DesignHub Streamlines Multi-CAD Integration To Boost Manufacturing Efficiency

Published on December 17, 2025

Propel Software has launched DesignHub, a cutting-edge solution designed to address long-standing multi-CAD integration challenges faced by manufacturers. By connecting over 15 mechanical and electrical design tools to Propel’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform, DesignHub enhances the flow of design data from initial concept to product release. Available with the Winter 2026 release, this tool aims to streamline the design process, reduce errors, and facilitate better collaboration across departments, ultimately increasing overall productivity and accelerating time to market.

Solving the Long-Standing CAD Data Disconnect

Manufacturers have long struggled with the challenge of integrating multiple CAD systems into their PLM solutions. As many companies rely on various CAD tools, the data often remains siloed within different platforms. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, version control issues, and delayed handoffs between teams. Propel Software’s DesignHub aims to eliminate these bottlenecks by creating a unified platform where design data can flow seamlessly across engineering, procurement, product management, marketing, and sales teams.

DesignHub’s ability to centralise data from mechanical and electrical CAD tools means that designers no longer need to worry about version conflicts or data mismanagement. Instead, the system ensures that all design data, including part numbers, bill of materials (BOMs), and attributes, are synced automatically. This centralised approach eliminates manual data entry, streamlining workflows and reducing human errors.

Boosting Productivity and Collaboration Across Departments

One of the primary benefits of DesignHub is its ability to enhance collaboration across different departments. By integrating CAD data directly into the PLM platform, DesignHub makes this information accessible to all relevant teams, from procurement to sales. This greater visibility allows departments to make faster, data-driven decisions and improves the coordination between teams that previously worked in silos.

Furthermore, the automated change management feature of DesignHub captures design alterations and routes them into change order workflows. This provides full traceability and ensures that all stakeholders are aware of changes throughout the product lifecycle. By breaking down barriers between departments, DesignHub not only accelerates new product development but also improves the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process.

A Game Changer for Manufacturers: AI Integration and Enhanced Workflow

The Winter 2026 release of Propel Software also introduces enhancements to Propel One, an AI-powered solution that further drives efficiency. Propel One utilises agentic intelligence built on Salesforce Agentforce to automate workflows and offer intelligent solutions across item management, BOM, and change management.

Propel One works seamlessly with DesignHub, taking connected data from the integrated CAD systems and generating context-specific responses to questions related to change orders, documents, and technical specifications. By automating these processes, Propel One saves time on administrative tasks and allows teams to focus on more critical decisions, increasing the speed and accuracy of product development.

The Impact of DesignHub on Manufacturing Efficiency

The integration of multiple CAD systems into a single, unified PLM platform is a game changer for the manufacturing industry. DesignHub addresses the core issue of disconnected design data and the inefficiencies that arise from it. By reducing errors, streamlining workflows, and increasing cross-department collaboration, Propel Software’s DesignHub significantly boosts productivity and accelerates the time to market for new products.

For manufacturers, this translates to lower costs, reduced overhead, and a more agile product development process. As companies continue to face growing pressure to innovate and meet market demands faster, the ability to centralise design data in one platform will prove to be a competitive advantage.

Embracing the Future of Multi-CAD Integration

In conclusion, Propel Software’s DesignHub is setting a new standard for multi-CAD integration within the manufacturing sector. By connecting over 15 CAD tools to Propel’s PLM solution, it creates a seamless flow of design data, enhancing collaboration, and reducing errors. With the added power of AI through Propel One, manufacturers now have a robust solution that boosts productivity and accelerates product development.

As manufacturers continue to seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs, solutions like DesignHub will be critical in achieving these goals. By embracing these technological advancements, companies can stay ahead of the competition, optimise their workflows, and deliver high-quality products faster than ever before.

For more information on how DesignHub can transform your manufacturing processes, visit Propel Software’s website.