With the launch of Version 12 of its Solid Edge computer-aided design (CAD) software in August 2002, EDS has made considerable strides in data storage and integration.

This is according to Rudolph de Kock of Esteq Design Technologies, distributor of EDS products in South Africa, who says that local users will find Solid Edge V12 particularly useful because of the integration possibilities its Web components offer non-Solid Edge users.

Says de Kock: "The difference between Solid Edge and other modelling systems is the fact that Insight.NET Web services are included in the package. Designers are generating larger and more complex 3D assemblies than ever, requiring collaboration with stakeholders outside the design department in for example purchasing, parts, production control and the shop floor. The ability to manage data is crucial if a company wants to remain competitive."

Solid Edge Insight technology was first introduced as an industry-exclusive innovation in 2001. In the recently launched V12, simple and unobtrusive advances were made in the management of complex product designs. Solid Edge V12 can now be used across the company with a complete set of Web-based viewing components using Microsoft's .NET technology and new Web services for accessing the engineering bill of materials (BOM).

Other CAD innovations in Solid Edge V12 include a new Stream/XP user interface; process-driven capabilities for wiring-harness design; faster drawing creation; and extended, unique associative interoperability with other EDS products such as I-deas and Unigraphics NX.

Furthermore, Solid Edge CAD software has always made use of Stream Technology to capture design intent through inference logic and decision-management concepts. This has a considerable impact on return on investment and the ease in which a new CAD system is adopted. V12 Stream Technology adds a new Stream/XP user interface, including a set of unique commands that provide Solid Edge CAD users with a modern look and feel.

With regard to wiring and surfacing, Solid Edge V12 adds wiring harness and surfacing design to its existing set of practical workflows for applications ranging from sheet metal, to weldments and tubing. This eliminates the need to manually created wire lists on paper. Solid Edge V12 automates the process of generating wiring reports thus increasing productivity.

Progress has also been made with 2D to 3D evolution. With Solid Edge V12, tools were added to speed up the migration of 2D data to 3D. Another feature of Solid Edge V12 is that it fully supports NX Gateway for interoperability with other EDS tools such as Unigraphics, I-deas, FEMAP and Imageware to extend the range of solutions backed by a single source for support and stability. Concludes de Kock: "Solid Edge has always been known as a highly functional mainstream product that focuses on machine design and other portions of the MCAD market. The launch of V12 has elevated this product to top of the range in the CAD market."

For more information contact Rudolph de Kock, Esteq Design Technologies, 012 991 5570, r.dekock@esteq.com