I’ve been asked many times why I like CAD and PLM? One of the main reasons – connection to real-world products. These physical objects – cars, airplanes, houses, computers, but recently much wider scope of products is fascinating. To understand how these things are built is by itself one of the most fascinating things.
Remember CAD conferences 20-30 years ago? Everything you’ve been able to see there were computers, large monitors, CAD software and expensive plotters. Pretty much that’s it. The design was virtual and the output was on the paper going back in 1980s-90s. I took from pictures from John Walker’s archive.
Theses days connection of virtual to physical is the focus. CAD is not only about virtual design- we are moving into a process of digital transformation. Last week I attended LiveWorx 2019 in Boston. Modern engineering software is not only about virtual representation of the products. It is about the connection between virtual and physical. You can design it, plan it, simulate it, but also have a chance to touch it.
Below a few images, I took at LiveWorx. You can see an increased amount of equipment and physical products.
PTC also is demonstrating the power of connection between virtual and physical products in real life.
What is my conclusion? I can see two main reasons to attend events these days. The first and most important is to meet real people. This is by itself priceless. Presentations, slides, and videos can be watched online. But, go to events to have live discussions with people. Second is to see physical products. The number of physical products at the event exhibition show is growing and this is a good reason to come and see them. Just my thoughts…
Best, Oleg
Disclaimer: I’m co-founder and CEO of OpenBOM developing cloud-based bill of materials and inventory management tool for manufacturing companies, hardware startups, and supply chain. My opinion can be unintentionally biased.
