CNC Router can more effectively utilised when used  with supporting technologies like ; CAD/CAM, Rapid Prototyping,  Reverse Engineering,  CMM,  Networking, Simulation, CAE, NC, DNC..

CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) systems used to design and manufacture products. The term CAD/CAM implies that an engineer can use the computer system both for designing a product and for controlling manufacturing processes. For example, once a design has been produced with the CAD component, the design itself can be used to program  the toolpaths/nc codes that control the machines that construct the part.