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CAD Partner GmbH announces the successful implementation of its software PDM Studio at the University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team (UWAFT). The Canadian university team, which works on sustainable vehicle concepts, was able to solve key challenges in product data management with this solution and significantly stabilize its development processes.
The interdisciplinary research group is committed to developing the next generation of environmentally friendly vehicles: the students work together to design forward-looking concepts that are powerful, innovative, and sustainable. To realize this vision, UWAFT works on complex assemblies in the NX CAD environment—but until now, it has done so using locally stored CAD data on two computers. This regularly led to version conflicts, incorrect data, and extensive rework, as the team reports: “We had no version control. Every design iteration carried the risk that someone would accidentally overwrite an older version – or even damage entire assemblies.” An incorrect data set even rendered the entire rear suspension unusable – the decisive trigger for the introduction of a professional PDM system.
Quick introduction and reliable NX integration
UWAFT chose PDM Studio from CAD Partner GmbH, particularly because of its seamless integration with Designcenter NX and the commitment of the PDM software manufacturer: “CAD Partner was very open and supportive from the start. This helped us to introduce PDM Studio quickly and smoothly.” PDM Studio Express, a preconfigured rapid start bundle that enabled straightforward and quick implementation, was used.
Result: Greater transparency, less risk, improved collaboration
With PDM Studio, UWAFT now has consistent version control, clear structuring of CAD data, and transparent change processes. This security is crucial, especially in an academic environment with frequently changing team members. “Now, even new team members can safely work on existing assemblies. This gives us confidence and allows our team to grow faster”, sums up the UWAFT team. “We can now work together more efficiently and always know exactly what stage our designs are at. Now we have more time for what really matters: innovation.”
Strategic added value for research and industry
This success story clearly shows that even student high-tech projects today require professional PDM solutions to minimize development risks and reliably manage modern CAD workflows. For companies in mechanical and plant engineering, the automotive industry, and engineering service providers, the UWAFT example provides a practical scenario that can be directly applied to industrial requirements—many participants, high change rates, and the need for restructuring in data management.