3D modeling has changed the way we design, for the better. Not only does 3D modeling help designers as well as end users visualize space requirements, but also improves drawing efficiency and accuracy. 3D modeling for design allows the designer to see what they would not see when designing in 2D. When designing in 2D, the designer needs to create a separate plan and elevation view to see the space requirements of an object, which takes longer to do. When designing in 3D, the design is done in one model.
Not only can The designer can walk through a 3D model with specialized software and see the actual size and space of the design, but By using the 3D walkthrough software, the designer can easily see whether the design allows for equipment maintenance access and operational access, and addresses safety concerns. This allows the designer to create a more user-friendly design for the end user.
Providing 3D CAD models is a necessity for Industrial Manufacturers. 3D modeling is the #2 ranking CAD trend in terms of importance, adoption and usage, according to the Worldwide CAD Trends 2019/19 report, where 92% of respondents currently use 3D models, and researchers expect that rate to climb over the next five years.
As manufacturers understand the evolving needs and expectations of their customers, they often turn to the 3D product catalog as the trusted CAD delivery mechanism. 3D product catalogs provide the digital customer experience that Engineers and architects expect while delivering the digital product models they need. This type of solution emerged in the early 2000s and has grown rapidly in popularity among component manufacturers.
Today, although some verticals adopted faster than others, if you do not have a 3D product catalog or equivalent solution, you are behind the curve and risk seeing product sales suffer.
So, what makes 3D CAD models the key ingredient for industrial success? Let’s look at the top 3 ways where CAD and BIM models enable manufacturers to increase sales:
- Product configurators have a proven ROI: If you are a marketing manufacturer looking to drive more sales from your content library, free 3D CAD downloads should be your bread and butter. Launching an online configurator can almost double your CAD downloads overnight, a significant increase for any manufacturer of any size.
- Instant 3D downloads are a must for digital customer experience: The Digital Customer Experience includes all digital interactions between the customer and a manufacturer, with the goal of making the purchase an easy decision for your customer. To do this, online 3D CAD and BIM models are an essential piece of this strategy that improves the “ease of doing business” for manufacturing customers.
- Manufacturers now have more time to focus on product innovation: By providing CAD & BIM downloads to customers, manufacturers free-up time for their employees as well as their engineers. As engineers now have the ease and convenience of downloading files themselves without having to take time out of their day to reach out for the needed files or models.
It is no secret today that customers want top of the line customer experience. They expect to find a downloadable product model online and expect it to be easy to find. Leveraging 3D CAD catalogs provide the best downloads for customers when they need them and are the primary reason why engineers and customers return to your site, again and again. Providing 3D CAD models directly to online customers, engineers and planners will not only drive more qualified leads and sales but will also position you ahead of your competition.
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