A computer implemented method for managing parts used by different types of computer aided design systems. A master model of a part may be created. The master model is independent of a format used by the different types of computer aided design systems to handle parts. A view of the master model is created to form a geometric view in response to a request to distribute the part. The geometric view comprises parametric information about the part and dimension information for the part. A specific part model usable by the selected type of computer aided design system is created from the content stored in the storage system in response to a request for the part for use by a selected type of computer aided design system. The instance of the part is sent to the selected type of computer aided design system.