In the automotive industry, product development is a critical phase that demands precision, collaboration, and efficient data management. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems are essential tools used by engineers and designers to create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings of automotive components and vehicles. However, to fully leverage CAD data across the enterprise, integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is essential.
SAP for Automotive offers robust capabilities to integrate CAD systems with SAP’s PLM and ERP solutions, ensuring seamless data flow, consistency, and collaboration throughout the vehicle development lifecycle.
CAD integration in automotive delivers multiple strategic benefits:
SAP’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) module supports the management of CAD data, including file storage, version control, and metadata management. Integration allows CAD models and drawings to be stored in SAP’s centralized repository, accessible by authorized users across the organization.
CAD systems define the detailed structure of assemblies and components. SAP PLM and ERP systems require accurate BOMs for procurement, manufacturing, and costing. Integration ensures that engineering BOMs from CAD are automatically synchronized with SAP BOMs, maintaining consistency between design and production data.
Integration supports structured workflows for change management. When design changes occur in the CAD system, these can trigger engineering change requests in SAP, enabling cross-functional evaluation and approval before implementation.
CAD integration helps manage technical documents such as drawings, specifications, and certifications. These documents are linked with product data in SAP, ensuring regulatory compliance and traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
SAP supports integration with a wide range of leading CAD systems, including:
Integration approaches vary from direct connectors provided by SAP or third-party vendors, to middleware solutions that enable bi-directional data exchange.
SAP ECTR is a key tool for CAD integration. It provides a unified interface within SAP to manage CAD data, visualize models, and execute CAD-related processes. ECTR supports integration with various CAD authoring tools and helps maintain data consistency.
SAP Integration Suite and other middleware platforms facilitate seamless communication between CAD systems and SAP applications. These platforms support automation of data transfers, format conversions, and process orchestration.
SAP PLM supports different integration scenarios such as:
These scenarios are configurable based on organizational needs and CAD tool capabilities.
CAD integration with SAP is a cornerstone of digital transformation in the automotive industry. By bridging the gap between engineering design and enterprise processes, SAP for Automotive enables organizations to enhance collaboration, improve product quality, and accelerate innovation. Leveraging advanced integration tools like SAP Engineering Control Center and middleware solutions ensures that automotive companies can fully harness the value of their CAD investments in a connected, agile enterprise.