DP -Basics of Design Automation and CAD Customization
                     3D Software & Hardware Solutions
www.design-point.com 1
• In the not-so-distant past, the design process was 
exceedingly resource intensive. It took a lot of time, 
expertise, and effort to draft designs on paper. Those paper 
designs were then rendered into prototypes, which often 
failed and had to be reimagined and reproduced until the 
design was successful. The entire process was lengthy and 
expensive.
• Clearly, this process was ripe for innovation. Then CAD 
came along and did just that.
• Now, automation has also joined the scene. With CAD 
customization and design automation becoming more 
common, the entire design process looks and feels 
completely different. But what exactly are CAD 
customization and design automation? How do these two 
concepts work together? What are the benefits?
• Let’s take a deeper look
2
www.design-point.com
• When there are common, repetitive, or tedious tasks in a 
design process, CAD customization can be extremely 
helpful. CAD customization is essentially when custom tools 
and technology are developed to support the automation of 
those monotonous tasks within CAD.
• Design automation is one such tool. The process of design 
automation allows engineering knowledge to be input into a 
system and applied in real-time during the development of 
a product where it makes sense. In other words, engineers 
can record theories and concepts, plus how and when they 
are applicable, into the software. Then, when appropriate, 
that knowledge can be automated into the design process.
www.design-point.com 3
• In what scenarios can CAD customization be applied? 
Though its potential use can be widespread, here are 
a few ideas for where CAD can be customized:
Design automation
Development of macros
Creation of a user interface
Drafting automation
Menu (or API) and toolbar customization 
•What would this actually look like in practice? The 
following are a few helpful examples of process 
automation that can be accomplished through CAD 
customization:
www.design-point.com 4
 CAD models can be generated with little human input
 Process logs can be easily produced
 Bills of material for developed products (including a parts list) 
can be generated
 Drawings are more automated and less resource-intensive
 Drawing tables can be revised easily
• As a result of leveraging automation, companies have 
found that the entire design process requires far less 
supervision, interaction, and human facilitation. Again, 
this streamlines the process, making it more efficient 
and less costly.
www.design-point.com 5
• Automation is the way of the future. Customization is 
also going to be key going forward. When we put the 
two concepts together inside of a CAD design process, 
the results are stunning. It’s such an undeniable win-
win that it wouldn’t make sense not to do it!
• When CAD customization and design automation are 
integrated into a CAD design process, the final design 
is better, can be produced faster, and is cheaper to 
produce overall. Companies who are using CAD in this 
way also see greater system integration and more 
collaboration, increased productivity, and fewer human 
errors.
www.design-point.com 6
• This means lower costs, higher quality, and fewer 
resources required. Companies can be more 
responsive to customer demand and more agile in the 
face of change. In the long run, these companies are 
better equipped to build a sustainable future for 
themselves, their workforce, and their stakeholders.
• Innovation is another incredible byproduct. Designs 
are more precise, and changes and improvements can 
be made on the fly as the process organically unfolds. 
What’s more, employees are more satisfied with their 
jobs because they’re less focused on redundant tasks 
and more focused on creating better designs.
• To put it succinctly, the benefits are far too great to 
pass up.
www.design-point.com 7
• With the advantages almost too numerous to list, it is 
clear that CAD customization and design automation 
are worthwhile pursuits in the world of design. 
Providing innovative solutions, shortened lead times, 
and a less resource-intensive process, CAD and 
automation are the way of the future.
• Better, faster, cheaper...These trends are here to stay!
www.design-point.com 8
• It takes time and effort to implement a new software 
solution, but it is worth it! When you are ready to 
level up your next 3D design project and increase 
your productivity and efficiency using top-of-the-line 
CAD software, contact us. DesignPoint is here to help 
you get the best CAD suite for your business needs.
• With our help, learn to leverage your CAD software 
to your advantage in every way possible. At 
DesignPoint, More is Possible® when you bring your 
designs to life in a more sustainable and innovative 
way.
www.design-point.com 9