Before I get started, I would like to "update" the definition of the abbreviation, xCAD. In the past, it has had the connotation of only referring to various mechanical CAD solutions. In the model-based world of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, I would like to remove this limitation by now referring to ALL design disciplines such as electrical, electronic, architectural, etc. It's important to understand xCAD has grown up and simply means more in a model-based paradigm.
As many of you also know, a number of integrations exist on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for mechanical CAD solutions. We have now introduced our ALTIUM POWER'BY Connector for the platform as well. This gives us a true multi-discipline model-based environment. In the file-based world we live in today, there are a number of good solutions that connect specific MCAD solutions to specific ECAD tools to improve the overall design process. Although these are quite powerful, they enforce a specific solution for each area where the different disciplines meet. At the recent Brand User Day @ 3DEXPERIENCE Forum 2019 event in Las Vegas, we introduced our strategy going forward to address the growing multi-discipline environment that the platform must orchestrate. In our model-based world of the platform, we take an agnostic view of the various xCAD solutions as this levels the playing field for all enterprise stake holders that must work with the information coming from design departments as a whole. It also better leverages the value of the design and engineering data for peer applications such as SIMULIA for analysis and DELMIA for manufacturing. In addition, the platform must also provide a way to bring the disciplines together for design collaborations above the disciple-specific CAD solutions used. The primary role we offer today for executing this strategy is 3D Product Architect, which contains some unique applications for the product engineer/designer.
Key among these is the Product Structure Editor, which allows the user to assemble design data from any PowerBy xCAD solution on the platform as well as non-CAD tools for enhancing the resulting product structure for manufacturing purposes. The Product Structure Editor continues to gain functionality to bring the design worlds together in a common environment that will benefit all stakeholders involved in the overall product development process. It will be key to "architect" the overall product structure at the enterprise level and will contain the tools that will be needed to collaborate across the design development effort.
Collaborative_Product_Definition_and_Release
