Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is a combination of two terms CAD and CAM to describe the software that is used to design and manufacture prototypes, finished products, and product runs.

The use of CAD/CAM at a facility changes the manufacturing process because it allows greater flexibility in the design and manufacture of a new product and reduces lead times for machine set-up resulting in a faster response to market demand. There is a reduction in scrap and an increase in the quality of the product.

Today, every manufacturing plant uses at least a type of CAD-CAM system to control its operations. Here are the various advantages they can avail of by using these software applications.