You're working on a new product design project. How can you ensure your software is up to the task?

To ensure that the software is up to the task for a new product design project, it's essential to conduct thorough testing and validation. This includes performing rigorous functionality and performance testing to ensure the software meets the project's requirements. Additionally, engaging with end-users and stakeholders for feedback and conducting usability testing can help ensure that the software is user-friendly and meets their needs. Regularly updating and maintaining the software to address any issues or bugs that arise is also crucial for ensuring it remains up to the task throughout the project.

Such an obvious advice may too abstract for R&D. For sure you should determine the features, function etc. of the new product. However, most probably it is not a main question in the software selection. Imagine, you are making electronics. Sometimes the best choice of the CAD is one you already have. First of all because you have an experience to work with. We are using for instance Altium Designer and Mentor Graphics (Siemens) PADS Pro. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. We planned to switch to PADS when started working with complex systems contains FPGAs, SoCs, DDRx etc. However, we realized that for the simple PCBs AD is better due to a user friendly interface. Same in the mechanical design, same in optical design.

En nuestro proyecto de diseño de productos, buscamos eficiencia operativa, reducción de tiempos de desarrollo y calidad. Los usuarios objetivo son ingenieros, cuyas necesidades se identificaron internamente. Mediremos el éxito por el tiempo de desarrollo y buscamos un software adaptable. Actualmente, utilizamos Solid Edge, reconocido por su modelado 3D avanzado, ensamblajes eficientes, diseño síncrono, simulación, gestión de datos, diseño de chapa metálica, documentación técnica, integración con fabricación, interoperabilidad y costo asequible, adecuado para nuestro presupuesto.

Most probably you cannot compare complex CADs. You have to learn how to work with before you can judge. You need an opinion from professionals who have an experience to work with different tools. Otherwise the opinion may be biased. Because for everyone the best option is one you better know. There is no ideal CAD. It is hard to say what is more important user interface or capabilities. I saw different cases. Sometimes you may have better functionality, but the user interface negates advantages in the terms of development process efficiency. And or you have to spend years to memorise all the hacks and tricks to be efficient.

That's important to connect your collective mind to such a decision making. Sometimes you have to think about to hire a new team member with a particular experience rather than try to train your current team members form the beginning. It would save some time.

To ensure your software is up to the task for a new product design project: 1. Define project requirements clearly. 2. Check software compatibility with other tools. 3. Assess software performance and reliability. 4. Verify necessary features for design and collaboration. 5. Ensure a user-friendly interface. 6. Confirm software scalability. 7. Look for strong support and documentation. 8. Ensure robust security features. 9. Regularly test and gather feedback.