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CAD data management for engineering design projects, impact of training and CAD interoperability on optimizing workflow efficiency
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DOI：10.1080/17452007.2026.2651209.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Effective CAD data management is crucial for engineering design productivity, yet challenges in file organization, interoperability, and workflow efficiency persist. While prior studies addressed technical aspects of PDM systems and file formats, the interaction between technical solutions and human factors remains underexplored. This study bridges this gap by examining the combined impact of structured training and file format standardization on CAD workflow performance, evaluating 120 professionals in control and experimental groups and assessing improvements in archiving, project categorization, security practices, and employing a QFD analysis to assess 35 CAD formats through expert testing, establishing performance hierarchies for manufacturing, AEC, and media applications. Key findings revealed a significant improvement after training, with large effect sizes across variables, reflecting meaningful enhancements in consistency, file retrieval, storage management, and security practices. Furthermore, based on expert ratings and normalized weighting, this study revealed a Pareto distribution where dwg, dxf, IGES, STEP, STL, and SVG collectively accounted for the majority of the weighted TIR, guiding format selection for specific industry applications. Manufacturing workflows benefited most from IGES and STEP formats, whereas AEC collaboration prioritized DWG and DXF. Media and entertainment pipelines relied on SVG, OBJ, and mb/.ma formats for texture and animation efficiency. These results show that human competency and technical interoperability in CAD data management must be developed together. By highlighting practical improvements in human–technical interactions and providing data-driven format hierarchies, the study offers actionable insights for workflow optimization, cross-platform collaboration, and adoption of interoperable CAD formats in professional settings, enhancing efficiency and standardized data management.
Keywords:
Design management
engineering design
design workflow efficiency
optimized CAD-based manufacturing
training interventions
CAD formats’ interoperability
Journal
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2.5
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183
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1.3K