Computer-aided technologies (CAx)[1] is a broad term that means the use of computer technology to aid in the design, analysis, and manufacture of products.
Advanced CAx tools merge many different aspects of the product lifecycle management (PLM), including design, finite element analysis (FEA), manufacturing, production planning, product testing with virtual lab models and visualization, product documentation, product support, etc. CAx encompasses a broad range of tools, both those commercially available and those proprietary to individual engineering firms.
The term CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) is also often used in the context of a software tool that covers a number of engineering functions.