Tech Soft 3D, the leading provider of engineering software development toolkits and industrial applications for CAD and CAE data conversion, visualization, and simulation, today announced at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), the availability of new independent research commissioned from Tech-Clarity, examining how manufacturers are meeting the rapidly growing demand for 3D engineering data.

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Independent research commissioned by Tech Soft 3D.

Independent research commissioned by Tech Soft 3D.

Based on interviews with 15 engineering, IT, and digital engineering leaders at large global manufacturers, the study explores how organizations are responding to rising demand for applications that create, access, and share CAD and simulation data and how they decide when to build custom solutions versus buy commercially available ones.

Engineering Data Matters More Than Ever

Engineering data is no longer confined to the engineering department. As 3D CAD and simulation data become strategic assets powering digital twins, AI initiatives, manufacturing, sales, service, and supplier collaboration, more teams across the enterprise need reliable access to it. The same richness that makes engineering data so useful often brings other unique challenges, including multi-CAD complexity, proprietary formats, IP protection, and licensing costs. Additionally, failure to streamline engineering data access is costlier than ever.

The choice to build or buy the technology to manage and utilize this data is more nuanced than ever, particularly for enterprise solutions. Tech-Clarity’s research set out to understand how industry leaders are making these decisions.

Research Highlights

  • Manufacturers increasingly view engineering data as a strategic business asset that underpins innovation speed, digital threads, and AI initiatives.

  • Organizations are extending access to CAD and product data beyond engineering to manufacturing, service, and procurement, and more.

  • Most manufacturers pursue a hybrid Build and Buy strategy, favoring commercial solutions by default while building to fill specific gaps.

  • Internal development remains important for protecting IP and meeting specialized needs, while commercial technologies accelerate delivery and reduce cost.

  • Artificial intelligence is increasing demand for accessible engineering data, and AI-assisted “vibe coding” may make custom development more attractive going forward.

“Manufacturers are facing growing pressure to make engineering data available across the business, but there isn’t a single path forward,” said Jim Brown, President of Tech-Clarity. “Our conversations revealed that organizations are carefully balancing internal expertise with commercial technologies to meet evolving business requirements. The most pragmatic approaches match the solution to the specific challenge rather than treating Build and Buy as an either-or decision.”

Tech Soft 3D commissioned this research to give manufacturers an independent, unbiased view into how their peers are navigating these decisions. Rather than benchmarking adoption rates, the study captures qualitative insight from leaders across automotive, aerospace, electronics and high tech, industrial machinery, and medical device industries, offering a practical lens for evaluating options and building better engineering data strategies.

“Engineering data has become one of manufacturing’s most important business assets, yet many organizations still struggle to make that data accessible where it’s needed most,” said Robbie Payne, Chief Executive Officer of Tech Soft 3D. “This research gives industry leaders a clearer view of how their peers are addressing that challenge. Tech Soft 3D is uniquely positioned to support every path forward, whether manufacturers build custom solutions, deploy ready-to-use applications, or combine both approaches.”

The full report will be showcased and released at IMTS 2026, where Tech Soft 3D will be exhibiting. To access the full report, How Manufacturers Meet the Growing Demand for Engineering Data, you can:

  • Visit Tech Soft 3D at Booth #236164 in the North Building

  • Pick up a complimentary Executive Summary of the research

  • Request the complete research report

  • Meet with Tech Soft 3D experts to discuss build and buy strategies for engineering data

About Tech Soft 3D & Tech-Clarity

Tech Soft 3D is the leading provider of engineering software development toolkits and industrial applications for CAD & CAE data conversion, visualization, and simulation. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Tech Soft 3D has additional offices in the USA, France, England, Japan, Germany, and Norway. Tech Soft 3D is backed by investment firm Battery Ventures. For more information, please contact press@techsoft3d.com or visit www.techsoft3d.com.

Tech-Clarity is an independent research firm dedicated to making the business value of technology clear. The firm analyzes how companies improve innovation, product development, design, engineering, manufacturing, and service performance through the use of digital transformation, best practices, software technology, industrial automation, and IT services. For more information, visit www.tech-clarity.com.

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