Multi-criteria decision making for the selection of CAD/CAM system

Manufacturers in this global market must rely on new technologies to gain a competitive advantage. Globalization has made a market where competitive advantage is essential not to sustain the market but even to survive. In this scenario, there is rapid advancement in automation of production processes with the application of computers right from the stage of design till the consumption point. Computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing systems have a history in assisting companies in design and high-speed manufacturing. Complex parts can be designed quicker with software that enables the user to visually see the part and its dimensions. These software programs can provide the compatibility to assemble parts together, checking for fit while also providing the capability to edit the part at any time. This allows complex designs to be made quicker, and more accurately. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) packages allow these complex parts to be brought to life by calculating tool paths and writing the code to manufacture the part on a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine such as a milling machine or lathe. Human error is reduced and higher accuracy can be attained when manufacturing parts that would be difficult to produce manually. Globally and locally there are companies using obsolete packages to design and manufacture products. Since technology is changing very rapidly and most companies cannot update with the technological advancements. The need to know what CAD/CAM packages are available and how to select one will help companies build for the future. In this paper an approach is made to find the best or suitable packages among four available software packages for a small manufacturing firm.