Blog | Theorem Solutions

Maximizing Efficiency in a Multi-CAD Environment Using CAD Translation

Written by Jennifer Cox | 07 Aug 2024

Do you understand the importance of using direct translation to enhance your customer’s CAD environments?

Senior Account Manager, Clair Baxter recently hosted a webinar tailored towards Dassault, PTC, and Siemens resellers discussing the importance of reseller relationships to Theorem Solutions, and how direct CAD translation can significantly enhance your customer’s CAD environment.

With this article we’ll be recapping some of the key takeaways from the webinar, and further exploring how CADTranslate, Theorem’s line of CAD translation products, can benefit your customers with accurate and efficient CAD data conversion.

The Importance of Resellers

There are a wide range of reasons why resellers are important to us at Theorem. Not only do they help bring an awareness of our products, but they are also crucial for overcoming cultural differences, language barriers, and issues with conflicting time zones. Along with this, some customers prefer to work with a known partner and having a single entity as a point of contact is a major benefit to them.

Why Sell CAD Data Translation? 

Most engineering and manufacturing companies require data to be exchanged between many internal departments and external partners. But working in a mixed (multi) CAD/PLM environment requires users to share design data with partners and colleagues who use a different CAD system, resulting in difficulties collaborating. Two of the most common ways of solving this issue are: 

  • Using a neutral format e.g. STEP
  • Using a mandated supplier format

However, both options can come with their own difficulties. 

There is a cost to purchase and maintain additional CAD seats if you opt to work with a mandated supplier format, and it is likely that time and money will need to be invested in training users on the ‘new’ application. 
While using a neutral format could increase the risk of inaccuracies in the data. Often sharing data with a neutral format requires a two-step process to convert the data; however, there is a risk of data degradation with each stage of translation, resulting in a higher chance of error. Additionally, manually processing data can be very time consuming.

CAD translation offers a fast and accurate solution to working in a multi-CAD environment, without the need to purchase additional CAD licenses. The one-step process reduces the chance of error in the output format, and direct database translation is also much faster than manually processing of data. 

CADTranslation

Since Theorem is partnered with all the major CAD vendors, the CADTranslate product line offers direct database translators for a wide range of CAD systems built using the CAD vendor APIs, ensuring seamless, highly accurate outputs for downstream re-use. 

CADTranslate offers:

  • Non-parametric translation that brings through assembly structure, geometry, and attributes
  • Easy-to-understand CAD translation that requires little training
  • PLM integration for a large range of PLM systems
  • Automation support that allows the software to integrate into existing workflows
  • Batch processing options for large volumes of data
  • Three methods of running the software: import/export from within the CAD application, drag and drop with Theorem’s UI, or run on the command line

How Theorem Work with Resellers

Theorem Solutions work with a variety of resellers who all operate differently, and we understand the need to be flexible to cater for these different ways of working. For some resellers we manage the deal from beginning to close, while others prefer to manage it fully themselves, and with many others it is a collaborative process. We are also happy to support with product demonstrations, translate sample data to allow potential customers to see the output, and offer free trial licenses so they can experience the process and software for themselves. 

In Summary

Resellers are very important to us at Theorem, not only can they bring awareness of our products, such as CADTranslate, to potential customers but they often close gaps caused by cultural differences and language barriers. 

For any Dassault, PTC, or Siemens resellers that have an opportunity, or know of any customers who could benefit from CADTranslate don’t hesitate to get in touch.