Solution

Automated PMI Quality Verification for Model-Based Workflows

PMI Checker

PMI Checker automatically validates PMI integrity to improve CAD data quality and streamline MBD/MBE workflows, supporting accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across enterprise processes.

The Shift toward MBD and MBE

Manufacturing industry is accelerating the adoption of Model-Based Definition (MBD) and the broader Model-Based Enterprise (MBE). In these practices, 3D CAD models enriched with Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) become the single source of truth—replacing traditional 2D drawings. This shift enables digital continuity, enterprise-wide reuse, and supply chain automation. However, as PMI grows in volume and complexity, manual verification is no longer sufficient. Automated PMI validation is now essential to reduce risk, cut costs, and scale MBD adoption.

Related Article: Introducing Elysium’s PMI Checker: Raising the Standard for Model-Based Definition Accuracy

Key Drivers of MBD/MBE

Clarity and Consistency

PMI embedded in 3D models eliminates ambiguity, ensuring design intent is interpreted consistently across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers.

Efficiency and Risk Reduction

Automated validation prevents downstream errors and rework, shortening lead times and accelerating time-to-market.

Enterprise-wide Value

Accurate PMI fuels digital transformation, ensuring trustworthy data flows across the enterprise. By supporting both human interpretation and machine-readable automation, it drives efficiency and consistency at scale.

Why PMI Verification

Eliminate Ambiguity before Release

Ensure PMI is accurate, consistent, and standards-compliant at the source, preventing costly miscommunication and downstream errors.

Reduce Late Engineering Changes

Catch PMI issues upstream and prevent expensive rework, delays, and disruptions after release.

Enable True MBE Reuse

Provide trusted PMI that flows seamlessly across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain domains to unlock enterprise-wide reuse.

Where to Use PMI Verification

Engineering

Validate 3D CAD models before release to ensure dimensions, datums, and tolerances are complete and standards-compliant. Use PMI verification as a quality gate for engineering change orders (ECOs) and EBOM updates.

Manufacturing

Verify in-process models with PMI on tooling, fixtures, and work instructions. Ensure data integrity when preparing for supplier handoff and shop-floor automation.

Quality & Compliance

Prepare accurate, standards-based PMI data for PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions in automotive and AS9102 First Article Inspections in aerospace. By ensuring PMI integrity upstream, PMI verification reduces risk of non-compliance, inspection delays, and costly rework.

Key Features

PMI Checker, part of 3D-SUITE, thoroughly validates PMI in CAD models to ensure completeness and accuracy—catching errors and omissions that can compromise downstream processes.

Broad Format Support

One Interface for All Formats
Validate both native CAD models and neutral standards such as STEP and QIF in a single, unified interface. This ensures consistent workflows across multiple CAD systems and supplier data, reducing rework and eliminating inefficiencies from switching between tools or formats.

Rich Set of Verification Criteria

30+ Checks Aligned with ISO/ASME
Ensure PMI accuracy with a comprehensive library of verification criteria based on ISO and ASME standards. Beyond standards compliance, PMI Checker detects potential issues in PMI usage and works alongside CAD’s PMI authoring tools to deliver a more robust quality assurance process. Support for company-specific custom checks is planned.

Flexible Output Options

Results Tailored for Every Stakeholder
Review results directly in CAD or in 3D-SUITE Viewer with Inspector, organized by PMI, presentation state, or check criteria. Export interactive 3D PDF reports for easy sharing with non-CAD stakeholders, and extend integration with enterprise systems through HTML or machine-readable formats. Support for HTML and machine-readable outputs is planned.
Related Article: Introducing Elysium’s PMI Checker: Raising the Standard for Model-Based Definition Accuracy

How PMI Checker Works

Examples of Built-in Check Criteria

PMI Checker includes 30+ detailed checks. Examples include:

No Surface Association

Inconsistent Quantity between Annotation Value and ​Target Features

Incorrect Use of Circular or Spherical Symbol for Dimension

Nominal Value Mismatch within Pattern

Ambiguous Location of Datum Feature Indicator​

Inappropriate Use or Missing Datum Reference for Geometric Tolerance

Undefined Datum Reference​

Incorrect Relation of Geometric Tolerance and Feature​

Incorrect Relation of Datum Feature and Tolerance Type​

Inconsistent Feature for Range Symbol​

Other Check Criteria

  • PMI Associated with Edge Only​
  • PMI Associated with Vertex Only​
  • PMI Unassigned to a Presentation State
  • Inconsistent Feature across Attached PMI​
  • Same Annotation in Multiple Presentation States
  • Inconsistent Length between Annotation Value and Shape​
  • Inconsistent Angle between Annotation Value and Shape​
  • Tolerance Value Greater than Dimension Nominal​
  • Untoleranced Dimension​
  • Tolerance Dimension without Association with Feature of Size​
  • Nominal Value Mismatch by Rounding​
  • Invalid Datum Label​
  • Duplicated Datum​
  • Datum Feature Indicator without Triangle Marker​
  • Insufficiently Constrained Datum System​
  • Incorrect Relation of Geometric Tolerance Modifier and Feature​
  • Incorrect Use of Zone Shape Symbol for Geometric Tolerance​
  • Zero-value Geometric Tolerance without Modifier​
  • Inconsistent Tolerance Value across Attached Feature Control Frames​
  • Incorrect Datum Relationship for Orientation Geometric Tolerances​   etc.

Accurate PMI for Downstream Use

Verifying PMI is only the first step—correct PMI must also be delivered accurately to downstream systems. 3D-SUITE provides broad support for PMI translation between major CAD systems, ensuring quality information flows through the entire digital thread.

See supported CAD/format translations

Combine with Other 3D-SUITE Functionalities

Build an optimized end-to-end process by combining PMI Checker with Elysium’s other solutions—data translation, geometry assessment for design for X, CAD validation, and more. Together, they enable smooth and reliable data exchange from the design to all across downstream stakeholders.

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