Files moved around the world

As aircraft manufacturers distribute more jobs to contractors, streamlining the transfer of information has become an important part of both design and manufacturing.

A range of tool suppliers are racing to provide techniques that make data sharing between OEMs and suppliers simpler and more efficient.

Designs are created with a range of CAD tools, and several additional programs are used when products move into manufacturing. As more and more companies get involved in development, it becomes more likely that some will use tools that are not compatible with those used by the OEM.