METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMPLIFIED DETERMINATION OF A DESIGN SCHEDULE UTILIZING COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD) MODEL INFORMATION

The invention includes computer instructions that access a computer aided design (CAD) model information corresponding to a CAD model. Once the CAD model information is accessed, the computer instructions operate to determine a time value corresponding to the CAD model information based at least upon a complexity value associated with the CAD model. The determined time value facilitates scheduling for completion of the CAD model. As a result, a design schedule utilizing solid model information is determined. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application, including the computer instructions, is embodied in a distribution storage medium.