Arden Software Emerges

In 1988, our work on computer-aided design and manufacturing developed into a dedicated software business, Arden Software. The idea had grown from Arden Dies' increasing use of CNC technology. Martin Poynter saw a need for specialist software designed around the requirements of packaging and die-making and worked with colleagues within the business to develop an in-house CAD/CAM system. The resulting software was initially known as IPD, short for Interactive Packaging Design. As interest in the system grew beyond our own manufacturing operations, Arden Software was established in 1988 to develop and sell it to the wider industry. IPD remained the product name for another decade before being renamed Impact in 1998.