Case Study: Progressive Machine & Design (PMD) halves delivery time and accelerates machine development with SOLIDWORKS

Ramping up factory automation system development with solidworks solutions

Progressive Machine and Design (PMD) builds custom factory automation systems for major manufacturers and was challenged by rising customer demand for faster delivery, more complex machinery, and a move from 2D to a 3D development workflow. To address faster, more accurate quoting and accelerated development, PMD adopted SolidWorks solutions, including SolidWorks 3D CAD, SolidWorks Premium, SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM (EPDM), and DraftSight.

PMD implemented a SolidWorks-driven process, used SolidWorks Simulation to validate heavy weldments, and integrated EPDM with its Encompix ERP to create a web-based Process Management Database with tablet access for real-time project data. As a result, PMD cut machine development time by about 35%, reduced design-to-manufacturing transition times by 40–60%, nearly halved customer delivery times, and improved quoting accuracy and cross-team communication.

Progressive Machine and Design (PMD)

David Cooley

Chief Engineer, Applications Engineering Industry: Automotive & Transportation ; Consumer Products