CAD/CAM in the footwear industry CAD/CAM in the footwear industry CAD/CAM in the footwear industry is the use of computers and graphics software for designing and grading of shoe upper patterns and, for manufacturing of cutting dies, shoe lasts and sole moulds. CAD/CAM software is a PC-based system, which is made up of program modules. Today, there are 2D and 3D versions of CAD/CAM systems in the shoe industry. Computer aided design was introduced in the shoe industry in the 1970s. Initially it was used primarily for pattern grading. It enabled manufacturers to perform complex grading relatively easily and quickly. CAD systems today have been
Caddie (CAD system) A Microsoft Windows version of Caddie was not released until 1993. In 1998, Caddie was acquired by the South African software development company Billcad Holdings. By this time, Caddie had about 11 000 users. In 1999, Billcad became Planit Technology. In early 2001, Planit Technologies went into liquidation. By March 2002, the British company Advanced Computer Solutions (ACS) bought all the rights from the South African holders and also acquired the Caddie operation within South Africa. ACS was previously Caddie's British distributor. ACS has offices in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Caddie (CAD system) Caddie is a mid-range computer-assisted