Nortel developed their own CAD system called the Circuit Board Design System (CBDS). CBDS is a set of tools created to accelerate the design and manufacture of printed circuit boards and thick-film hybrid microcircuits. The tools included:

• CADHELP: an integrated on-line information system that provides a single access point for all documents and context-sensitive help
• FUNDES: an interactive, object-oriented, tool for functional design and schematic capture
• SPRIG: a design tool for the physical layout of printed circuit boards and thick-film hybrids
• CAM: a computer-aided manufacturing tool that generates all manufacturing data for printed circuit boards and thick-film hybrids
• PDM: a physical drawing tool used to prepare assembly drawings and shop aids for CBDS designs
• CDS: the CAD data store, used to store all design data in a single location for use by all CBDS tools

Malcolm as the manager responsible for all CBDS documentation and training:

• Managed a budget of over $1 million. Hired, mentored, evaluated, and supervised the work of multidisciplinary team of 15 that included technical writers, editors, illustrators, and trainers.
• Created and managed a strategy for professional development across six management groups representing 70 people. Developed generic staff objectives, performance evaluation criteria, career development models, and career progression guidelines.
• Pioneered the development and implementation of online information development processes and delivery tools to facilitate the delivery of more complete, accurate, and timely product information.
• Increased writer productivity by 21%, reduced development costs by 17%, and decreased printing costs by 85%.
• Initiated the development of a formative usability documentation process.
• Sponsored and participated in the development of the Words into Pictures course for stimulating technical writers to think more visually.