In an industrial environment where technical collaboration is essential, challenges related to CAD data exchange are multiplying exponentially. Incompatible formats, quality loss during conversions, securing sensitive data... These obstacles significantly slow down projects and generate hidden costs that directly impact your competitiveness.
What if a single solution could automate all your CAD model exchanges while guaranteeing their quality, security, and traceability?
DEXcenter: the CAD Exchange Automation Solution
DEXcenter is a robust platform for technical collaboration and CAD process automation. Developed by ITI, a pioneer in CAD interoperability for over 25 years, this solution addresses the complex challenges of multi-CAD environments and model-based enterprises (MBE).
This centralized solution enables you to automatically translate, validate, secure, and distribute your 3D models and technical documents, while complying with the strictest quality standards and security protocols. Its integration with PLM systems and other enterprise applications makes it the central hub for your technical exchanges.
Key Points
- Centralized web solution
- Multi-format CAD translation
- Process automation
- Integrated quality validation
- Advanced security and traceability
- Native PLM integration
See DEXcenter in Action
Modular and Flexible Architecture
DEXcenter is based on a Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) architecture that clearly separates data and application components. This modular design ensures flexibility, security, and adaptability to existing infrastructures. The solution includes two main modules that can operate together or independently, depending on your specific needs.
Collaboration Portal
Intuitive web interface accessible via standard browsers, allowing users (occasional and expert alike) to submit, track, and retrieve technical data. The portal centralizes all exchanges and offers:
- Organization of exchanges into sessions
- Strictly limited access to relevant data
- User interface tailored to technical and non-technical profiles
- Automatic notification of relevant users
Automation Engine
Powerful backend system that orchestrates all technical operations and can be integrated with the portal or other business applications. Its capabilities include:
- Translation between native and neutral CAD formats
- Intelligent sequencing of processing steps
- Quality validation and automatic repair
- Secure distribution to recipients
- Conditional decision-making based on intermediate results
Advanced Technical Features
Multi-format Translation
DEXcenter supports a wide range of CAD formats:
- CATIA V4/V5/3DEXPERIENCE
- NX (Unigraphics)
- Pro/ENGINEER and Creo
- SolidWorks, Inventor
- STEP, IGES, JT, Parasolid
- Support for assemblies, parts, and 2D drawings
- Retention of PMI and annotations
Automatic Validation
Integration with specialized tools such as CADIQ:
- Model integrity verification
- Validation of compliance with standards
- Programmatic revision comparison
- Documentation of engineering changes (ECO)
- Precise identification of geometric deviations
- Detailed validation reports
Model Repair
Integration with CADfix for automatic correction of:
- Incorrect or incomplete geometries
- Defective topologies
- Surface and edge issues
- Simplification of complex models
- Preparation for machining and simulation
- Adaptation to specific requirements of target systems
Data Security
Comprehensive protection of your digital assets:
- Installation within your network
- SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS, SFTP)
- Firewall-compatible architecture
- File retention within your network
- LDAP/SSO/Multi-factor authentication
- Robust password policies
- ITAR and EAR compliance
System Integration
Seamless connection to your existing systems:
- PLM systems (Windchill, Teamcenter, Enovia)
- Enterprise portals and intranets
- ERP solutions
- Document management systems
- JBOSS/Wildfly application servers
- Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server databases
- Distributed multi-site environments
Intellectual Property
Protection and control of sensitive data:
- Intellectual property watermarking
- Confidentiality agreement management
- Multi-level approval processes
- Comprehensive transaction logging
- Traceability and auditability of exchanges
- Usage and audit reports
- Automatic purging of old sessions
Advanced Security Architecture
The protection of technical data and intellectual property is a critical issue for manufacturing companies. DEXcenter implements a multi-layered security approach that ensures the integrity and confidentiality of your sensitive information at every stage of the exchange process.
Access Control
DEXcenter implements granular rights management:
- Secure user authentication
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Data isolation between users
- Visibility limited to relevant data
- Strict separation of client environments
Network Protection
A secure network architecture at all levels:
- Installation behind your firewall
- Distributed modular architecture
- Encrypted communication between components
- Secure protocols (HTTPS/SFTP)
- Isolation of processing modules
- Data retention on your servers
Auditability
Complete traceability of all operations:
- Logging of all transactions
- User action timestamping
- Monitoring of data access
- Detailed activity reports
- Secure log retention
- Alerts in case of suspicious activity
Use Cases and Feedback
Samsung Electronics
Challenge
Samsung Electronics needed to automate and efficiently manage the translation and distribution of CAD models between its internal departments and with its strategic suppliers in a complex multi-CAD environment.
Implemented Solution
Deployment of DEXcenter in 7 business units with over 500 users. Direct integration with Windchill, SPDM PLM, and the Samsung intranet portal. Incorporation of CADIQ for systematic quality validation of models.
Measured Results
Reduction of development times by up to 90%, significant improvement in the quality of exchanged models, and optimization of technical resources. The solution enabled the standardization of exchange processes on a global scale.
Snecma Groupe SAFRAN
Challenge
Critical need to synchronize DMU (Digital Mock-Up) environments, define strict quality rules for the exchange of aeronautical models, and automate translation processes while ensuring rigorous quality control.
Implemented Solution
Deployment of DEXcenter with integration of CADIQ and CADfix, enabling complete automation of the translation process driven by quality control. The system processes up to 100 files daily, with specific features for defeaturing and long-term archiving.
Measured Results
Reliable synchronization of multi-CAD DMU environments, systematic guarantee of model quality, and 80% reduction in manual interventions. The system automatically selects the optimal translation method based on the characteristics of the source model.
Quantifiable Business Benefits
Lead Time Optimization
Significant reduction in processing times:
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Elimination of manual operations
- Standardization of exchange processes
- Reduction of waiting times
- Immediate notification of stakeholders
Up to 90% reduction in exchange lead times
Cost Reduction
Measurable operational savings:
- Reduction of mobilized resources
- Optimization of expensive CAD licenses
- Reduction of errors and rework
- Elimination of low value-added tasks
- Optimal use of technical skills
Up to 80% savings on labor costs
Quality and Reliability
Guarantee of technical excellence:
- Systematic model validation
- Automatic repair of issues
- Consistency of exchange processes
- Compliance with company standards
- Drastic reduction of non-conformities
- Complete traceability of changes
100% of models validated before distribution
Optimized Collaboration
Transformation of collaborative processes:
- Intuitive web interface for all users
- Elimination of technical barriers
- Centralization of exchanges
- Complete visibility on progress
- Simplified exchanges with the external ecosystem
- Standardization of working methods
Agility and Scalability
Adaptation to evolving needs:
- Seamless integration with existing systems
- Customization according to your business processes
- Scalability to handle growing volumes
- Support for multi-site and multi-organization
- Adaptation to new CAD formats and versions
- Modular and scalable architecture
Evaluate DEXcenter for Your Organization
Our CAD interoperability experts can analyze your current technical data exchange processes and propose a solution tailored to your specific challenges. Contact us for a personalized and quantified evaluation of the potential benefits for your organization.
