W H I T E P A P E R S

LEGACY MIGRATION WITH AUTOMATION USING ACC-U-TRANS AND LDA TOOLS

“Engineering is the conceptualization, design, construction, and

administration of projects and products. Whatever the field or application, an

engineer solves problems with imagination, creativity and synthesis of various

sources of knowledge”.

A legacy system is an old method, technology, computer system, or application program that

continues to be used, typically because it still functions for the users' needs, even though

newer technology or more efficient methods of performing a task are now available. A legacy

system may include procedures or terminology which are no longer relevant in the current

context, and may hinder or confuse understanding of the methods or technologies used.

Data migration is a process of translating 3D models & 2D drawings from one CAD system to

another CAD system which lets users create, view and modify assemblies built with

components created in different CAD systems. Many manufacturers, both large and small, use

multiple 2D and 3D CAD systems & upgrading to the newer technology; Data migration is

most indispensable to use the archive or legacy data for their new product development.

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Over viewLegacy System & Data Migration

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Legacy Data Conversion Manual Process

PRO/ENGINEER

! Identify the data to be converted from one CAD platform to other CAD platform.

! Process considered for the conversion of data from IDEAS (Source) to Pro/E (Target).

! Understand the limitation & standards for the data to be converted.

! Create IGES / STEP for 3Dmodel & IGES / PDF / DWG format for drawing from source

software.

! IGES / PDF / DWG drawings will be input for creating parametric 3D model in Target

software for models with definite dimension using manual method.

! Else IGES / STEP will be used to create parametric model for the models with surfaces.

! Create 2D drawings from the generated 3D model as per the Input drawings from Source

software.

! Verify the 3D data from source to target software with different method like import IGES /

STEP in the target software & compare the models for deviation.

! Other method would be to overlay 2D drawings from source & target software.

! Perform the Quality check for both 3D model & 2D drawing.

! Any deviation in the Quality check, rework to achieve the specified requirement.

! Package the model & drawing & upload to the customer data base.

Pro/ENGINEER is a parametric, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution created by

Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC). PTC was the first to market parametric, feature-

based, associative solid modeling software.

There are three basic Pro/ENGINEER design steps from conception to completion:

! Part creation

! Assembly creation

! Drawing creation

We can use Pro/ENGINEER to create a complete 3D digital model of the products. The

models consist of 2D and 3D solid model data which can also be used downstream in finite

element analysis, rapid prototyping, tooling design, and CNC manufacturing. All data is

associative and interchangeable between the CAD, CAE and CAM modules without

conversion.

Legacy System & Data Migration

2D drawing using Pro/E 3D Model using Pro/E

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Acc-u-Trans - Feature Based Part Translation

When to Use Feature Based Translations

Acc-u-Trans literally build the model feature by feature right in the target CAD system. If the

target CAD system needs assistance with any feature (either because the feature type does

not exist in the target system or the target system cannot resolve the geometry being delivered

to it) Acc-u-Trans goes through its patent pending “Interrupt” process. Once the issue is

resolved the system continues the creation process.

Acc-u-Trans is the only feature based CAD translation tool that allows an operator through a

translation interrupt process to resolve these differences during the translation. This ensures

that the feature tree is always complete and updates without error in the new CAD system.

This unique combination of software and operators produces results similar to manual

remastering of CAD models in a fraction of the time it would take to complete manually. This

process mirrors the actual design process CAD designers use every day (resolve or massage

features into the design that the CAD system struggles to resolve by itself). Further, it can

translate models that might not even lend themselves to manual remaster in another CAD

system.

There are many reasons companies consider a feature based translation strategy. A partial list

would include:

• Legacy data from another CAD system whether through acquisition or system change

• Contract designs completed in another CAD system

• Companies that utilize a multi CAD system strategy for leveling design work

• Obtaining new customers that require CAD data deliveries in their CAD system of choice

The key point to consider when analyzing translation methods is the required use of the

model after translation. If you need the feature intelligence in the model then your choices are

limited. A neutral or dumb translation will never provide this level of modifiability. There may

not be time or the use of the model does not warrant the expense of a manual remaster.

Where the need and frequency of model modification is high then a feature based translation

strategy can be a very high value alternative.

SolidWorks 3D Model Acc-u-Trans Translated Model to Pro/Engineer

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Overview of Acc-u-Trans

LDA - Legacy Drawing Associator

• Three Step, Feature Based, Process Centric Translation Software

• Completely Feature Based Part Translation Between All Six Major CAD Systems

• Claims 70% increases in productivity when compared to manually re-mastering models.

• Easy To Use Batch Processing

• Extensive Status and Summary Reports in Each Translation Step

• Automatic Assembly Creation

• Batch Processes Optimized For Assembly Structure

• Geometric Analysis of Translated Models with Mirror Model Comparator Software

There is technology Invented by PTC that exists today to address the migration of CAD data.

This technology, called the Legacy Migration Extension (LMX), provides a suite of tools to

assist in migration data from one CAD system to another.

A big part of LMX is a tool for re-association of imported 3D models to otherwise un-

associated 2D drawings. This tool, known as the Legacy Drawing Associator, maps 3D model

geometry to a separately imported 2D drawing. It then re-maps dimensions and notes to the

3D solid geometry on that same drawing so that model modifications are reflected with

drawing dimension updates. The result is a 2D drawing that is, once again, fully associative to a

3D model.

Advantages of LDA v/s Conventional / Manual method

• LDA is fully automated otherwise reduction in time over Manual method.

• LDA has shorter cycle time over Manual method.

• LDA can be used for any CAD system (Input is neutral format IGES / DXF).

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Case study: Improving product efficiency using Pro/ENGINEER

About Client:

• Easy to implement the customer standards since LDA map views, dimensions & notes to

input IGES drawings.

• LDA is an simple tool & easy to understand by any CAD engineer (Semi skilled engineers)

• LDA process has very minimal Human errors compared to Manual process.

• LDA systematic approach eliminates loss of drawing entities.

• Easy to manage massive Mechanical/ electrical / electronic drawings

• LDA handle most languages like Chinese, Japanese etc.

Factory Model Concept - LDA

Our Client is a Leading Medical Diagnostic Equipment Manufacturer with sites across the

globe, Headquartered in the United Kingdom with a $17 billion Company. Worldwide,

employs more than 46,000 people committed to serving healthcare professionals and their

patients in more than 100 countries.

Business need:

Globalization, Changing demographics and Technology are changing consumer base rapidly

increasing. This creates huge demand but not necessary for the same product at the same

price tags. These forcing companies think differently and re look at their cost and create

product that meet needs of market and trends.

LDASupports

IGES / DXRas input file

format

Correctionof import

errors

Associatesviews to the

model

relating non- associativeentities to the view

Associatesdimensions

notes &Symbols

Movingredundant/duplicatedentities tothe layer

Qualitycheck

through PVoverlay

InputSorting

Stage 1Import

IGES / DXF

Stage 2Map model

& MapView

Stage 3Relate

to View

Stage 4Map

Annotation

Stage 5Clean Up

Quality Check

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Project Scope:

Client Challenges:

How ITC Helped:

Advantages of Factory Model

Migrate 2700 IGES / DXF input (from IDEAS) drawings to associated Pro/E drawings as per

Input CGM using LDA tool in CREO.

Client was having approximately 2 calendar months to migrate 2700 IGES / DXF drawings into

Pro/E Associated Drawings.

Drawings should confirm all the acceptance criteria of the end customer with high quality &

standards requirement

Initially ITC deployed trained engineers on job in LDA Tool & Acc-u-Trans to migrate the 2700

drawings with parametric model & associated drawings.

ITC approached Factory model concept to increase the productivity & reduce the rework and

adopted Product view overlay process for checking the quality of the drawings.

• Effective process for large volume of data migration.

• Shorter cycle time, increased productivity in terms of Time & Cost.

• Engineers get expertise in their respective stages which lead to good quality drawing &

reduction in production time.

• Effective utilization of skilled & unskilled Pro/E engineers

• Better Quality & reduction in Quality check time by Product View overlay process

Deployed Optimum Utilization of Skills – Factory Model to increase productivity and cost

effective

Stage 1- Import

IGES / DXF Files

Stage 2- Map models

& Map Views

Stage 3- Relate to

View

Stage 4-Map

Annotations

Stage 5- Clean up

Quality Check

Import errors corrections

(Text misplacement & symbol errors)

Mapping views ofProspective projection

Adding parts or assembly& map views by LDA tool

Relating leader linesto the view

Automatic associating entities to the view by

LDA tool

Hiding all IGES /DXF entities into the layers

Associating unmappedOrdinate dimentions

Automatic association of Dimention, notes & symbols

by LDA tool

Quality check through PV overlay

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Business Benefits:

We believed in providing innovative value-based solution to our clients. Our client benefited

immensely by out sourcing, not only labor arbitrage as primary goal. While we are enable our

partner to improve on process, quality and capabilities. We have full set of product

engineering lifecycle capabilities, delivery capabilities and cutting edge collaborative R&D

methods.

! Drawing reproduction time was reduced by 70% over manual process using the LDA and

our Factory model concept

! Rework / Rejection were very minimum which is less than 10%.

! Minimum Human error with customer standards implemented 100%

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ITC Infotech

ITC Infotech is a fully owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, a diversified business conglomerate. ITC is

one of India’s foremost private sector companies and runs market-leading businesses in

multiple segments. ITC completed 100 years of leadership in 2010.

ITC Infotech is a global IT services and solutions company. The company focuses on

developing industry specific solutions aimed at client’s unique business requirements and

challenges in critical performance areas. ITC Infotech has also established technology Centers

of Excellence (CoEs) to deepen capabilities and incubate cutting-edge technical

competencies.

A robust outsourcing model, comprehensive suite of differentiated solutions, and focus on

excellence in execution, have provided ITC Infotech a leadership position in its chosen

domains. The company is working with a bevy of Fortune listed global customers and its

service delivery footprint spans five continents, spread across 140 countries.

To contact our subject matter experts, please write to: contact.us@itcinfotech.com

www.itcinfotech.com

Global Locations

North America: New Jersey, New York, San Jose, Houston, Troy, Bentonville

EMEA: Milton Keynes, Copenhagen, Prague, Johannesburg

Asia Pac: Kolkata, Bangalore, Victoria, Singapore