the problem facing manufacturers is CAD/CAM data exchange. Design data useful for manufacturing is often lost as the solid model data moves from CAD to CAM. Data incompatibility results in more repair work and lost time.

Integrated CAD/CAM
 Major solid modelers have partnered with CAM vendors to produce integrated CAD/CAM options.
The interoperability, associativity and data integration provided by these products have resulted in widespread acceptance of this type of integrated CAD/CAM from job shops to large manufacturing companies.
Integrated CAD/CAM has one interface for engineering design and manufacturing. With fully integrated CAM programs, all model data can be used to determine the best machining processes. When working with file formats from other MCAD software, the data can be imported into the solid modeler and any necessary model rework can be done before generating the machining data.
Design changes that could affect production deadlines inevitably take place, which makes good associativity between the CAM data and the solid model critical. When design changes occur, integrated CAM programs have the capability to provide a high level of associativity and can either update machining data automatically or notify users that additional changes are necessary. Time-consuming CAM system rework due to design updates can be avoided or significantly reduced.
The cost of purchasing integrated CAD/CAM software is not generally a problem since some CAM vendors are able to offer their customers a version of the solid modeler at an OEM discount.