Dassault Systèmes introduces Solidworks 2018, the latest version of its 3D design and engineering solution portfolio. This is intended to simplify interactions between the various disciplines throughout the entire product development process. By integrating ideas into the design process at an early stage, changes in design or production can be managed quickly and easily. They are automatically incorporated into all associated models, programs, drawings and documentation. Solidworks CAM, a new Solidworks application, plays a central role in this version: it enables rule-based processing in conjunction with know-how capture to further automate production programming. According to the manufacturer, designers and production engineers gain a deeper insight into their designs, can make more informed decisions and create prototype parts more quickly. They can also take over production themselves for better control of quality, costs and delivery. This should make it possible to implement new 'build-to-order' strategies with user-defined parts.