Also, there was a requirement for meshing procedures to link the geometric and computational mechanics entities. This technology automated the modeling process. The automation of the design process led to the development of optimization tools. These tools could be used, for example, to optimize the shape of a solid component subject to stress and buckling constraints. Further design process automation has come through the use of artificial intelligence techniques.
Manufacturing is clearly different in nature from the design oriented areas discussed so far.
The common thread is the geometric representation associated with the model. These representations can be used in the manufacturing process, and general computer-aided engineering tools include some manufacturing capabilities, such as the automatic generation of machine tool paths. The last area to develop was information systems management. Projects are now more integrated, involving different groups, perhaps in different locations, working together on complex projects. Large amounts of information must be maintained, updated, and processed in order to reach project completion.