A central principle that guides software development at Nupas-Cadmatic is design and data management solutions that encompass all stages of a ship investment, the so-called ship investment life cycle. The software scope covers areas from basic and detailed engineering through to ship construction and operation & maintenance. The aim is to integrate databases into a single, controllable entity that is available for all users at all times. The Nupas-Cadmatic 3D model and design database constitute an efficient project databank. Integrated data management guarantees that all data entered into the design systems will be accessible at subsequent stages of the design project.

It is a common trend in shipbuilding to already start using 3D design at the early and basic design phase. The advanced 3D models lead to more accurate and error free design that results in substantial savings later on in the detailed engineering and production phases. An early hull construction is created in 3D to be used for the classification drawings and later on as a basis for the detailed engineering. The same basic model is used for making the first layouts. The general arrangement is done in 3D to provide a better layout view and specifically to identify the correct space requirements. The necessary P&ID and other diagrams are linked with the 3D model and guide the layout work.

The 3D basic design model is used as a basis for the detailed engineering. During the detailed engineering phase the classification drawings are automatically updated based on changes in the detailed engineering phase. Detailed engineering is started once the basic design hull construction is divided into actual building block structures. All the necessary details for the hull construction are modeled and defined into the 3D product model.

Machinery, piping and HVAC detailed engineering is based on the basic design model. The necessary documents and P&ID diagrams are produced from the model according to the shipyard or supplier standards and facilities. Accurate design information is guaranteed by the collision control feature. Outfitting, Accommodation and Electrical design are all done in the same model as above. The new data-centric architecture supports concurrent design allowing the design of these areas to be done simultaneously. Designers can follow the progress of their own and their colleagues detailed design in the same 3D model.

With Nupas-Cadmatic it is possible to obtain remarkable savings both in design and production. In addition to the normal production data such as drawings and part lists, Nupas-Cadmatic also produces detailed information directly usable for automated manufacturing. The software produces ready-to-use digital information for numerically controlled work shop devices such as cutters, bending machines and welding robots for producing hull and steel structure plates and profiles. The increased prefabrication and pre-outfitting reduces costs, production and delivery times.

Nupas-Cadmatic provides you with logistics and installation information as well. Detailed documents for each work step, such as panel drawings, module drawings, etc are output from the model. On-site eBrowser workstations are beneficial for installation personnel, since they can access all the required information from the single 3D ship model.

The Nupas-Cadmatic model and design database can be integrated into the maintenance and document management systems of the ship. Maintenance procedures become more efficient and the accuracy of the data is guaranteed. Manuals and related documents are linked to the 3D model and can easily be accessed by the crew. Crew member training can take place long before sea trials with the help of the virtual walkaround feature the Nupas-Cadmatic eBrowser.