According to Business Advantage’s Worldwide CAD Trends, 3D modeling is the number one ranking CAD trend in terms of importance and usage, and for good reason. According to experts, this trend is likely to continue in the coming years as businesses become more competitive. According to research carried out by Global Spec, 60% of engineers research multiple vendor websites before making a decision. All the more reason for businesses to use custom-configuring products using interactive 2D or 3D visualizations.

Using diverse content types in a marketing strategy or eCommerce website is a great way to engage customers. This is true not just in the retail industry but for the manufacturing industry as well, where restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic have pushed manufacturers and engineers to purchase key machinery and components online.

Why a Shift in Visual Configuration Makes Sense

Traditionally, manufacturing companies, engineers, and retailers used a more straightforward approach towards purchasing machinery. They simply visited the brick-and-mortar retailer or manufacturer to get a closer look at the machinery or component they were interested in. Fast forward to today, the intimate, in-store experience of purchasing is not always possible due to the pandemic.

When it comes to buying complex electronic or mechanical components, engineers and designers prefer to view products in person prior to making a purchase rather than digging through papers or online catalogs of 2D drawings or photographs. The intricate details of a machine, appliance, or tool aren’t always viewable in a static image or drawing, which can slow down the buying process. 360-spin photography offers a much more detailed look at machinery or mechanical components, assisting buyers with their complex purchase.

Why CAD Models Help

By creating CAD models of machinery, parts, or components, the seller saves a lot of time and effort for companies and engineers that are tasked to design-in before purchasing a component. Buyers alike, are also looking to spec-in products before making a purchase.

Online shopping has brought a level of convenience to the customer, which was not possible before. Traditional 2D product catalogs use basic photography, offering little insight as to what the machinery, part, or component really looked like in terms of actual design and dimensions. 3D CAD models have changed all the way industrial components and parts are being sold. Today, manufacturers are using 3D CAD models to display the exact dimensions, sizing and specs for an item that can be viewed by from every angle.

3D CAD models are especially useful when evaluationg a piece of machinery or component that is available in multiple configurations. With 3D models, customers are able to get a better idea of the exact configuration they are purchasing, helping to improve buying confidence during the purchase process.

Quick Search and Select Products

When online, engineers and B2B professionals want to quickly search for the machinery, part, or component they need. Digital catalogs that include downloadable CAD files and 360-spin photography make it easier for customers to get a closer look at a component or part of a complex machine to make sure they are making the right choice.

This alone can significantly increase conversion rates and sales of manufacturers and retailers.

Ending Note

There is a good reason why a growing number of manufacturers have started to optimize their product offerings with CAD files and visual configuration. For manufacturers and sellers who are looking to increase their sales, CDS Visual offers visual configuration that can result in higher website conversions and an increase in sales.