Maximizing CAD Design Accuracy through Effective Validation Techniques

Optimizing for Harness Design and Minimizing Design Errors with DRC

As a leading provider of harness design solutions, our customers often ask why they are encountering so many avoidable design errors, despite using all of the common tools in the industry. The answer lies in the limitations of standard Design Rule Checking (DRC) tools and the lack of attention paid to capturing all of the required technical data and characteristics of selected components.

Challenges in Harness Design

One of the biggest challenges in harness design is ensuring parts compatibility and intermateability. This requires considering various features and parameters, such as grommets and cavities, contacts, wires, coverings, and internal shapes and features.

Another issue is the lack of detail in the design data required for manufacturing. Consumables are often not specified on the Bill of Materials (BOM) and sizes of coverings are typically left up to the discretion of the manufacturer. This can lead to confusion and mistakes in the manufacturing process. Additionally, there is minimal data exchange between design software, which further exacerbates the problem.

The Importance of Robust DRC in Harness Design

By incorporating a robust DRC process into harness design, these issues can be mitigated. A robust DRC system can help improve time-to-market, reduce the cost of materials from change or scrap, reduce the cost and impact of design change and iterations, improve design quality, and increase overall confidence in the design process.

A robust DRC system can also help evaluate required component changes with a high degree of confidence, improving accuracy in the digital twin and technical-data transfer process. This leads to better collaboration among designers, clearer release documentation, and fewer Non-Conformance Reports.

In conclusion, investing in a robust DRC process is crucial for achieving success in harness design. By addressing the challenges in harness design and maximizing the benefits of a robust DRC process, organizations can improve their time-to-market, reduce costs, and enhance overall design quality.