b'\x1b\x1a\x19 \x1f\x18\x1d\x17\x16Get With the ProgramTOOLS TO BRIDGE THE SKILLS GAPBy Jason Ray target of skills required to supportutilization of this software across the ever-increasing complexity ofthe manufacturing value chain can T here is no denying that a man- produced components. The com- be the key to bridging the gap. ufacturingskillsgaphasex- plexity is due to the rapid evolu- Models produced with 3D CAD isted for years in the U.S. A skillstion of product design software,represent one of the most power-gap is caused by not having peo- specifically 3D CAD. This softwareful communication tools ever cre-ple trained to perform a task whenhas given flexibility to designers toated in manufacturing. Leveraging and where they are needed. Lon- quickly create, collaborate and iter- these models allows an engineer to don-headquartered consultancyate on highly complicated compo- more effectively communicate de-Deloitte predicts that this gap willnents and assemblies. sign intent and more clearly convey grow to an estimated 2.4 million un- This capability has increased thean enormous amount of geomet-filled manufacturing jobs by 2025.burden on manufacturers to effi- ric metadata. The challenge facing It is going to take technology thatciently make items with more in- manufacturers is that these files fre-drives both efficiency and work- tricacy and requirements for accu- quently are translated into 2D draw-force development to ensure thatracy. Manufacturers simultaneouslyings with geometric dimension-the gap does not hurt U.S. manu- have been limited often to workinging and tolerancing before being facturing, which made up over 11%with antiquated software, which hassent to job shops for quoting and of gross domestic product in 2018. formed an imbalance. production. The first step in bridg-In custom parts manufacturing,While the evolution of 3D CADing the gap is for all parties involved one cause of the gap is the movingpartly caused the skills gap, properwith part production to have access Whether in an office or on a shop floor, workers should be able to securely access 3D models and supporting files anytime for any job.All images: Paperless Parts18APRIL 2020 GetwithProgram.indd 18 3/16/20 11:36 AM'