How Cellino Bio Streamlined Hardware Collaboration with Bild

Cellino is a biotechnology company developing advanced hardware instrumentation for manufacturing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). As the company scaled its hardware engineering efforts, limitations in its existing CAD tools and file management workflows began to surface, making collaboration, version control, and controlled design increasingly difficult across a growing team.

This case study examines how Cellino adopted Bild to streamline CAD file management, improve cross-team visibility, and support more flexible collaboration without the administrative overhead of traditional PDM systems.

The Challenge: Overcoming Onshape Limitations and CAD File Complexity

Before adopting Bild, Cellino relied on Onshape for several years due to its browser-based accessibility and built-in PDM capabilities. However, as Blair Morad, Senior Director of Engineering at Cellino, explains:

“The CAD structure in Onshape wasn’t well-suited for building controlled designs. We had to create a lot of processes to prevent file duplication and maintain discipline.”

Cost also became a factor. Onshape’s per-user pricing model was less sustainable compared to SolidWorks’ per-seat floating licensing model, especially as Cellino operated within The Engine, an incubator offering free SolidWorks licenses.

Despite SolidWorks’ advantages, it lacked a native file management system. That gap became a new problem, raising questions about how to manage design data, especially in a distributed environment.

The Solution: Flexible, Cloud-Native Collaboration with Bild

After evaluating various tools, including Dassault's 3DEXPERIENCE, Cellino chose Bild for its balance of flexibility, cloud-native design, and ease of use.

“Bild filled the gap between traditional PDM systems and a more user-friendly, accessible solution,” said Morad.

Key reasons for adopting Bild included:

• Cloud Access: No need for on-prem servers or VPNs
  
  
• Browser-Based Viewing: Non-CAD users could access assemblies and parts via shared links and built-in online viewer
  
  
• Cross-Team Visibility: Engineers and stakeholders could provide feedback and annotate designs without downloading CAD files
  
  

Implementation: Seamless CAD Data Migration and Rapid Onboarding

Because most of Cellino’s previous work involved small assemblies and off-the-shelf components, the data migration was minimal. For larger assemblies, once the team established internal best practices for data integrity, the migration was smooth and all links and folder structure were maintained.

As with all systems, teams face a learning-curve, but the intuitive nature of Bild allowed Blair’s team to troubleshoot and onboard quickly:

“It took some trial and error, but once we figured out the best import approach, everything worked smoothly.”

Impact: Eliminating PDM Admin Work and Speeding Up Design Reviews

Though collaboration across the platform is still in its early stages, Cellino has already observed improvements:

• Reduced Complexity: Compared to traditional PDM systems, Bild significantly reduced the administrative burden associated with managing CAD data and workflows
  

• Faster Access to CAD data: Engineers can immediately work on or view CAD files without wrestling with synchronization issues or outdated versions
  
  
• Time Saved: Instead of exporting and packaging eDrawings for non-CAD users, teams can simply share a link, making collaboration faster and more accessible
  
  

“There's virtually no time spent on admin work in Bild. That’s been a huge time-saver compared to legacy systems.”

Looking Ahead: Scalable Growth with Arena and Propel Intergrations

As Cellino begins developing the next generation of biotech instrumentation, they’re formalizing design workflows and processes using Bild’s version control and permission structures.

While Blair acknowledges Bild’s current flexibility may need to be complemented by a more rigid PLM system in the future, Bild’s integrations with Arena and Propel ensure they can grow without disruption.

Conclusion: A Modern PDM Approach for a Growing Hardware Team

Bild provided Cellino with the flexibility, usability, and cloud-based access their growing team needed, without the overhead of traditional PDM systems. As Cellino moves from R&D into production, Bild will be an integral part of their engineering infrastructure.

“We’re all adults here. Good tools like Bild help us stay productive without getting in the way,” said Morad.