software with a modern and ergonomic user interface: you reduce the learning curve and you can work faster.

#2 Associativity, a guarantee of reliability

Associativity automates the updating of one element with respect to another. The designer can therefore easily modify his construction history: the associated operations are automatically updated.

Illustrations: 

• Moving a screw automatically moves the holes.
• Changing a chassis length automatically changes the positioning of the associated components.

With associativity, a key feature of good CAD software, you can drastically reduce the risk of errors or omissions when updating an element. And therefore, you can save time in the design process. So be sure to choose a tool that allows associative or parametric design.

#3 Choice in design methods

A good CAD software offers three design methods.

• “Bottom-up” design: this is the simplest method which consists of first designing the parts individually, and then assembling them. This is the principle of LEGO®! The assembly is then a succession of predefined part positionings.
• “Top-down” design: conversely, the designer starts from the constraint, then deduces the necessary assemblies and parts.
• “In-place” design: a variation of top-down design where parts are designed in their assembly context. The designer then has the advantage of simplicity for the creation of connecting parts, in particular.

The relevance of which method to be used varies from one profession to another. A manufacturer of highly standardized products will favor the Bottom-up method, while a subcontractor who works “on the case” will favor the Top-down method, for example. In any case, the three methods are complementary. To take advantage of your CAD software, make sure that the tool offers these three powerful design methods: maximum flexibility in choice and the precious opportunity of complementary methods.

#4 Smart components

User productivity increases as good standard components are created. For this purpose, your CAD system must provide the appropriate features. Unique smart components, process management, installation wizards, etc. allow you to store user know-how. Ultimately, the design is accelerated: the productivity gain is obvious.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

#5 Design documentation tools

Once completed, the design must be documented. This includes generating exploded views, assembly instructions, bills of materials, etc. These features are essential to get the most out of your CAD software. The tool must therefore make it possible to easily generate all useful production documents from an assembly.

#6 A detailed and standardized drawing

Despite the increasing use of 3D, detailed and standardized drawings of the designs are still often necessary, “the drawing is authentic!” Your CAD software must therefore integrate a powerful automated drawing module, to perform this task quickly when necessary.

#7 Change management tools

When choosing your CAD software, the extent and performance of the modeling features are essential criteria, but are not sufficient! The designer also has to deal with management issues. Changes to the specifications during the design process are common practice, so the tool must offer intuitive and powerful features for this purpose. To manage all types of modifications, without wasting time or reliability, choosing a PDM is then crucial. Therefore, you should choose a fully integrated PDM, which will allow you to track changes during the design process. From simple part number change to more complex modifications (interchanging parts, for example), pay attention to the extent of the PDM capabilities of your CAD software.

TopSolid is designed to address all the current challenges faced by professionals when designing parts and machines. TopSolid integrates the essential features of a good CAD software. In addition, you benefit from close support for the deployment of your new solution. Beforehand, evaluating your needs allows us to define the features of your tool according to your working methods. Afterward and in the long term, our technical support, everywhere in France and around the world, is available and responsive for beneficial proximity.

Interested in deploying a CAD software perfectly adapted to your needs? Contact us!