CAD : Computer Aided Design
In the early days, CAD primarily referred to geometric modeling tools, then, by extension, to all the tools used in design in the larger framework.

CAD/CAM : Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing
Integrated CAD and CAM platform, with integration of the two tools ensuring better productivity.

CAM : Computer Aided Manufacturing.
Tools used to generate numerical control programs using a digital model generated by a CAD tool.

CAE : Computer Aided Engineering
Tools used to design products such as dynamic simulation tools, design calculations, etc. The CAE tools do not cover the geometric definition of the product, which is covered by CAD.

CAPE : Computer Aided Production Engineering
Tools used to design processes linked to a product, assembly, maintenance, etc.

DMU : Digital Mock-up
Extended digital representation of a system enabling fast development by multi-disciplinary engineering teams working together. The digital mock-up is a CAD model which is sufficiently complete to replace experimentation on physical models and other prototypes.

ERP : Enterprise Resource Planning
Company-wide computer software system used to manage and coordinate the comprehensive resources, information and functions of an enterprise such as human resources, accounting and financial management, decision-making, and also sales, distribution, procurement and e-commerce.

PLM : Product LifeCycle Management
Information system used to manage the entire life cycle of a product from its conception, through design and manufacture, to service and disposal. PLM integrates people, data, processes and business systems and provides a product information backbone for companies and their extended enterprise.

PDM : Product Data Management
Information system used for the creation, management and publication of product data, primarily design data generated by the engineering department. PDM is the ancestor of PLM, which has since extended the working perimeter of PDM.

Workflow
A « Workflow » is a model and a computerized method of managing a sequence of tasks to be accomplished and the various actors involved in realizing a business process. It describes the validation circuit, the tasks to be accomplished by the various actors of the process, the time frames, and the validation methods. The workflow engine is a software system used to execute one or several workflow definitions. In looser terms, this software system can be simply referred to as the “workflow”.