Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Technical illustrations can be quickly produced to a professional quality. These can be used
to assist marketing, sales and obtain commitment from finance and senior management. For
after-sales service, technical documentation can be used in service and maintenance manu-
als. Manufacturing, assembly and training instructions can be rapidly produced. These can
include exploded views, CAD animation and 3D CAD viewers, which enable feedback for
engineering change orders.
4. Senior management backing and alignment to business objectives
OK, so clearly 3D CAD Engineering has significant benefits for all aspects of small manu-
facturing businesses. However, in order to make the investment in software and training, it
is vital to obtain senior management commitment. Whereas technical benefits are well doc-
umented, it is crucial any investment decision is aligned to the objectives of the business.
What are the objectives, aims and circumstances of your business that 3D CAD Engineer-
ing could make a solid contribution to?
Do any of the following small business objectives resonate? Do you aim to slash product
development cycle times by a certain percentage? Do you want to launch a number of
products on the market by a given date? Do you wish to modernise and professionalise your
product development process with the adoption of new technology? Do you aim to offer
increasingly customised products with a greater number of variants? Are more complicated
high-end products required by your customers? Do you want to dramatically reduce mis-
takes and waste, moving towards a 'right first time' design process? Try to quantify any of
these as much as you can.
3D CAD Engineering can make a direct and significant contribution to all these objectives.
Be sure to adopt this technology for strong commercial, as well as technical reasons.
5. Key drivers for adopting 3D CAD and overcoming common barriers
Key business drivers for adopting 3D CAD are underpinned by two broad themes. These
are; increasingly tough commercial conditions and limitations of traditional solutions like
2D technical drawings. The following represent specific reasons why manufacturing busi-
nesses adopt 3D CAD; better quality products, reduced product development cycle, supply
chain demands, development of more complex products and offering customised products
to meet customer demands.
There remain a number of perceived barriers why small manufacturers are reluctant to ad-
opt 3D CAD. However when looked at more closely, there are answers and solutions which
can help set the record straight.
