PLM Manufacturing Solutions That Transform Product Development

TriStar Solutions empowers manufacturing teams to streamline product development, optimize supply chain management, and accelerate time-to-market through comprehensive PLM solutions and Product Data Management systems. Our PLM manufacturing software integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems and manufacturing execution systems, delivering real-time visibility from initial concept through the entire product lifecycle—enabling your organization to reduce development costs, improve product quality, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s increasingly complex market.

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What Is Computer Aided Design & Why It Matters

Computer-aided design (CAD) refers to the use of specialized software to create, modify, and optimize digital product designs. Instead of relying solely on manual drawings or physical prototypes, engineers and product developers work with accurate digital files that capture every measurement, material, and design detail through an intuitive user interface.

Computer-aided design addresses many common business pain points:

  • Data fragmentation — managing multiple versions across teams.
  • Slow design cycles — delays caused by outdated tools or inefficient workflows.
  • Costly errors & rework — mistakes identified too late in production.
  • Redundant designs — wasting resources recreating similar products.
  • Scaling challenges — difficulty adapting existing designs for new uses.

The best computer-aided design software combines user-friendly interfaces, real-time collaboration, and advanced features to solve these issues and create a competitive edge.

TriStar’s CAD Offerings

TriStar Solutions partners with PTC to deliver PTC Creo, widely recognized as one of the most versatile CAD software options available. PTC Creo’s diverse toolset allows businesses to handle everything from simple 2D drawings to advanced simulations and parametric modeling through its comprehensive user interface.

PTC Creo Highlights:

  • Powerful parametric modeling for design accuracy as a versatile tool
  • Integrated simulation tools for stress, thermal, and motion analysis
  • Additive manufacturing support for 3D printing
  • Augmented reality (AR) visualization for real-time presentations

Supporting Software Options:

  • Mathcad: Trusted engineering calculations and documentation
  • KeyShot: High-quality rendering and visualization to bring designs to life
  • Windchill PLM/PDM integration: Version control and traceability across product lifecycles

Custom Extensions & Automation:

  • Rule-based automation (Rulesoft, engineer-to-order customization)
  • Geometry-based search for reusing parts, cutting down on redundancy

Together, these software options give both new users and experienced engineers a versatile toolset for tackling product design challenges. TriStar transforms software implementation into strategic advantage—helping you optimize workflows, navigate technical challenges, and build a foundation for project excellence.

what's new in creo 11

Key Features & Capabilities

TriStar-supported computer-aided design software delivers advanced tools that drive efficiency and accuracy:

  • 2D & 3D Design — Create precise 2D drawings and realistic 3D models of parts, assemblies, and floor plans

  • Parametric Modeling — Change one dimension, and the entire design updates automatically through the user interface

  • Assembly Design — Combine multiple parts to analyze fit, function, and motion

  • Simulation Tools — Test strength, heat resistance, and motion digitally before building prototypes using advanced tools

  • Drafting & Documentation — Generate manufacturing instructions, materials lists, and digital files

  • Libraries & Reuse — Access built-in part libraries or reuse similar products for faster product design

  • Visualization & Rendering — Produce high-quality images and animations for internal and customer use

  • Collaboration & Version Control — Ensure every user works from the latest design through PLM integrations

  • Manufacturing Support — Connect CAD models directly to CNC machines and 3D printers for real-time production

Why Use CAD? 

Computer-aided design software isn’t just about advanced tools—it’s about business outcomes. With TriStar’s CAD software options, companies achieve:

  • Faster time-to-market by reducing manual steps and rework in product design
  • Lower compliance risks with automated version control
  • Improved collaboration between mechanical engineering, software, and manufacturing teams
  • Higher ROI across product lifecycles thanks to fewer errors and more efficient processes

How it Works

TriStar integrates computer-aided design software into a seamless workflow:

Design with PTC Creo — Create 2D/3D models, run simulations, and apply parametric design through an intuitive user interface

Manage Data in PLM/PDM — Use Windchill to store, track, and control every file format and version

Integrate Across Domains — Align mechanical, electrical, and software design with unified CAD software options

Visualize with PTC Creo Illustrate — Generate digital manuals, exploded views, and service documents

Coordinate with ALM — Keep software requirements in sync with hardware design

Extend & Automate — Use custom CAD packages, extensions, and geometry searches as a versatile tool

Review & Release — Approve final designs, update documentation, and release digital files to production

Train & Support — Equip teams with training, consulting, and ongoing support for maximum productivity

TriStar combines proven methodology with software options built for your specific needs, creating a partnership that eliminates bottlenecks, prevents costly errors, and transforms your product development into a competitive advantage.

what's new in creo 11

Implementation with TriStar

Your computer-aided design journey with TriStar includes:

  • Consulting & Assessment — Evaluating current CAD design software and workflows
  • Configuration & Integration — Tailoring software options to your business needs
  • Migration & Onboarding — Moving from previous versions to modern platforms with improved user interfaces
  • Training & Support — Reducing the learning curve with hands-on guidance for these advanced tools
  • Managed Services — Continuous optimization and upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions

Computer-aided design software goes beyond drawing—it creates fully detailed, parametric 3D models that integrate directly with manufacturing processes through advanced tools and versatile interfaces.

3D computer-aided design reduces errors, enables real-time simulation, and connects directly with CNC machines or 3D printers, unlike traditional drafting methods.

Through Windchill PLM and connected software options, electrical and mechanical data remain in sync, reducing version conflicts across product design teams.

Extensions like Wincom add automation, geometry-based part search, and engineer-to-order customization that save time and reduce redundancy, making them a versatile tool for efficiency.

Bring your product development to the next level with TriStar’s computer-aided design expertise.

Contact a TriStar representative for more about licenses and pricing for our software options!