Embracing Visualization in Your Manufacturing Processes
The always competitive manufacturing landscape means continuously adapting to new challenges such as remote workforces, increased competition, and changing customer demands. One of the most effective ways manufacturers can navigate these changes is through the use of advanced visualization tools that support the complete customer and product lifecycle.
After learning from our customers why they believe we are the #1 visualization software for manufacturers, we declared 2024 the year to embrace the visualization revolution. Visualization often becomes an ambiguous or umbrella term for anything visual, including data representation, dashboards, specific types of documentation, and, of course, products. For our purposes, let’s explore the different kinds of product-focused visualization software solutions available to manufacturers and why each is essential to implement.
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2D Visuals: The Foundation of Visualization
2D visuals refer to static two-dimensional images that represent products in terms of width and height. These visuals, often called Computer-Generated Images (CGI), are created digitally, much like a traditional photoshoot but entirely virtual. Another common form of 2D visualization is CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings, which provide detailed technical representations of products that originate from engineers but are utilized in the sales and manufacturing process (Learn more regarding CAD use cases for visualization).
While 2D visuals might seem basic compared to their 3D counterparts, they play a vital role in the early stages of product design and marketing. They are easy to produce and understand, making them ideal for initial product sketches, technical documentation, and marketing materials. However, their static nature limits their effectiveness in conveying complex configurations, especially for customizable products and non-technical users.
3D Visuals: Interactive and Dynamic Engagements
3D visualization takes the concept a step further by offering dynamic, interactive experiences. Unlike 2D visuals, 3D models are generated in real time, allowing users to explore and interact with the product from various angles. This real-time interactivity makes 3D visualization ideal for showcasing highly configurable products. Users can manipulate and customize the product, seeing immediate results, which enhances understanding and decision-making.
In the CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) process, visual configuration (3D visualization, 3D configurators, etc.) bridges the gap between sales, engineering, and customers. Sales teams can provide more accurate quotes and detailed visual representations, engineering can ensure the feasibility of configurations, and customers enjoy an engaging, interactive experience that helps them make informed purchasing decisions. In aftermarket part sales, visualization supports buyers in searching for and buying spare parts through e-commerce platforms. The use of 3D visualization tools can significantly shorten sales cycles, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction for configured and standard products.
CAD Automation: Speed and Precision without Technical Expertise
By adding CAD automation to the capabilities of your visualization software solutions, you expand the benefits of your CPQ process. CAD automation allows for the rapid and accurate creation of detailed 2D and 3D product models with the click of a button. By automating time-consuming and repetitive engineering design tasks, you can significantly speed up the product sales process while reducing the risk of human error. CAD automation ensures precision but also enables dynamic and interactive visualizations while ensuring accurate CAD assets are available to the customer, sales, and engineering teams.
When integrated with CPQ solutions, CAD automation allows for real-time adjustments and customizations based on customer inputs. The seamless integration enhances the overall configurability and appeal of products, bridging the gap between design and customer experience. By providing an efficient and engaging way to configure and visualize complex products, CAD automation plays a crucial role in modern manufacturing.
Integrated Visualization and CPQ Solutions
Many visualization tools are now integrated with CPQ solutions, often referred to as visual CPQ or visual configuration. Visual configuration solutions ensure up-to-date pricing information, streamline the quote process, and eliminate inaccuracies that can disrupt the buying experience. Visualization capabilities are accessible across all sales channels, from lead generation to customer self-service and direct sales, and they support every major browser and platform.
Combining CPQ with integrated visualization eliminates the need for third-party software, ensuring a seamless and cohesive experience. The solution creates a unified platform with a common language and mindset, enhancing connectivity and data sharing across teams. The bidirectional communication between the configurator and the visualization tool allows configuration changes to be displayed in real-time.
The integrated CPQ system also features a 3D real-time rendering engine that supports exceptional visual experiences and includes real-time visual configuration capabilities such as drag-and-drop functionality, live measurements, and annotations. By leveraging these advanced tools, businesses can offer a superior and interactive customer journey, bridging the gap between sales, engineering, and customers.
Mixed Reality: Immersive and Contextual for All Users
Mixed reality (MR) combines elements of both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive, interactive experiences. In the CPQ context, MR can enable users to place virtual products in real-world environments, manipulate them in real time, and view them from any angle. The technology enhances the accuracy and appeal of product configurations, offering an unparalleled level of detail and context. The same visualization solutions can be implemented for standard and aftermarket parts, giving the customers visual confirmation that helps build confident purchases. AR and VR, in the context of digital work instructions, can enable skilled workers to learn about assemblies and repairs faster to ensure improved quality and uptime.
Implementing mixed reality in manufacturing provides a unique competitive edge. It allows for a highly immersive customer experience where potential buyers can visualize products in their intended environment, leading to better engagement and higher conversion rates. For complex products that require precise fitting and customization, MR provides the contextual understanding necessary for error-free configurations and optimal customer satisfaction.
Choosing the Best Visualization Solutions Modernize Sales and Engineering Processes
Staying ahead means adopting the right technologies to meet evolving challenges facing your business operations and customer experience. Visualization tools, from 2D and 3D visuals to mixed reality and CAD automation, are essential for enhancing your processes. They provide the means to create engaging, accurate, and interactive product configurations that improve operational efficiency and customer experience. By integrating these visualization technologies, manufacturers can bridge the gap between sales, engineering, and customers, ensuring a seamless and competitive edge in the market.
Interested in seeing how CDS visualization solutions can support your business? Get in touch!
