CAD Interoperability
The ability to exchange CAD data — geometry, assembly structure, properties, and metadata — between different CAD authoring systems while preserving sufficient fidelity for the intended downstream use.
Why it matters
Supply chains consist of organizations using different CAD systems. Without interoperability, product data exchange requires manual rework, creates version control problems, and introduces error at every system boundary.
External References
This term appears in
Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “CAD Interoperability.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/cad-interoperability