Centauri launches CAD-neutral collaboration software

For companies considering outsourcing all or part of their design function, UK-based design software consultancy firm Centauri Design Associates has an interesting new offering. The firm has just launched a CAD-neutral, web-based collaborative design and product data management (PDM) software, CAD-Collaborate, that enables you to work closely with remote project team members without compromising control or security. The new package includes a database of approved design engineers and consultants, with CV and availability details. Customers can use the database to bring together, albeit in a virtual online environment, a team of highly skilled design engineers for their project. Throughout the design phase, project team members can communicate through chat rooms allocated to each project. Digital models can be discussed and exchanged online. What’s really good about the software though is its PDM capability. It’s CAD-neutral and so it’s compatible with all the major CAD formats: Autodesk, Unigraphics, PTC Pro/Engineer, STEP, IGES, Solid Edge, Solidworks, Catia, DFX, STL and VRML. This means team members can work in whatever format they are most proficient in without delaying the progress of the project. And there’s automatic email notifications, sent to team members whenever items or folders are accessed and changed. Graham Parker, md of Centauri, explains: “All services we offer are encrypted and each user is allocated a password and username. But you can run the software on your own server if you like for extra security… Designers can create a library for each project with parts, assemblies, drawings and related documents.” And with this innovative offering, design managers no longer have to worry about installing or upgrading problematic software. You only need a web browser to work with CAD-Collaborate. Check out the website at www.cda-online.com.