CAD/CAM companies realized these issues a few years ago and have come up with many ways to handle this abstract side of product development. One unique solution allows moldmakers and their customers to communicate and securely share data over the web.

It also allows moldmakers and customers to set up project sites where they can invite individuals to share data. Anyone typically involved in getting a mold designed, manufactured and to the customer can be involved. From the day the moldmaker receives an RFQ or a notification from sales of an impending new job, the site can be created for that particular job. Data such as CAD models, RFQs, proposals, drawings, etc. can all be stored on the site. Access to the project website is controlled by the project manager; even access to individual files can be controlled. Whenever a file is uploaded, a workflow can be assigned to ensure proper routing through the organization.

This solution also has project management capability allowing the project manager to get instantaneous feedback on the state of his or her project. The project manager can invite customers, suppliers and internal employees – anyone that will need access to the data – to access critical information twenty-four hours a day. Invited project members can subscribe to files in the project to ensure that they are automatically notified via e-mail whenever an action is performed upon a particular file.

Of course, viewing models is always critical to resolving problems related to CAD models, especially when it comes to mold design. It is very difficult to describe issues such as undercuts and improper draft over the phone. Faxing is cumbersome and the faxes are often misplaced. A better solution is to have a viewing tool that allows all parties to view CAD data, regardless of the source of the CAD file, and then comment by marking up the image on the screen. The marked up data can be saved as a permanent record of what was discussed in the meeting. In the case where direct sharing of actual CAD/CAM models by two or more individuals is required, look for peer-to-peer capabilities of the CAD/CAM system that allows users to link their CAD/CAM sessions together to share data in real-time via the web.