A mounting plate exists in three widths. How do you avoid three separate models that drift apart?
Fix the design rules
Distinguish between free choices and derived dimensions. A plate width, for instance, is free; the edge distance of a hole pattern can be a fixed rule. Give parameters meaningful names and limit dependencies on incidental edges or faces that can disappear on a change.
Test the extremes
Take a plate with widths 120, 180 and 240 mm and a fixed hole edge distance of 20 mm. Let the distance between the holes follow from width minus 40 mm. Test the smallest and largest variant for edge distance, overlap and clearance for bolt heads. A successful rebuild only checks the model, not manufacturability.
From principle to CAD
In SolidWorks, configurations can organize variants within a document. Define which dimensions and properties vary per configuration. In Inventor, you can use named parameters to make dimension relationships explicit. In both cases, document part number, material and revision so a model variant is never confused with a released product.
Assumptions and applicability limits
This is a modelling strategy, not a direct software integration. Menu names and available functions differ per version and license. Verify drawings and bills of material after every variant change; a correct 3D model does not guarantee that derived documents are up to date.
Further reading: SolidWorks — Configurations ↗