In today’s manufacturing world, collaboration is constant — with contract engineers, overseas suppliers, third-party designers, and logistics partners all needing access to your data.
And that’s exactly where things can go wrong.
Whether it’s a leaked CAD file (malicious or accidental), a compliance misstep, or lost visibility into who’s touching your designs, unsecured data sharing is a growing risk in the digital supply chain.
In this blog, we explore real-world use cases where manufacturing companies can use HaloCAD, HaloSHARE, and HaloCONNECT to protect their most valuable assets — without slowing down workflows.
Use Case 1: Protecting CAD IP During Joint Product Development
Product: HaloCAD
The challenge:
A Tier 1 automotive supplier was co-developing a new EV platform with multiple subcontractors and OEM partners. Engineering teams needed to share CAD designs regularly — but the security team had no way to ensure those files weren’t copied, saved locally, or forwarded.
What could’ve gone wrong:
A partner mistakenly forwarding the wrong version or leaking Intellectual Property could delay the launch — or worse, give competitors an edge.
The solution:
With HaloCAD, protection was embedded directly within the CAD files. Files retained access restrictions and watermarking no matter where they traveled — ensuring design Intellectual Property remained secure across SolidWorks, AutoCAD, NX, and more. Engineers continued to work in their native tools with zero disruption.
Use Case 2: Seamless and Secure Collaboration with External Vendors
Product: HaloSHARE
The challenge:
A precision machining company routinely exchanged models and documentation with contract manufacturers overseas. But they had no audit trail, no download controls, and no way to revoke access once the files were sent.
What could’ve gone wrong:
An expired NDA, a supplier turnover, or a simple mis-click could mean proprietary designs fall into the wrong hands.
The solution:
HaloSHARE provided secure external sharing through Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP), with built-in encryption, watermarking, and expiration settings. External vendors could still access what they needed — but only under controlled conditions. Internal teams stayed productive. Compliance teams stayed happy.
Use Case 3: Hybrid Teams, Global Access — No Compromise
Product: HaloCONNECT
The challenge:
A global industrial equipment manufacturer needed to support both in-office and remote workers across Europe, North America, and Asia. They also had external design partners that needed access to multi-format project files, including CAD and Office documents.
What could’ve gone wrong:
Inconsistent access policies and shadow IT usage risked Intellectual Property theft, regulatory exposure, and production delays.
The solution:
HaloCONNECT enabled secure, centralized access to all critical documents through a protected cloud platform requiring zero-installation . Teams could view and collaborate on various files and file types, including CAD files, without downloading. IT maintained visibility and control, while users got what they needed without resorting to risky workarounds.
Conclusion:
Modern manufacturing runs on data — and not just on your shop floor. It flows through a web of suppliers, contractors, and systems. Without file-level protection, your IP is always one click away from exposure.
These manufacturers didn’t wait for something to go wrong. They acted.
Want to see how you can do the same? Get in touch with us.
Explore HaloCAD, HaloSHARE, and HaloCONNECT
