The misconception that design automation is taking over jobs may stem from fears around the early adoption of robotics to replace some repetitive tasks. This is combined with a lack of understanding around automation and, more specifically, design automation.
In manufacturing, design automation isn’t about reducing headcount, it’s about helping people to do their job smarter. By removing repetitive, time-consuming tasks, design automation frees up engineers to focus on higher-value work such as product development.
As design automation tools become increasingly integrated into manufacturing workflows, the demand for skilled professionals with design automation know-how is increasing and creating job opportunities.
What is design automation in manufacturing?
Design automation is not the same as factory automation. Design automation simplifies the design process for “same but different” products by using predefined rules and logic to control parameters in CAD models, assemblies, and drawings.
In industries such as HVAC, materials handling, transportation, and architectural components, design automation technology is enabling businesses to generate more custom designs, quotes, and manufacturing documents and data in less time. Adopting a design automation solution means engineers have more time to work on higher-value tasks such as new product development and research. Design automation has enhanced their jobs, not taken them away.
Replacing repetitive tasks, not jobs
Design automation drives a shift in job focus. It enables engineers to hand off repetitive manual design tasks and to take on more creative work.
With routine tasks handled by design automation technology, engineers have more time to focus on new product design and creative problem-solving. This can help foster a culture of innovation and improve speed-to-market for new product launches. It also leads to improved job satisfaction as engineering time is freed up to focus on more engaging tasks. With the current recruitment challenges across the manufacturing industry, staff retention rates are a key priority for many businesses, and actions that help to prevent boredom and frustration are beneficial.

Thanks to DriveWorks, unnecessary time wasting is behind us and we can use this gained time to do more research & development.
Lorem Erhan Kusculu
Co-Founder/CFO at KARACA GEMI
More designs in less time, with improved accuracy
By automating time-sensitive and often repetitive upfront activities, manufacturers are reaping the benefits with more time to innovate and add value to their products, increasing throughput, improving accuracy, and winning more business.
Increased efficiency
Design automation enables streamlined workflows for faster design iterations with minimum manual input.
Focus on innovation
Design engineers have more time to focus on new product design and creative problem-solving.
Cost savings
Reduced costs, minimized errors, and faster project completion times can all contribute to financial savings.
Improved accuracy
Design rules and parameters ensure product configurations are valid and reduce the amount of rework required.
Learn more about design automation
Manufacturing businesses across all industries use design automation tools to increase efficiency, reduce errors, streamline workflows, and free up engineering time for product innovation.

How design automation drives growth
Manufacturers of custom products and their design teams are under constant pressure to deliver faster, more personalized, and higher-quality results—all while keeping costs down and sales volume up. That’s where design automation comes in.
- Faster time-to-market
- Cost savings
- Customization at scale
- Enabling creativity
- Streamlined workflows

Customer success with DriveWorks design automation
Integrating design automation into your design process enables your teams to work smarter, making your business more flexible, efficient and competitive.
Get started with design automation
Powerful SOLIDWORKS® part, assembly, and drawing automation – start your 30-day free design automation trial today.