Cost management software offers extended integration to CAD systems

Providing real-time predictive product cost assessments, the newest version of aPriori (Concord, MA) v6 Product Cost Management software is now available. By identifying quantifiable savings in material, tooling, labor, and overhead, the software also can significantly reduce product costs by evaluating alternative designs, processes, and sources. Version 6 adds support for 3D CAD file formats with integration to Catia v5 and Siemens PLM NX, along with existing integration to Pro/Engineer Wildfire, which increases the software’s ability to cost parts and products instantly from solid model files.

Aside from CAD-file and new-process support, a number of new tools have been added, in­cluding one-click costing, to ­generate up-to-the-second assessment when evaluating alternative designs, materials, manufacturing processes, and locations. The welded assembly costing has been enhanced, so users can apply various weld types directly to an assembly and aPriori will automatically determine the costs to apply the weld and add it to the total assembly cost. The new CAD model viewer allows all users, even those who don’t use CAD applications, to view and manipulate the costs of parts and assemblies. And it’s easier for customers to update the system to reflect the most current factory data maintenance rates, as well as create new factories and suppliers.

The aPriori software is designed to be used by everyday business users, with customizable screen layouts, tools, and controls. A library of supported processes includes injection molding, machining, stage tooling, and welded assembly.

aPriori Technologies Inc.
www.apriori.com