Multi-CAD Integration

Engineering teams often use multiple CAD systems — mechanical, electrical, electronic — depending on their products, processes, and locations.

Bluestar PLM supports this reality by supporting multi-CAD environments natively within Microsoft Dynamics 365.

One BOM — All CAD tools
Consolidate product structures from multiple CAD systems into a single, accurate BOM.
Eliminate manual rework
Automate data transfer between CAD and ERP to reduce time-consuming, error-prone tasks.
Change control
Real-time collaboration and streamlined processes help you launch products faster.
Align engineering and operations
Ensure consistent product data flows from design through production — without miscommunication.
Reduce risk of errors
Minimize discrepancies and version issues by unifying data across all design environments.
Centralize product data
Bring all design outputs into one system to enhance traceability and streamline collaboration.

Why Multi-CAD is important

Engineering teams often rely on different CAD tools for mechanical, electrical, or electronic design. Common tools include Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, ePlan, and PADS. Without a way to consolidate this data, organizations may face:

  • Duplicate or inconsistent BOMs
  • Manual data transfers and rework
  • Difficulty managing changes across disciplines
  • Misalignment between engineering and downstream operations

Multi-CAD integration ensures that product data from all CAD sources can be brought together in one place — helping to streamline collaboration, reduce errors, and improve traceability.

How Bluestar PLM supports Multi-CAD environments

Bluestar PLM is designed to connect with a variety of CAD systems and centralize product data management inside Microsoft Dynamics 365. Key features include:

Supports multiple design tools across mechanical, electrical, and electronic domains.

Maintains a unified product structure regardless of CAD source.

Enables structured change processes (ECOs, ECNs) that span different CAD inputs.

Because Bluestar PLM is embedded in Dynamics 365, product data is synchronized without external middleware or duplicate systems.

Unified product data

All product structures — no matter the CAD source — are maintained in a single BOM and item model within Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Cross-team collaboration

Teams across disciplines and locations can work in their preferred tools while contributing to a shared source of truth.

Change management

Track and manage engineering changes across SolidWorks, Autodesk, ePlan, and more — using one standardized process.

Simplified IT landscape

Because Bluestar is embedded in Dynamics 365, there’s no need for third-party integration platforms or separate PLM infrastructure.

Customer spotlight: DAS Environmental Experts GmbH

DAS Environmental Experts GmbH, a global provider of emission control technologies, transformed their product data processes by moving from an on-premises setup to a fully cloud-based PLM solution with Bluestar.

Previously, the company relied on separate systems for ERP and PDM, connected through a basic interface. This created challenges in collaboration, data consistency, and change control — especially as their engineering needs expanded beyond mechanical CAD to include multiple CAD systems.

“We moved from managing only mechanical CAD to supporting multiple CAD platforms — all integrated into a single PLM solution. Instead of jumping between separate systems, our users now work seamlessly across PLM and ERP.”

— Sylvio Kipke, Director Global Engineering, DAS Environmental Experts GmbH

Unify eCAD & mCAD in Dynamics 365

Connect your entire engineering toolchain — from electrical to mechanical design — in one unified PLM system.

Bluestar PLM’s eCAD and mCAD integration module enable seamless collaboration across design disciplines, with full traceability, BOM alignment, and native integration inside

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Multi-CAD integration allows organizations to manage product data from multiple CAD systems (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, ePlan, PADS) within a single PLM and ERP environment — in this case, Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Bluestar PLM includes built-in connectors for major CAD systems and maps their data into a unified product model within Dynamics 365. This enables centralized item, BOM, and document management — regardless of the CAD system used.

Bluestar PLM supports several leading systems, including:

  • Autodesk Inventor
  • SolidWorks
  • ePlan
  • PADS

Support for additional tools can be discussed based on project needs.

Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and related workflows can be initiated and managed across CAD systems. All changes are tracked, approved, and reflected centrally in Dynamics 365, ensuring consistent execution across teams.

No. Bluestar PLM is natively embedded in Dynamics 365, eliminating the need for third-party middleware or custom interfaces. This reduces complexity and simplifies IT maintenance.

Engineers can continue working in their preferred CAD tools while participating in a shared product lifecycle process. This reduces disruption, avoids rework, and improves collaboration across disciplines.

BOMs generated from different CAD systems are consolidated into a single, structured BOM within Dynamics 365. This ensures accuracy, traceability, and alignment with manufacturing and procurement processes.

Bluestar uses Dynamics 365’s built-in security model, role-based access control, and audit trails. It requires no additional infrastructure and follows Microsoft’s update and compliance standards.

Don’t you just love it when it all comes together?

Your entire product lifecycle. One system. Zero silos.