Today’s engineering teams need to move quickly, collaborate well, and avoid errors. Cloud-based tools like PTC Onshape help by automating repetitive tasks so teams can accomplish more.
We’ll share top workflow automation tips for CAD teams to simplify design cycles and cut down on manual work.
1. Use FeatureScripts to Automate Repetitive Modeling Tasks
A great way to avoid repeating the same modeling steps is to use Onshape’s FeatureScript.
FeatureScripts allow engineers to:
- Create your own features.
- Use common actions again when building models.
- Keep outputs consistent for all teams.
This automation speeds up modeling and also helps make designs more consistent and higher quality.
2. Set Up Custom Workflows in Release Management
Onshape includes tools that help you manage releases, get approvals, make changes, and keep track of different versions.
You can:
- Define structured approval flows.
- Make documentation the same.
- Ensure that every change undergoes quality checks.
This keeps teams focused and ensures that designs move easily through each stage of development.
3. Automate Notifications and Tasks with Action Items
Manually following up can slow your team down. With Onshape, automatic notifications and task assignments help keep everyone on track.
Useful automations include:
- Alerts for design changes
- Tasks for pending approvals
- Comment-based notifications for team members
This helps everyone stay informed and reduces the chance of missing important updates.
4. Integrate Onshape with PLM, ERP, and Project Management Tools
Integrations help remove duplicate data entry and make it easier for departments to stay updated on what is going on.
Popular integrations include:
- Arena PLM
- Jira or Trello
- ERP systems
- Cloud storage platforms
These integrations let BOMs, design changes, and project updates move automatically, which helps keep data consistent everywhere.
5. Use Configurations to Simplify Variant Designs
Configurations help you create different versions without having to copy whole models. This is especially useful for businesses that design modular products or groups of products.
Benefits include:
- Faster variant development
- Reduced modeling errors
- Clear, organized documentation
This tool helps CAD teams create multiple versions of a product quickly and with confidence.
6. Automate File Organization with Onshape’s Document Structure
Organizing documents usually takes more time than expected. Onshape solves this with structured documents and easy version tagging.
Teams can automate:
- Naming conventions
- Folder structures
- Revision tracking
This helps everyone find files easily and gives the team a clear view of the design’s history.
7. Leverage Onshape APIs for Custom Workflow Automation
The Onshape API lets teams with advanced needs automate more of their work in many different ways.
You can automate:
- Data extraction
- Quality checks
- Reports
- Integration with internal systems
This helps you set up a workflow that fits your engineering and manufacturing needs.
Tips for Smooth Adoption of CAD Workflow Automation
Automation is most effective when teams use a clear and organized approach.
Here are a few practical steps:
- Start with one or two workflows that have a big impact.
- Teach team members how to use automation tools well.
- Write down the steps so that everyone follows the same rules.
- Keep improving and changing based on real use.
Automation is not a one-time task. It keeps improving as teams grow and change.
Conclusion
PTC Onshape helps speed up design work, makes it easier for teams to collaborate, and cuts down on manual tasks. By using these workflow automation tips for CAD, teams can get more done, keep designs accurate, and move products to market faster.
Begin by using simple automations like FeatureScripts or release workflows. Once you are comfortable, try more advanced options such as integrations and API-driven tools.
Done well, automating your CAD workflow can help your engineering team stand out.