Editing Computer-aided manufacturing (section)

===Overcoming historical shortcomings===
Over time, the historical shortcomings of CAM are being attenuated, both by providers of niche solutions and by providers of high-end solutions. This is occurring primarily in three arenas:
# Ease of usage
# Manufacturing complexity
# Integration with [[Product life-cycle management (marketing)|PLM]] and the extended enterprise<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fJsvJgppWWoC&q=Over+time%2C+the+historical+shortcomings+of+CAM+are+being+attenuated%2C+both+by+providers+of+niche+solutions+and+by+providers+of+high-end+solutions.+This+is+occurring+primarily+in+three+arenas%3A+Ease+of+usage+Manufacturing+complexity+Integration+with+PLM+and+the+extended+enterprise&pg=PA313|title=Basic Civil Engineering|last=Gopi|date=2010-01-01|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=9788131729885|language=en}}</ref>

;Ease in use

:For the user who is just getting started as a CAM user, out-of-the-box capabilities providing Process Wizards, templates, libraries, machine tool kits, automated feature based machining and job function specific tailorable user interfaces build user confidence and speed the learning curve.
:User confidence is further built on 3D visualization through a closer integration with the 3D CAD environment, including error-avoiding simulations and optimizations.

;Manufacturing complexity
:The manufacturing environment is increasingly complex. The need for CAM and PLM tools by the manufacturing engineer, NC programmer or machinist is similar to the need for computer assistance by the pilot of modern [[aircraft]] systems. The modern machinery cannot be properly used without this assistance.
:Today's CAM systems support the full range of machine tools including: [[turning]], [[Multiaxis machining|5 axis machining]], [[Water jet cutter|waterjet]], [[Laser cutting|laser]] / [[plasma cutting]], and [[Wire cutting|wire EDM]]. Today’s CAM user can easily generate streamlined tool paths, optimized tool axis tilt for higher feed rates, better tool life and surface finish, and ideal cutting depth. In addition to programming cutting operations, modern CAM software can also drive non-cutting operations such as [[Coordinate-measuring machine#New probing systems|machine tool probing]].

;Integration with PLM and the extended enterprise LM to integrate manufacturing with enterprise operations from concept through field support of the finished product.
:To ensure ease of use appropriate to user objectives, modern CAM solutions are scalable from a stand-alone CAM system to a fully integrated multi-CAD 3D solution-set.  These solutions are created to meet the full needs of manufacturing personnel including part planning, shop documentation, resource management and data management and exchange. To prevent these solutions from detailed tool specific information a dedicated [[tool management]]