At the start of my placement at DriveWorks I was tasked with creating a configurator for a custom agricultural silo, using DriveWorks Solo inside SOLIDWORKS.
The main thing I learnt from this project is that research and planning is key. The time I spent researching and drawing out my project at the beginning, made it easy to stay on track and create a clear, easy to use configurator.
Ive summarized what I did and how I did it in this blog post.
Product Design Placement Student at DriveWorks.
Before getting stuck into my project, I knew it was important to plan out how I would achieve my end goal. This involved research to determine what factors of the silo would need to be configurable.
Of course, I started online by googling custom silo and looked at several websites that showed lots of agricultural equipment. I wanted to get an insight on the use, shapes, functionality, terminology and what people look for when buying a silo.
I discovered there were several features to include when specifying a silo.
These were filler styles, dispenser styles and the overall silo volume requirements – all of which depended on what would be stored in the silo.
Once I knew what features and options I wanted to include in my configurator, it was then important to think about how I would design it, and how I would set it up in SOLIDWORKS.
I had used SOLIDWORKS on my product design course and come across configurations and design tables when using SOLIDWORKS. However, when Id been through my DriveWorks Solo training, Id learnt that using rules to drive the design, and drive the SOLIDWORKS outputs, means you can create something that is scalable and automate the design process.
Thanks to the training, I knew how important it was to model for design reuse and change. Before creating anything in SOLIDWORKS I thought about how DriveWorks would automate the models, to ensure that when I started creating the models, they would easily be driven by DriveWorks.
Having completed the DriveWorks Solo training and knowing the best techniques for driving SOLIDWORKS models efficiently, I could narrow down my design scope so I was able to produce effective, realistic models that could be easily automated with DriveWorks.
Using my gained DriveWorks knowledge, it was logical to split my SOLIDWORKS models into 3 sections, top (filler), mid-section and bottom (dispenser) and then swap the top and bottom in as instances.
To drive the volume of the silo I decided to capture the height of the mid-section and create a rule in DriveWorks using different mathematical formulas to say that at the specified volume chosen, the height of the mid-section would change by X mm.
This chosen method proved a lot easier than trying to drive the volume of the cylindrical sections themselves.
I also created a support structure that would stay constant throughout, to make automation easier.
With all this insight and a plan laid out, I was able to move on to creating the parts in SOLIDWORKS.
After going through Sheet Metal and Weldment SOLIDWORKS Manuals and working with the more experienced members in our Technical Team, I was able to create a realistic master model and the individual parts that would be driven in and out of the assembly.
I then started planning the flow for the configurator and what I would show on each form.
I started sketching out ideas and began designing the forms using the DriveWorks Solo form designer so that they would be clear, engaging and easy to navigate.
I took inspiration from some of the other sample configurators on the DriveWorks Live website.
Within DriveWorks Solo I then created a start form, central forms for configuring the silo and then a summary and order form to show the details that the user has chosen.
Less is often more with UI, so by combining checkboxes and pictures and by keeping a consistent layout throughout, I made the user experience more obvious and quicker to click through.
I added small descriptions highlighting available options or showing error messages and these made the configurator more intuitive.
As DriveWorks Solo includes a powerful rules engine (based on excel style syntax), I then linked all the checkboxes and other controls to the relevant captured SOLIDWORKS models using rules.
Finally, I created a mathematical rule to link the volume textbox/slider to the silo mid-section height and used a dropdown linked to a table to drive the silo colour.
In addition to this configurator project, I had several other projects I needed to work on during my internship, but I would say that overall it took me 2 months of elapsed time to get from planning the project to the finished goal.
I spent a week planning, 3 weeks creating all the models, 2 weeks creating the DriveWorks project and another 2 weeks enhancing it and finalising it based on testing and feedback.
Im really pleased with the end result and super happy that its now featured on the DriveWorks Solo website for anyone to download and try for themselves whilst Im back at university.
There are many other DriveWorks Solo sample projects on the website too, showing lots of different ways DriveWorks Solo can be set up and used.
I also created a video showing the features of the Agricultural Silo project and you can find many more like it on the DriveWorks YouTube channel.
Download and use DriveWorks Solo free for 30 days with the DriveWorks Solo 30 Day Free Trial.
Available to anyone with SOLIDWORKS.
In this month’s DEVELOP 3D magazine, DriveWorks CEO Glen Smith, talks about the importance of learning new skills and keeping your knowledge up to date along with all the opportunities for learning during the global pandemic.
This is the second in a series of articles by Glen that will be featured every month in the DEVELOP3D magazine.
In the July/August edition of DEVELOP3D, Glen shares the inspiring story of how his nephew, Charlie, an apprentice joiner took this opportunity to continue his learning and help prepare for his future.
Glen explains how important it is for us to not lose motivation during this time and instead use it as an opportunity to develop new skills and hone existing ones.
Glen shares just some of the ways anyone can continue their learning online from reading interesting articles, watching TED talks or even taking advantage of the wide range of free online courses available.
Our Tech Team Thursdays are a great opportunity totake a closer look at specific aspects of DriveWorks functionality and go beyond what you learn in the DriveWorks Pro Training and Certification.
As part of our commitment to Helping Others to Help Themselves, the DriveWorks Technical Team share their knowledge and expertise in our weekly value-added Tech Team Thursday webinars, exclusively for DriveWorks Pro Customers with Subscription and DriveWorks Reseller AEs.
In the coming weeks, the Tech Team Thursday webinars are advanced technical sessions, created for Digital DriveWorks World 2020, with the presenter joining the session for a live Q&A.
If you downloaded the session during DriveWorks World and you have questions about the topic, this is a great opportunity to get answers. Or, if you’re watching it for the first time, join us to learn and get involved in the conversation.
Learn more about DriveWorks to get the most out of your software. Throughout the webinars, you can ask questions toadvance your knowledge.
As a business, were big advocates for digital transformation.
Most of our company processes are digital, enabling us to sell globally from an office in Warrington and keeping our teamproductive and efficient, even during this pandemic.
As we’ve settled into this new way of working, we have seen more than ever the importance of digital transformation.
We have been spending this time learning and sharing knowledge and we wanted to inspire the students of Cheshire and Warrington to do the same.
Working on CVs, researching companies and learning new skills are just some of the ways students can be preparing for their futures.
The local education community in Warrington have been really embracing digital.
The Pledge has been providing opportunities for students to learn and grow digitally and were proud to be a part of it!
The Pledge Partnership puts employers at the heart of inspiring, informing and communicating with, the next generation of employees in Cheshire and Warrington.
The Pledge Partnership enables businesses to work together with educators to provide every young person living, studying and/or working in Cheshire and Warrington with everything they need to succeed in the world of work.
With the opportunity to develop employability-related skills and personal qualities whilst in education, there is a greater choice of employment, training or further education when they leave school.
The Pledge offers the opportunity for employers to work directly with young people, teachers, parents, carers and youth workers to help the local community identify the employment opportunities available.
Through the pandemic, TheCheshire & Warrington Pledgehave been runningonline workshops and events for students and young people in the area.
Over the past few months, we have taken part in lots of different events as part of The Pledge Partnership.
We have been educating young people about how to be productive during this timeand using it as an opportunity toadd value to their future careers.
Thanks to the virtual learning platform Learn Live, we have been able to speak to thousands of students across the country – digitally of course.
This has included online events such as Inspiring the Next Generation, Paving the Way Virtual Careers Festival, My Week of Work, the COVID-19 Response Week and talking about T-Levels.
For each session, Bridie from the DriveWorks team has presented and been available in the live chat facility for students to ask questions directly.
It has been great to be involved in these events and to see such a positive response from young people wanting to learn.
Our careers presentation can be accessed online on-demand, along with presentations from other businesses working to inspire the next generation of employees in Cheshire and Warrington here.
Along with Bridie, other members of the DriveWorks team have been sharing their own experiences of working at a digital company with the students.
During the ‘Paving the Way’ Virtual Careers Fair, DriveWorks placement student Tom presented about his year at DriveWorks.
Tom was able to talk about his experience and demonstrate one of the projects he has been working on – the Agricultural Silo Configurator Project, created with DriveWorks Solo.
One of our Technical Specialists, Oliver joined the My Week of Work event hosted by The Careers & Enterprise Company.
Featured in the Creative and Digital segment, Bridie and Oliver had the opportunity to discuss what it’s like to work at DriveWorks, sharing a day in the life of a digital company.
We’ve loved seeing so many businesses from across Warrington and Cheshire getting involved and giving students valuable insight into the world of work to help prepare them for the future.
Were committed tosupporting education and investing in the future. We work closely with students and academia to help support and nurture the future of STEM.
We recently joined local Great Sankey High School Virtual Careers day to speak to year 12 students about skills development and the different employment sectors.
We also took part in a Learn Live session on T-Levels with Priestley College in Warrington. Priestley College is one of only 200 schools nationwide that will be launching the T-Levels in September 2020, and we are excited to be working closely with students and teachers to support the successful implementation of T-Levels.
Earlier this year, wewelcomed nine students from local University Technical College (UTC)to join us for a day of work experience. The day was a great success and the feedback from all the students reflected this.
We are also proud to be supporting and donating to the Getting Students Online campaign, which aims to help get as many students as possible online quickly, so they can access online schooling, summer-camps and all-class activities.
Our team regularly attend events to teach students about DriveWorksXpress and to inspire them to follow STEM careers.
We work closely with a number of universities to take students through the free DriveWorksXpess Training & Certification.
We are proud to be part of the FIRST速 Robotics Competition, supporting teams with useful resources, learning opportunities and new skills.
Follow our top tips to build on your knowledgeandexplore the world of work.
The global pandemic has led to fewer face to face meetings. And it’s also making 3D visualization and online configuration, essential commercial tools for manufacturers of custom or customizable products.
Creating custom products and delivering a personalized digital experience can increase profitability for manufacturers who sell to other businesses.
More buyers are also looking for products that meet their exact needs and expect shorter sales cycles and better buying experiences.
Implementing an interactive online sales configurator enables your customers, distributors, or inside sales teams to configure a custom product, get instant quotes, see accurate delivery dates, and even place their orders, in one simple session.
Online sales and digital manufacturingare key aspects of digital transformation.
TheDriveWorks Live websitehas many examples showing the latest DriveWorks technology in action. Anyone can use the online configurators, created using DriveWorks software.
In this blog, were using one of the examples and following thequick and easy steps to configure a custom conveyor system online.
With DriveWorks 18, our team added lots more 3D capability to bring the product to life. The conveyor positioned in a 3D environment has context, just as real-time 3D visual configuration means the effects of the design changes can be viewed almost immediately.
In this example, Im going to configure a custom conveyor. I’ll choose the number of sections, alter dimensions and angles, and all based on engineering rules and know-how.
With every change I make and every option I select,DriveWorks design automation software is working in the background to update the SOLIDWORKS model on screen, change selections and show an up to date price throughout.
Once Ive completed my selections, DriveWorks willcreate all the sales documents and manufacturing details automatically. That includes the SOLIDWORKS 3D parts, assemblies and drawings, BOM and much more.
This automation built into DriveWorks allows for not only a quick turnaround of proposals for the customer, but by automating repetitive tasks it frees up engineering time.
Now, engineering can use the time to innovate, focus and grow other areas of the business.
DriveWorks has an in-built form designer which means you can give your Configurator the look and feel that you want. Reflect the colours and styling of your brand and add form controls and options to make configuring your product easy.
In this example, there’s an easy to follow path, that guides us through every step of creating the custom design.
Many controls are available. This example uses out of the box slider controls that have been re-skinned and then used to make it easy to change the values for each conveyor section.
Simple checkboxes allow the user to select different sections typessuch as straight, right-hand turn, left-hand turn.
The minimum and maximum values on the forms are also driven by rules that have been set in the background.
Rules link the inputs entered on the DriveWorks form to the 3D file and SOLIDWORKS models so that custom designs can be created automatically.
With every change made in this example, we’ve also chosen to display the updated price and the details in the bottom right corner to reflect the latest selections.
As we work through this conveyor configurator example, you can see we’ve included different environments to view our model in.
A rule in the background means that a simple click on a checkbox allows us to view the conveyor in either a simple 3D layout form, or in a 3D realistic environment.
When viewing our conveyor system in a 3D environment, being able to rotate the model and move it around the room, helps gives a realistic perspective of the system in situ.
Placing the different conveyor configurations into a real-life space such as this shop floor also provides a more immersive and realistic experience.
To gain additional 3D perspective of our conveyor, we can zoom, pan and rotate the model while in the online sales configurator.
This can be done by simply clicking on the model and using different mouse commands to move the model.
Additional design options, such as colour, can be made in the DriveWorks forms as well.
We can change the colour of the conveyor rail system. As the colour is chosen, the change is applied immediately to show how the model will look. These colour changes are powered by the rules that have been built in the background in DriveWorks.
The DriveWorks Form designer provides many options for changing colours. This configurator uses a colour palette to display colour options. This is just one of the ways you can display colour choices on your forms.
DriveWorks has different form control options that let you choose what format suits you. You could use a colour wheel, like in the Cupboard Configurator or a drop-down menu like in the Picture Frame Configurator.
Once we have configured the conveyor, we can review the order details and customer information before submitting the order for processing.
Customer information can be entered into a text box, or automatically pulled through from other company systems.
DriveWorks can easily pass data to and from your 3rd party systems.
For this example, we see that there are company details listed and we can choose our business.
As DriveWorks is built on its own API, it is very easy to integrate with other business systems (CRM, ERP or otherwise).
Order-specific models, drawings and documentation are created automatically by DriveWorks.
Once the order is submitted, DriveWorks immediately starts to generate the custom models, drawings, and associated documentation for this conveyor system.
Each document is unique and provides different information specific to the order. We start to receive some of these items via email so we can review them.
While we may receive the sales information, engineering documentationis also being sent.
As DriveWorks is a rules-based system, you can decide what to share and how much to show.
In this example, we receive a personalised cover letter, quote, bill of materials and a cut list.
We also receive a fully dimensioned drawing file for the conveyor that we have designed in DriveWorks. You can see on the drawing there are details of the conveyor system along with a description of each section that we designed.
As rules and logic and engineering knowledge have already been entered into DriveWorks, manufacturing of the conveyor can start without engineering needing to check every detail.
The process has been fully automated to reduce errors, improve quality and allow product designers and engineering to focus on innovating and improving.
In addition to the SOLIDWORKS drawings, an e-Drawing of the conveyor is generated as well.
This is an example of another file format that can be been generated by DriveWorks. It allows someone that may not have access to SOLIDWORKS to view the model.
Anyone reviewing this can now make comments, annotations, and get views of the model.
DriveWorks is versatile, fully customisable and easy to use so you can build a product configurator that suits your needs.
This Conveyor Configurator is just another example of how DriveWorks can be used to create a robust 3D online sales configurator and shows just some of the functionality available.
Have a go with this example, and see the many other product and industry examples at www.driveworkslive.com
Once you’ve explored how DriveWorks looks from the front end, head to the Technology section to take a look under the hood at the underlying technology inside DriveWorks and the functionality used to build a Design Automation and Sales Configurator solution.
Every year we take on placement students across many of our teams. We’ve always valued the importance of investing in new talent and supporting the future of digital, and this year is no different.
Whilst many students have had opportunities taken away from them as a result of Covid-19, our 4 new interns have joined our team and have already made great progress.
Ryan, Abi and Jacob have joined our Technical Team, and Sophie has joined our Sales & Marketing Team.
They’ve been with us for almost a month now and have had a busy but very productive first few weeks completing their Onboarding Training.
So far, they’ve had training about our company, the internal and external tools we use, SOLIDWORKS,DriveWorksXpress and DriveWorks Solo.
All interns have passed their DriveWorksXpress and DriveWorks Solo certifications – well done guys!
This week, the interns are going to be shadowing (digitally!) our Support, Quality Assurance, Development, Systems and Documentation teams. They will also complete a Phone and Written Communications course.
Then they will be moving on to the DriveWorks Pro Essentials, Advanced and Sales Configurator training & certification.
All of the training they have received has come from our team. Everyone at DriveWorks is keen to share their knowledge and help our interns to succeed. Ryan, Abi, Jacob and Sophie have worked as a team to help each other along the way and are already great members of the DriveWorks team.
We look forward to working with them over the next year.
University of Central Lancashire
University of Leeds
University of Huddersfield
University of Leeds
Whilst the office doesnt have its usual friendly buzz, the interns have still had plenty of chance to get to know each other, and the rest of the DriveWorks team.
They’ve taken part in lots of Microsoft Teams based quizzes and calls and our weekly digital Show & Tells.
The interns are also living together in our on-site accommodation.
Just before we went into lockdown, we had just finished the new Tech office. The Technical Team didn’t get a chance to move in before we all went to work from home. Most of the DriveWorks team are still working from home, but the interns have taken over our new Tech office and have already claimed the best desks!
Social distancing measures make it a bit more difficult to spend time with other members of the team, but whilst the sun was out we were able to have an outdoor pizza night and chat from 2 meters away.
Welcome to the team Ryan, Abi, Jacob and Sophie!
The DriveWorksXpress and DriveWorks Solo Certifications our interns have completed are available online, and are free of charge to anyone with access to SOLIDWORKS.
Learn more and add an an extra qualification to your CV.
COVID-19 has brought about many challenges for businesses across the world, and many are struggling to cope with the extra challenges of the rapidly changing world.
Companies who are smart, agile, and open to change have not only survived this pandemic, they have thrived.
You may have seen our CEO, Glen Smith, talking about this in recent issues of DEVELOP3D magazine. As a team, we’ve used this time to create, innovate and improve. We’ve released a major version of our software, hosted a digital training event, worked with local education partners to inspire students, welcomed new team members, and just generally made better use of our travel time.
What’s made all of this possible, and our transition to home working smooth, is our investments in technology and our commitment to digital transformation.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve also been hearing from our customers who have been embracing change and thriving as a result.
Whether they’re changing their manufacturing to provide much-needed supplies, working on new product ideas, or using this time to improve and work on projects they dont usually have time for, many of our customers are focusing on moving forward and working smarter.
PMF solutions are a manufacturer of customized industrial solutions such as workstations, trollies, material-handling, furniture, and more, based in Switzerland.
Ever since they first purchased DriveWorks, we’ve enjoyed seeing PMF’s success. They have taken a scalable approach to building their DriveWorks projects, starting small and building up over time. This approach has seen them move quickly with their DriveWorks projects and reap the benefits immediately.
Right at the beginning of lockdown, PMF proved their agility and quick thinking by designing Plexi separations. As they call it, their ‘spirit of survival’, meant they acted quickly to avoid any decrease in sales.
They even set up a DriveWorks configurator for the screens in a matter of days, so customers could easily configure and order screens that met their exact needs.
Most recently – PMF Systems proudly announced their partnership with Bauhaus, one of the largest players in the Swiss DIY market. Now customers can go to a Bauhaus center and configure a table.
They’ve made the whole process simple and efficient. The point of sale is right next to the woodcut. Using PMF’s DriveWorks configurator, customers can configure their custom design and buy the supplies in one shopping trip.
Throughout this pandemic, the PMF Systems team have really pulled together and are surviving as a result.
To see more of what they have been up to, including their lunchtime games and grills, check out their LinkedIn Company Page.
We look forward to seeing what they work on next!
Handling Systems International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of Jib and Gantry Cranes, Workstation and Bridge Cranes in the US.
They have been working on Quotinator, an online quote tool for dealers. Quotinator uses DriveWorks and SOLIDWORKS速 to provide scaled drawings and quotes for their recently released NikoRail enclosed track cranes, as well as standard jib and gantry cranes.
Dealers can access Quotinator from anywhere, through the distributor login on H.S.Is website.
Speaking about the project, Mike Rehor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing said:
H.S.I have invested in digital transformation and remained committed to their project throughout this pandemic, and it has certainly paid off.
They are another great example of an agile, tech-driven company responding to changing markets and thriving, and empowering their dealers to thrive too.
We also think it has a great name – Quotinator!
Get started on your Digital Transformation journey and see what you could achieve with Design Automation.
Try DriveWorks Solo free for 30 days to see what’s possible and get a head start.
