How CADLink connects to Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine)
CSI add-on
Infor's solution overview lists CADLink as a recommended add-on for CloudSuite Industrial. Which CAD and PDM systems it supports and which SyteLine releases are covered should be confirmed in current Infor documentation.
What data moves
| From | To | Data | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAD / PDM | Infor SyteLine | New and edited items and BOM structure created by the designer | Designer saves or releases from the CAD session |
| Infor SyteLine | CAD / PDM | Existing item numbers, descriptions, units and BOMs for lookup | Designer searches or opens an assembly |
| CAD / PDM | Infor SyteLine | Revision and attribute updates | Engineering change released |
Setting it up
- 1Confirm CAD compatibilityVerify with Infor that your CAD or PDM product and version are supported by the add-on.
- 2Define who may create itemsDecide which designers can create items directly and which need engineering approval.
- 3Set item numbering and attributesDefine numbering rules, required fields, product codes and units, so designers cannot create incomplete items.
- 4Align BOM structureDecide whether the BOM designers create is engineering or manufacturing, and how phantom and purchased parts are handled.
- 5Control engineering changeDefine how revisions and effectivity are handled so BOM changes do not hit open jobs unexpectedly.
- 6Train designers on ERP basicsDesigners need to understand what an item, a BOM and a unit mean in SyteLine, not only in CAD.
What usually breaks
- !Designers create near-duplicate items because search is skipped under time pressure.
- !Incomplete item fields lead to purchasing and planning issues downstream.
- !Engineering BOM structure pushed directly as the manufacturing BOM, causing wrong picks and kits.
- !Revisions updated in CAD but not controlled in SyteLine, so open jobs build to different revisions.
- !ERP permissions that are too wide let designers change released BOMs.
A private AI layer across both systems
Duplicate and near-match checks
Before a designer creates an item, a private assistant can search the SyteLine item master by description and attributes and show likely existing matches.
BOM change impact
Summarize which open jobs, orders and purchase orders use a BOM that is being changed, for engineering to review.
Item data completeness review
List recently created items that lack fields purchasing or planning needs, and draft the corrections for approval.
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When something else fits better
- CADTALK, an Infor Marketplace connector, transfers engineering BOMs into manufacturing BOMs with a review step.
- Manual or spreadsheet-based item and BOM import works for low volumes of new designs.
- A PLM system with its own ERP connector if change control and approvals matter more than speed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CADLink and CADTALK?
CADLink is an Infor add-on that works from inside the CAD or PDM session so designers manage ERP items and BOMs directly. CADTALK is a third-party connector that converts engineering BOMs into manufacturing BOMs. They address the same handoff in different ways.
Does it work with SyteLine on-premise?
Infor lists it for CloudSuite Industrial, but deployment details are not covered by the source for this page. Confirm supported releases and any network requirements for on-premise installations with Infor.
Who should control item creation?
Most companies keep a data steward or engineering manager approving new items, even if designers draft them. The tool removes re-keying, but it does not stop poor data, so numbering rules and required fields should be enforced.
Pairing documented at docs.infor.com/csbi/2025.x/en-us/csbicslib/csbi_solution_overview/xkj16959195688 . CADLink is a product of Infor; Netray is independent and not affiliated with either vendor.