The 3D Collaboration & Interoperability Congress (3D CIC) fosters concentrated conversations about CAD-agnostic digital methods for Model-Based Enterprise advancement.
At the 2025 event, Ben Hopper, Principal Research Engineer - Model-Based Enterprise, at NCC will be presenting:
"Connected Model-Based Enterprise: Improving Data Flow and Interoperability in UK Supply Chains."
The Connected Model-Based Enterprise project, part of the UK’s Digital Supply Chain Hub, addressed the need for seamless, two-way data flow and improved interoperability across digital supply chains. It was led by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult) with support from NCC (National Composites Centre), Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North-West (AMRC NW), and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
The project established standards and frameworks for Model-Based Definition (MBD), enabling accurate, efficient data sharing across different engineering software. BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce were key industrial partners, with Siemens Digital Industries Software providing vendor support.
Central to the project was the Digital Thread, which links data throughout a product’s lifecycle, from design to disposal. This continuous data flow allows manufacturers real-time insights for quicker decision-making, higher quality, and faster product launches. Over the two-year project, nearly 14,000 interoperability tests were conducted to evaluate the consistency and integrity of data exchange through MBD standards and the Digital Thread. Testing highlighted STEP AP242 as an effective format for data transfer across platforms, though some compatibility and data integrity challenges were identified.
