CAD-PLM Integration for MCAD, ECAD & PDM

Managing design files is a daily grind for engineering teams

PLM struggles to ingest design data when mechanical and electrical engineers use different computer-aided design (CAD) and product data management (PDM) tools. Files are scattered across systems and shared drives with no easy way to find them or verify versions. The end result is engineers spending more time reconciling versions, fixing conflicts, and chasing clarity instead of designing products.

Version Confusion

Design teams relying on shared folders and naming conventions often overwrite CAD files, creating major rework.

Disconnected Domains

In larger teams, mechanical CAD (MCAD) and electrical CAD (ECAD) designs evolve in silos, hindering collaboration.

Innovation Bottlenecks

Swivel chair data entry (manually moving data from CAD to PLM) makes maintaining a coherent product thread next to impossible.

Enterprise Blindspots

Many teams cannot share design information across the value chain, creating huge blind spots, especially in sourcing and production.

What is Design Hub?

Design Hub is Propel’s CAD-PLM integration solution. It connects MCAD, ECAD, and PDM systems to Propel PLM and syncs parts, BOMs, files, and approved manufacturer lists (AMLs) into the Propel product record. It also triggers Propel review and release workflows. It works with shared folders, on-prem PDM, or cloud CAD tools, so engineers can keep working in their current design environment.

How it works

Integrate with shared folders, on-prem PDM, or cloud CAD tools, either MCAD or ECAD.

Automatically assign part numbers and update files, BOMs, and AMLs.

Seamlessly trigger Propel workflows for review, release, and cross-team collaboration.

What is CAD PLM integration?

CAD PLM integration connects the design tools engineers work in to the product lifecycle management (PLM) system. Parts, BOMs, files, and approved manufacturer lists (AMLs) move into the product record without manual re-entry or file overwrites in shared folders. Design data from mechanical (MCAD) and electrical (ECAD) tools reaches PLM through governed, traceable releases. Ideally, this holds whether teams use cloud CAD, an on-prem PDM, or no PDM at all.

Propel Design Hub delivers this. It syncs parts, BOMs, files, and AMLs directly into the Propel product record, automatically assigns part numbers, and triggers Propel workflows for review and release. It supports SolidWorks, Onshape, Creo, Altium, and other CAD tools, plus PDM systems such as Windchill, Autodesk Vault, and Teamcenter. Engineers keep their current tools. Product, IT, sourcing, production, and other downstream teams work from a shared product record with versions they can verify.

Collaborate Seamlessly, Whatever Your Design Setup

Teams with No PDM

Design Hub brings structure and governance to engineering teams that haven’t yet adopted a full PDM. It provides version tracking, automated part numbering, and seamless BOM and file release directly from CAD—no server setup or IT overhead required. Teams can scale naturally from lightweight control to full change management as their products and processes scale.

Teams with On-Prem PDM

Design Hub extends your existing PDM investment by automating structured handoffs from engineering to PLM. It preserves full assembly structures, file renditions, and revision integrity, eliminating the need for manual re-entry or brittle integrations. Trigger governed releases directly from your current workflows and maintain total traceability as data flows into the product record.

Teams with ECAD

Design Hub unifies electrical design with the broader product lifecycle, standardizing how parts, libraries, and projects are managed across ECAD tools. It automates the release of BOMs, AMLs, and key design artifacts into the product record, providing visibility for sourcing and compliance from day one.

Teams using Onshape

Design Hub allows Onshape users to interact with Propel directly using Onshape's right panel. Pull part numbers in context and push a BOM that mirrors the design tree, all linked back to its Propel item. Generate and attach drawings (including auto-created PDFs) from the same panel, where mapping, preview, and release steps stay automated and consistent end to end.

Moving critical design data into PLM

Design Hub streamlines how critical design data gets into your PLM. This new approach removes brittle, manual re-entry. Sessions standardize mappings and rules, where users can preview the resulting items, and compare outcomes across sessions before committing a draft. The result is a governed, repeatable handoff that makes integrations a true advantage and keeps the product record accurate from day one.

A Look Inside Design Hub

Watch our webinar for an in-depth look at how Design Hub transforms design data collaboration, led by the expert insiders who created it.

WATCH NOW

FAQ

Is Design Hub a separate add-on or an extra cost?

Design Hub is not a separate add-on, but it does come at an additional cost. Pricing varies based on which integrations you need and how many are implemented. For more information, contact us here.

Which teams benefit from Design Hub and how?

Mechanical and electrical engineers: Release BOMs and files from your CAD tool, pull part numbers in context, and stop re-entering data in PLM by hand.

‍Product teams: Work from an accurate product record that includes design data, with versions you can verify.

‍IT teams: Integrate through standard templates, configurable workflows, partner connectors, and APIs. No server setup is required for teams without a PDM.

Everyone downstream (sourcing, production, quality, compliance, marketing, sales, and service): Design Hub releases design data into the Propel product record through governed, traceable workflows. Teams outside engineering work from the same product record, with versions they can verify, instead of hunting through shared drives.

How does Design Hub interface with SOLIDWORKS?

Design Hub connects to SOLIDWORKS through an import session, where you can export data directly or by using Propel’s APIs for a seamless, automated integration.

If you are using SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, check out our direct integration via our partner Razorleaf. In addition, if you would like to add a PDM to your workflow check out our cloud PDM integration with Bild.

Do I need a PDM to use Design Hub?

No. Teams can start using Design Hub without a PDM in place. BOM structures and supporting attachments can be added to Propel through import sessions or directly via APIs. Our partner Bild is a great option if you’re also looking for a cloud-based PDM solution.

How does Design Hub work with existing PDM systems?

If you already use an on-prem PDM such as SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, Windchill, or Autodesk Vault, Design Hub integrates directly with those systems to streamline the flow of data and maintain full traceability. Powered by our partner Razorleaf and their powerful CLOVER platform.

What about ECAD design data?

Design Hub includes native integration for ECAD tools, powered by our partner Accelerated Designs. You can pull part numbers, push releases, and configure which design data is shared with Propel for complete visibility and governance.

Which systems does Design Hub connect to?

Design Hub supports a wide range of MCAD, ECAD, and PDM systems through its partner ecosystem and API framework, allowing teams to integrate design data without changing their existing tools.

‍MCAD Tools:
SOLIDWORKS, Onshape, Creo, Inventor, AutoCAD, NX, Solid Edge, CATIA
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‍ECAD Tools:
OrCAD, Altium Designer, Altium 365

‍PDM Systems:
SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, Windchill, Autodesk Vault, Teamcenter, 3DEXPERIENCE

Design Hub’s flexible architecture also supports expansion through APIs and partner connectors, enabling future integrations as your toolset evolves.