To arrive at an accurate cost, aPriori models the physics of each machine used to manufacture a product. In a typical installation, aPriori requires the user to provide a limited number of inputs, including the high-level manufacturing process group (e.g., Sheet Metal fabrication or Casting), annual volume, and production life. Then aPriori automatically extracts most of the cost-driver data it requires from the CAD model of the part. Finally, aPriori uses a technique called Purpose Driven Geometric Assessment to determine manufacturing process, time, and cost.

aPriori does not require a CAD model for all costing operations. In cases where a CAD model is not available (such as competitive tear-down and analysis of a product), aPriori provides User Guided Costing where you can provide as much information as is known or can be estimated about a part product, and then calculate costs based on that available information.

aPriori can calculate costs by importing a CAD file from a wide variety of CAD systems into aPriori Desktop, or by running the Cost Ticker with the Pro/ENGINEER and Creo Parametric CAD applications.

When you import a CAD file, aPriori extracts geometry data from the file and allows you to perform all costing operations without accessing the originating CAD application. The costing information is saved in the aPriori database. aPriori provides the entire range of aPriori capabilities in a desktop application.

Running the aPriori Cost Ticker within a CAD application provides real-time response cost information for design changes to the current component. The aPriori Cost Ticker is displayed in a small window and provides a limited set of aPriori functions.