| Abstract: | Ever since the introduction of computers in development and engineering departments, design activities have been supported by computer methods in a growing number of design functions, in the interest of reducing development time and cost, and increasing the quality of the products. Computer Aided Design (CAD) — a generic term for these computerized tools — is recognized as a method for drastically reducing the development time of industrial products.CAD methods are currently being used during each of the various phases in the development activity. The introduction of these CAD tools for the various stages in the development cycle, however, was to a large extent effected in isolation, i.e. not as a “subset” of an overall concept. Lack of such a concept, with its inherent disciplines and compatibility aspects, has given rise to sub-optimal efficiency and effectivity. To remedy this situation, a generalized architecture for CAD has been developed. This architecture drastically reduced the large variety if input methods, combines all product data in one well-structured product file, supports all necessary design functions, assures the proper generation of technical documents, and above all, facilitates maximum efficiency by integrating the processes for various stages in the development cycle.The essentials of ARCADE will be described in this article, together with how the system is designed.The “ARCADE” way and method of working in an organization in which development, engineering, manufacturing, logistic and documentation departments are concerned with technical automation issues will, as such, be discussed.Benefits will, of course, also be elucidated. |
