With Onshape, Nothing is Lost in Non-Linear Product Development

A prime example of this innovation is the implementation of non-linear development, a concept deeply rooted in agile methodologies that has transformed the way engineers approach design challenges.

To appreciate the revolutionary nature of Onshape’s approach, it's crucial to understand the distinction between linear and non-linear product development methodologies in CAD.

The Traditional Linear Approach

In the conventional, widely-used linear management method, versions or revisions are saved at predetermined points throughout the design process. Many companies refer to intermediate statuses as versions, while revisions typically mark significant fixed points in the development timeline, such as prototype creation, test product finalization, pre-series refinement, and series product release.

In this linear paradigm, engineers have access to previous stages of development – analogous to software version numbers like v.1, v.2, and so on. Once the product reaches full development, it’s published (comparable to a 1.0 release in software) and enters the series production status. This milestone traditionally marks the end of the design history. 

Any further development initiates a new development version, culminating in a new “released” status, such as version 2.0.

A key characteristic of all forms of the linear concept is that rejected ideas and development versions are not archived. Instead, there exists only a single version history from which “snapshots” are created at given points in time – these are the revisions. Consequently, there's only one continuous path leading to the final product.

Drawbacks of the Linear Model

This linear approach, while straightforward, has significant drawbacks. Perhaps most critically, a wealth of information is lost throughout the process. 

It’s a well-known fact in design circles that a product is rarely, if ever, designed perfectly on the first attempt. Various approaches are typically explored and refined until the final design is defined. This final design is deemed superior to the alternatives, at least until it becomes apparent at a later stage of development that this approach may not be optimal, and an alternative path might have been preferable.

Unfortunately, revisiting these alternative approaches becomes challenging, if not impossible, in the linear model because they are not stored or easily accessible. This limitation can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and potentially the need to recreate previously discarded ideas from scratch.

The Power of Non-Linear Development

Recognizing these limitations, non-linear development management tools have long been embraced in the software development world, with Git being perhaps the most renowned example. The central tenets of non-linear product development – branching and merging – form the backbone of this revolutionary approach to design management.

In the non-linear paradigm, to develop a solution, a branch is created from the central history line. Within this branch, an idea can be developed and refined. Importantly, multiple branches can be created simultaneously to explore different approaches to a feature or problem. Ideas that ultimately prove unfeasible remain in history as dead-end branches, serving as valuable records of explored possibilities. When an optimal idea is identified, it’s merged back into the main branch.

The data management software, much like Onshape’s built-in PDM, employs a sophisticated process when merging branches. It meticulously compares the status at the start of the branch with the final status at the merge point. Only those features that have been changed or added are transferred to the main model. This intelligent merging offers a significant advantage: it enables the parallel development of multiple features across several branches without the risk of unintended overwrites or conflicts.

This non-linear approach proves particularly beneficial for distributed teams. In the context of automotive development, for instance, the entire vehicle could be managed in the main branch, while its various components are developed in parallel branches. Further sub-branches could be utilized to pursue alternatives such as petrol, diesel, and electric drive systems. At the project's culmination, the most successful branches are seamlessly integrated

One of the most powerful aspects of non-linear development is the ability to revisit and revive previously discarded approaches. If, during the course of development, it becomes apparent that a different approach would have been more advantageous, developers can simply return to that branch and continue development from that previous stage. The main development branch is reset to the point before the now-discarded merge, and subsequent merges are carried out anew.

While this process might initially seem cumbersome, it serves a crucial purpose: the system rigorously checks for conflicts with every merge. This thorough checking ensures that the model always remains consistent, even as it evolves through multiple iterations and explorations.

Onshape's Implementation of Non-Linear Development

Onshape takes the concept of non-linear development a step further by combining it with a robust “chat system.” This integration allows developers to discuss approaches, point out advantages and disadvantages, and collaboratively evaluate ideas from within the platform. 

Crucially, these decision-making processes are permanently preserved, ensuring that the rationale behind design choices remains traceable at all times.

Onshape’s data management doesn't just enable agile development; it actively promotes it. The entire development process becomes more transparent and efficient. In the dynamic world of design, what appears to be an aberration today may well be the solution of tomorrow – and with Onshape, capitalizing on such shifts in perspective becomes seamless.

All ideas that have ever been developed within a design are securely stored and can be readily utilized in other projects. This comprehensive version control ensures that no potentially valuable concept is ever truly lost, fostering innovation and cross-project pollination of ideas.

The Future of CAD Design

Onshape represents a paradigm shift in CAD and PDM systems. Its unique technical approach offers unprecedented possibilities that were previously unthinkable in traditional CAD environments. The implementation of non-linear product development, coupled with robust collaboration tools, positions Onshape at the forefront of modern design methodologies.

We encourage you to experience the power of Onshape for yourself. The system is available for a free trial immediately after a quick registration process. To help you get started, Onshape provides an engaging "Hands-On Test Drive" course in its Learning Centre, offering a comprehensive overview of its CAD functions and unique features.

By embracing Onshape, you're not just adopting a new CAD tool; you're stepping into a new era of design flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. The future of CAD is here, and it’s non-linear.