Macro recording captures a sequence of user interface actions and replays them — which works for simple, linear tasks but fails when conditions change (different model geometry, missing attributes, unexpected dialog states). CAD API automation uses the platform’s programmable interface (NX Open API, Creo Toolkit, Solid Edge .NET SDK) to interact with the CAD model data directly — querying geometry, reading and writing attributes, creating features, and managing assemblies through code that handles conditional logic, error states, and variable inputs. API-based automation is more robust, faster, and capable of handling the real-world variation in engineering models that macro recording cannot manage. EMUG builds API-based automation rather than macro-based automation for all production engineering workflows.
A focused single-function CAD automation tool — such as a drawing production tool for one part type, a BOM export formatter, or a model attribute population tool — takes three to six weeks to build using the EMUG CORE Framework, including requirements definition, development, testing, and deployment. A more complex automation tool integrating CAD, PLM, and SAP — such as a full engineering release workflow automator — takes eight to sixteen weeks. A comprehensive CAD automation program covering six to ten tools across a full design workflow takes four to eight months of phased delivery. EMUG delivers a working prototype of the first tool within two weeks of requirements sign-off, giving engineering teams early visibility of the automation benefit before the full program investment is committed.
Yes. EMUG delivers multi-platform CAD automation programs for engineering organizations that operate NX and Creo on different product lines, NX and CATIA across different sites, or Solid Edge and Creo following an acquisition. For multi-platform programs, EMUG designs a common automation architecture layer — using Python or .NET orchestration that calls platform-specific APIs (NX Open, Creo Toolkit) for the CAD operations and common REST API connections for PLM and SAP integration. This approach enables automation logic that is consistent across platforms while using the correct native API for each CAD environment, avoiding the performance and reliability compromises of generic cross-platform automation frameworks.
EMUG connects CAD automation to Teamcenter using the Teamcenter Rich Client API (.NET and Java), the Teamcenter Services-Oriented Architecture (SOA) web services layer, and for NX-specific workflows, the native NX-Teamcenter integration APIs that are available when NX is used with Teamcenter Embedded Client or Teamcenter Integration for NX. For Windchill, EMUG uses Windchill REST APIs and the Windchill RPC (Remote Procedure Call) framework for server-side automation, and the Creo-Windchill PDMLink integration for Creo-specific workflows. Integration automation handles PLM check-in, workspace management, lifecycle state transitions, attribute synchronization, and BOM structure submission from CAD automation tools without manual PLM client interaction.
EMUG configures design quality check toolkits to three categories of drawing standards. International standards: ASME Y14.5 (Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for US-market programs, ISO 1101 (Geometrical tolerancing) and ISO GPS (Geometrical Product Specifications) for European programs, JIS B 0001 for Japanese manufacturing environments. Company-specific CAD standards: each automotive OEM and aerospace organization maintains its own CAD and drawing standards (VW Group, BMW, Airbus, Boeing standards) that EMUG codes into client-specific check rules. PLM metadata standards: attribute completeness checks confirming that all required PLM attributes are populated before model release, configured to the client’s Teamcenter or Windchill attribute schema.
Parametric CAD automation uses the parametric modeling capabilities of platforms like Creo and NX — where models are defined by design parameters (dimensions, angles, feature counts) that drive the model geometry — to generate design variants or product families from parameter inputs without manual remodeling. In configure-to-order manufacturing, parametric automation enables a customer order specification to drive the automatic generation of the correct CAD model for that order configuration — for example, a shaft automation tool that generates the correct shaft model from diameter, length, keyway, and thread specifications entered by the engineer. EMUG builds parametric automation tools using Pro/PROGRAM in Creo, NX expressions and family tables in NX, and Solid Edge variable tables in Solid Edge, integrated with configurator front-ends for production order parameter input.
EMUG delivers CAD automation tools for ITAR-controlled defense programs in environments with restricted internet access, no cloud connectivity, and strict software installation approval processes. All automation tools are built as on-premise applications with no external network calls — no telemetry, no license server connections, and no cloud dependencies. Source code is provided with full build documentation so client IT security teams can review, compile, and deploy from source rather than installing pre-compiled binaries. For US government facility deployments, EMUG’s automation development follows CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Level 2 software development practices — including code review, vulnerability scanning, and secure delivery protocols.
EMUG delivers CAD customization and automation to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers (IATF 16949 compliance), aerospace and defense organizations (AS9100, ITAR), industrial machinery manufacturers (ISO 9001), energy and oil and gas companies (ASME, API standards), and engineering services firms. Delivery countries include Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
