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Becoming an Export Champion

Earlier this year, DriveWorks VP and CO-Founder, Maria Sarkar was appointed Northern Powerhouse Export Champion for 2020.

First launched in the North in 2013, The Export Champion programme is a key part of The Department for International Trades (DIT) Exporting is GREAT campaign.

The campaign aims to spark a movement around the UK of companies selling their products and services overseas.

Export Champions are appointed to represent a wide range of sectors throughout the region.

In her role as Export Champion, Maria is working to share more about our achievementsin export and inspireother companies in the region to consider exporting as a realistic and successful opportunity for growth.

With a growing demand for British products and access to international markets, there is an increasing opportunity for UK businesses tosucceed through export and international trade.

Northern Powerhouse: Support for UK Exporters in the Tech Sector

As part of her role as Export Champion, Maria was recently a guest speaker in a Department for International Trade webinar supporting other UK exporters in the tech sector.

In this webinar, Maria not only shared our story of successfully exporting our technology overseas but also shared some case studies of our own customers who have added a DriveWorks configurator to their website, opening up their products to new markets and increasing sales.

Successfully Exporting Overseas

DriveWorks was founded in 2001. Our software is used by businesses of all shapes and sizes from across the world, in a wide range of industries and market sectors. Almost 80% of our revenue now comes from overseas.

We have builta strong channel, withan international networkof over 100Value-Added Resellersacross53 countries, who work with us to sell and support our software.

Companies using DriveWorks range from SMEs to multi-nationals and globally recognised brands.

On a daily basis, we are supporting this channel with meetings, training and learning materials to ensure consistent quality.

We work hard to ensure our software is easy to use and can be supported no matter where you are in the world.

Think Globally – Act Locally

Through our integrated network, we have successfully built a strong global channel to provide support for our software worldwide.

Our established network of Value-Added Resellers has given us a global presence without having to have offices and employees in every country.

This global network has given us access to a customer base of over 100 SME’s and multi-nationals across lots of different industries in countries around the world.

This network has proved especially useful to us when trading overseas as it has created a point of contact for each of our DriveWorks customers, providing them with someone who speaks their language and is also on their timezone.

To help our resellers be consistent no matter where they are in the world, we have created lots of resources to train the trainer.

This includes everything a reseller could possibly need to present a class on DriveWorks – whether it is in Germany, Brazil, Australia or anywhere in the world.

Ensuring that our customers get a consistent experience whenever they use our software.

A Global Resource Library

A phrase we often refer back to at DriveWorks is helping others to help themselves.

And to be successful in exporting worldwide, we believe encouraging learning and knowledge sharing plays a key part.

At DriveWorks, we pride ourselves onbeing transparent. We have made sure all our information and resources can be easily accessed online at any time, by anyone.

We have worked hard to create a vast global resource library that provides anything from training and demos to our online documentation.

Making sure customers can always get help and access information without having to wait to speak to somebody is really important to us.

Through our website and online demo site – DriveWorksLive.com, users can access an abundance of interactive examples or sample projects allowing them to deep dive further into the technology and explore what can be achieved with DriveWorks.

Our community website is a user portal where we promote knowledge sharing. Containing lots of resources and a forum, our community creates an opportunity for our network to learn and share.

We are constantly reaching out to people whether it is our reseller channels or the end-user themselves, these online platforms give us the opportunity to stay connected from anywhere.

Supporting the Future Around the World

We have established an education program around the world, as well as supporting our role in sponsorship and CSR.

We work hard to inspire the next generation and encourage young people into digital career paths, as we understand they are going to be the future users of our software.

In the UK, we are proud to be STEM ambassadors and members of the Warrington Pledge, as well as working with local colleges and universities to support the future of digital.

Further afield, we continue to support education with our free DriveWorks training and certification programmes for anyone with access to SOLIDWORKS.

We are also proud to be part of the FIRST速 Robotics Competition, supporting teams in the US with useful resources, learning opportunities and new skills.

Adapting to Global Changes

This year the world around us has changed in many ways and we have had to find ways of adapting and accepting the ‘new’ normal.

Prior to the global pandemic, we would attend trade shows and events all around the world as a way to visit our resellers, meet customers and showcase our software.

As things began to change and we moved into this new era of working from home, we committed as a company tocome out of this stronger.

As a result of this, we had to re-imagine our annual reseller and customer event to become Digital DriveWorks World.

Instead of furloughing our team, we worked from home to recreate the event as an interactive, knowledge-sharing virtual experience.

To open up digital communication throughout the event we encouraged the use of video and online conversations between our delegates and the DriveWorks Team.

The event was a huge success and we received more (virtual) attendees from around the world than ever before, allowing us to promote the benefits of automation and digital selling to a greater audience.

Selling Digitally

COVID-19 has brought about many challenges for businesses across the world.

We are already seeing that for most businesses there isless opportunity for selling face to face. And while things start to get moving again, it seems the way we work may have changed forever.

Throughout the pandemic, we have seen that companies who are smart, agile, and open to change are more likely to survive. We have already seen many businesses are embracing digital as a result of this.

DriveWorks enables companies anywhere in the world to sell online and sell digitally.

We are huge advocates for anything digital and the ability for UK companies to bring wealth and business back to the UK through export.

Start Selling Online

Build an online configurator with DriveWorks to stay ahead of the competition, reduce costs, and win more business.

Try our online DriveWorks product configurators examples and see how easy it is to sell online, anywhere.

FIRST速 is a not-for-profit public charity designed to inspire young peoples interest and participation in science and technology.

The charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

FIRST速inspires the next generation to become leaders and innovators and enhance their work-life skills.

The exciting mentor-based programs foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

FIRST速 programs are proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, but they also inspire students to become leaders and innovators in any industry.

FIRST速 Robotics Competition

One of the programs run by FIRST速 is theFIRST速 Robotics Competition.

Combining the excitement of sport with science and technology. The FIRST速 Robotics Competition is the ultimate Sport for the Mind.

Teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a field game against like-minded competitors.

Its as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST速 Championship.

To create their robots, teams can request a variety of resources from the network of FIRST速 sponsors.

SOLIDWORKS are a sponsor of the program, providing access to SOLIDWORKS products, tutorials and a Kit of Parts, which they can use to create quick assemblies and models of their robots.

DriveWorks Sponsoring FIRST速 Teams

With their SOLIDWORKS速 licenses, FIRST速 Robotics Competition teams already have access to DriveWorksXpress, included free inside every seat of SOLIDWORKS.

We were proud to become a FIRST速 Robotics Supplier Sponsor in 2019. As part of this sponsorship, FIRST Robotics Competition Teams can now also request a free 12-month license ofDriveWorks Solo.

By learning and using DriveWorks Solo, teams will learn how to automate their repetitive SOLIDWORKS tasks and free up students and mentors to focus on quality robot design.

Problem Solving & Innovating

After a successful launch to the season in 2019, in the Spring of 2020 FIRST速 made the decision to cancel the FIRST速 Robotics Competition season in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Many teams did not bring their visions and robots to completion, nor did they have a chance to compete and network with their mentors, peers, and friends.

As an organisation that teaches young people how to solve problems and innovate, FIRST速 responded to the pandemic in a way they would want students to.

While the on-site competitions were cancelled, the mission of FIRST速 is still clear to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and thats what they have worked hard to continue in this adjusted environment.

Remote Events

For regions that continue to be disrupted by COVID-19 FIRST速 are offering remote event options.

FIRST速 is developing the FIRST速 Remote Event Hub to provide a comprehensive remote experience for teams and volunteers, offering:

  • Remote robot performance and match scoring
  • Award submission, evaluation, and feedback
  • Video conferencing scheduling for remote judging

A Place to Learn & Connect

In May of 2020, FIRST @ Home was launched as a way to offer free, creative activities for their community to engage in online learning and skills building.

To help keep young people engaged during this time, FIRST created this as a shared space to learn about opportunities for online learning/skills development, FIRSTsupported activities, and provide a place to stay connected to the FIRSTcommunity during this global pandemic.

A selection of remote learning resources, as well as free and flexible PreK-12 STEM Activities that include a 12-session curriculum, have been created to develop and support STEM skills.

Staying Connected

FIRST have created many opportunities for both students and parents to stay engaged – whether its having ‘Fun with STEM’ on the FIRST速 Pinterest page, or attending events such as live Instagram sessions and webinars, its clear that FIRST速 is stepping up their community engagement to support learning, sharing and networking from home.

FIRST速 hosts a Community Blog as well as an initiative called #IRL In Real Life.

Both platforms allow FIRST速 teams to share stories of how they have adjusted their team learning and environment during this time. Teams are sharing their own innovations and discoveries with others to stay connected and engaged virtually.

Preparing Young People for the Future

FIRST is committed to continuing their efforts to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to change the world today and tomorrow.

To help prepare young people for the future, FIRSThas created a global robotics community online, where students can continue to explore, learn and share. Here anyone can access the FIRSTResource Library, the Inspire and Comunity Blogs,newsletters, events page and inspiring stories from the FIRSTcommunity.

Stay up to date with all the latest information and opportunities onFIRST@ Home here.

Automate & Go Further

Request a one year license of DriveWorks Solo Design Automation Software for your FIRST速 Robotics Competition Team.

Use DriveWorks Solo to automate your repetitive SOLIDWORKS tasks and free up your team to focus on quality robot design.

Staying Connected With Our Community

Coronavirus has had an impact across the world.

During this time when we all cant be together, we have seen people finding different ways to socialise, stay engaged and maintain a connection with those around them.

Technology has enabled us to continue meeting face-to-face without needing to be in the country, let alone the same room.

At DriveWorks, we have now been working remote for over four months.

Our transition to home working has been smooth, allowing us to remain open and operational throughout.

While we may be working separately, its important for us as a business and team to stay in touch with each other.

The DriveWorks Team Meet Up

A weekly tradition at DriveWorks is our Friday afternoon company Show and Tell.

This weekly catch up is an opportunity for someone on the team to share new technology, a project they have completed or discuss something happening in the industry.

Normally the event would be hosted in person at our offices in Thelwall, but of course this changed when we shifted to a remote working environment.

Not wanting to lose this opportunity to share and learn from one another, we made sure to continue this weekly meeting – virtually.

Since taking our show and tell’s online, we have been hearing about lots of great projects, sharing interesting TED Talks and participating in fun quizzes every Friday afternoon.

No matter the subject or discussion, underneath it all it gives us the chance to be connected and engaged with each other.

At DriveWorks, we share in a strong sense of what it means to support and engage with the community.

Our goal when it comes to our community is to connect users, support education and share knowledge.

We support many communities such as our local community, education, FIRST速 Robotics, the DriveWorks Community and the SOLIDWORKS User Group Network.

We have been watching, learning, and implementing new ways for our team to continue to support these areas in a virtual environment and its been exciting to see what opportunities are available.

SOLIDWORKS User Groups Go Virtual!

We are active members of the SOLIDWORKS User Group Community.

Since 2015, we have been collaborating with our resellers, customers, and partners to support SWUG meetings.

Whether its helping group leaders find presentations, hosting a presentation on DriveWorks, or even just attending as SOLIDWORKS users ourselves, we love getting involved!

Members of the DriveWorks team can regularly be found taking part in SWUGN events and supporting the SOLIDWORKS community.

At the start of 2020, SOLIDWORKS provided all user groups with an opportunity to set up and use a new networking platform called Meetup.

In addition to this, all groups were provided with a GoToMeetingaccount to help support their meetings and give them a virtual presence.

Little did they know at the time how useful this technology would be!

Shortly after returning from 3DEXPERIENCE World 2020, all in-person SWUG meetings were placed on hold indefinitely.

In true SOLIDWORKS problem-solving style, the community responded.

Shifting gears and using the technology tools they had been given. SWUG groups became virtual.

As time goes on, virtual SWUG meetings are occurring more frequently and have developed a more routine schedule.

Its been great to see groups working together to collaborate on larger, regional meetings.

Betty Baker, (LEWA SWUG) organized a Midwest SWUG meeting with 11 groups involved.

In other parts of the US, group leader David Antanavige (Long Island SWUG) and Matt Rohr (SWUG NYC) have worked together hosting weekly meetings to keep people engaged.

These meetings are open to anyone and users from as far away as Australia have dialed in to take part.

When operating in a virtual environment, there really are no boundaries for participation!

Taking Education Online

Throughout the pandemic, its been great to see so many organisations recognising the importance ofeducation and taking learning online.

We have been proud to take part in lots of online initiatives helping to inspire the next generation.

Through our partnership with The Pledge, we have been educating young people about how to be productive during this time and how to add value to their future careers.

While schools and colleges have been shut, many have found other ways to take their learning online.

Through the power of technology, we have still been able to get involved with virtual careers events, allowing us to reach even more students.

Another area of the community we support through education is FIRST

After a successful launch to the season in 2019, in the Spring of 2020 FIRST速 made the decision to cancel the FIRST速 Robotics Competition season in response to COVID-19.

FIRST have had an amazing response to taking things online.

Whether its having ‘Fun with STEM’ on the FIRST速 Pinterest page, or attending events such as live Instagram sessions and webinars, its clear that FIRST速 is stepping up their community engagement to support learning, sharing and networking from home.

Tips for Hosting a Virtual Event

With so many events now moving online, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to consider when hosting your own events online.

Back in April, we quickly shifted gears when it came to our own annual event, DriveWorks World. We were due to host our event at the very beginning of the pandemic, as travel restrictions were just beginning to come into place and large gatherings were banned by the government. In a matter of weeks, we turned our event into Digital DriveWorks World 2020. We hosted a week of learning, networking and sharing knowledge online. The response was fantastic and as a team, we were really proud of the training content and learning opportunities we provided to our community.

Have a Game Plan

Whether your event is big or small, offline or online, every event should have a planned strategy. Start with a set goal and concept, and go from there. Start planning early to ensure your event is a success.

Know Your Audience

An important part of the virtual meeting concept isyour audience. When hosting a meeting such as a user group or other collaborative meeting, pick a platform where people can be engaged and feel part of the event.

Promote Your Event

Promoting online events is much easier than you may think. Anyone can attend an online event so make sure to post about your event on your website and social pages to reach as many people as possible!

Prepare for Technical Issues

As with in-person events, online events have many things that can go wrong. To minimise technical issues happening beforehand check your internet connection, prepare a back-up and do a test run!

Encourage Engagement

Youve organised an event and want people to engage let attendees know they should ask questions and encourage discussion. Perhaps start the meeting with an ‘ice breaker’ to get the crowd warmed up.

Share Stories

Dont forget that people dont always want to be talked at. Break up presentations with stories or anecdotes that help the crowd feel more at ease in talking or sharing their own information.

Supporting Education

We’re proud to have continued educating and supporting communities and academia. Nurturing the future of STEM and helping professionals and students succeed is important to us and technology has enabled us to continue to provide learning and knowledge sharing opportunities virtually.

Learn more about our role in the community and get involved.

Adapting to the Changes of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is a hot topic throughout many industries.

There is a real buzz around the introduction of digitalisation and how it can help companies be agile, efficient and resilient.

All essential features when moving forward from the global pandemic.

As a result of COVID-19, we have seen a glimpse into a future world where digital is a key part of every interaction.

Moving into this new era we have seen that digital transformation is no longer just a nice to have for those in the manufacturing industry wanting to drive productivity and increase efficiency.

With the world changing at an unprecedented speed, we have seen tangible transformation taking place with technology at its centre.

Responding to the Global Pandemic

Although it may not seem like it – digital transformation is nothing new.

Pre COVID-19 lots of companies were seeing the many benefits of going digital.

COVID-19 has dramatically sped up digital transformation, and not just in the manufacturing industry.

For those who were already embracing digital we have seen that the pandemic has accelerated their digital journey and they are already reaping the benefits.

As we moved further into the pandemic, it seemed a gap was forming between those that had introduced and invested in digital and those that had not.

Businesses who had not embraced digital found themselves less prepared to adapt to the sudden changes the crisis brought and therefore exposed to greater weaknesses.

Companies are now responding to the pandemic and are seeing the importance of being able to pivot quickly, to control processes remotely and have the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

Businesses are looking for ways to move on from COVID-19 and come out of this stronger.

Digitalisation will be key to enabling industries to meet changing customers needs and adjust to changing markets as we move forward.

Adjusting to the New Way of Working

The global pandemic has changed the way we work.

Forcing customers, employees, and supply chains into digital channels and new ways of working.

As the UK and many other countries entered lockdown, our daily routine of commuting and working from the office was rapidly shifted and we found ourselves adjusting to working remotely.

Some companies were forced to put projects on hold and uncertainty for the future was on their minds.

However fast forward to now, its clear that for numerous organisations who had already begun to adopt digital techniques, working remotely has not only been achievable but actually a huge success.

Through the pandemic, we have learnt that remote workforces, automation, transparent flexible supply chains and data security are all key elements to digital transformation not just in manufacturing – but across all sectors.

We are seeing that organisations who embrace new ways of working are improving competitiveness and productivity through the better use of technology and digital skills.

Driving Agility

Whilst agility has always been a key driver of successful business operations, now more than ever we are seeing the importance of businesses being able to pivot and respond quickly to changing factors.

Markets and trends are constantly moving and evolving. It is important that businesses can adapt to these changes quickly and effectively, otherwise they are at risk of falling behind.

Coronavirus is the perfect example of how rapid these changes can happen. No one could have foreseen the damage it has done to the economy.

For some, the lack of agility and the ability to respond has sadly meant their business won’t recover from this hard time.

However, for others, the pandemic has been an opportunity to shine.

We have seen an incredible response from manufacturers, businesses and individuals who have acted quickly. Switching and upscaling production from their usual business todesigning, producing and delivering the urgently needed equipmentto meet the growing demand.

Moving forward, digitalisation will be key to enabling industries to meet changing customers needs as we move forward.

Businesses without a strong digital strategy are likely to struggle to be as agile as their competitors making them slow to adapt to rapid changes in the market.

Increasing Efficiency

We have seen that businesses who already had digital transformation plans in place accelerated their plans throughout the pandemic, while many with no digital transformation plans saw the need to develop some in order to keep up with others.

Through the implementation of new technologies, business processes are becoming more efficient.

The idea of digital transformation is to use technology not just to replicate an existing service in a digital format, but to use new technologies to transform that process into something significantly better.

Businesses implementing a digital-first approach to processes, operations, and customer engagement are achieving a more streamlined and efficient way of working.

Take automation, for example, a necessary step towards digital transformation.

Automated processes are a key driver of productivity – resulting in flexible, transparent, and stable supply chains.

Through automation, systems, workflows and processes can all be enhanced to become faster, more efficient and much more valuable to the organisation.

Sustainability in the Future

As companies begin to explore new technologies, they are looking for investments that not only allow the business to be flexible and agile right now but continue to be in the future.

Business are looking for solutions that will continue to grow and develop alongside the businesses needs and overall strategy as it evolves in the future.

The world will continue to change, and as we enter the ‘new normal’ it is important that businesses consider longer-term strategies and re-prioritise digital plans to reflect the evolving markets.

Changes are happening for the better

More and more businesses are looking for ways that can move on from COVID-19 and come out of this stronger.

Throughout the pandemic, people have relied more on technology than ever before, whether it being internet access, video calling, mobile phone apps or video streaming sites such as Netflix and Disney+.

Consumers are adjusting to this new tech-dependent world where technology and devices are establishing themselves in our daily lives.

As that happens, performance and user experience will become crucial to meeting consumers’ expectations and driving brand growth.

Digitalisation will be key to enabling industries to meet changing customers needs and expectations, allowing businesses to rapidly adjust to evolving markets as we move forward.

Those who dont and continue to look at it as business as usual will fall behind.

Embracing Digital Transformation with DriveWorks

Throughout the pandemic, weve been hearing from our customers who have been embracing change and thriving as a result.

Whether theyre 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.

Implementing an online configurator with DriveWorks can help you to stay ahead of the competition, reduce costs, and win more business.

Our productconfigurator examplesare a great way tosee whats possible with DriveWorks.

Head to driveworkslive.com to learn how versatile and customizable DriveWorks is and get some inspiration for your own products.

Try DriveWorks Powerful Design Automation For Free

Take a look at how you can get started on your Digital Transformation journey with DriveWorks for free.

Activate DriveWorksXpress

Start automating with DriveWorksXpress free inside every seat of SOLIDWORKS.

Trial DriveWorks Solo

Try out DriveWorks Solo for free with the DriveWorks Solo 30 Day Free Trial.

Tech Team Thursday Webinars

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.

Check out our upcoming Tech Team Thursday Webinars and sign up here:

Business Process Automation with DriveWorks

Thursday 30th July

Create Reporting Tools & KPI’s Using DriveWorks

Thursday 6th August

Improving the Performance of Your Implementation

Thursday 13th August

Structuring Your Projects and Assemblies

Thursday 20th August

Creating Templates in DriveWorks

Thursday 27th August

Read Glen’s Opportunity for Learning Feature in July/August’s DEVELOP3D Magazine

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.

“What you do now will make a real difference in what happens as we transition to the next phase and to a different kind of ‘normal’.”

“No matter what your subject area is, read interesting articles and stories and talk about them during interviews.”

“Whatever you decide to do to add to your skills, break it down to make it manageable and achievable. Set small milestones.”

DEVELOP3D Magazine is free to read online, read the full article on page 13.

Adapting to the Changes of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is a hot topic throughout many industries.

There is a real buzz around the introduction of digitalisation and how it can help companies be agile, efficient and resilient.

All essential features when moving forward from the global pandemic.

As a result of COVID-19, we have seen a glimpse into a future world where digital is a key part of every interaction.

Moving into this new era we have seen that digital transformation is no longer just a nice to have for those in the manufacturing industry wanting to drive productivity and increase efficiency.

With the world changing at an unprecedented speed, we have seen tangible transformation taking place with technology at its centre.

Responding to the Global Pandemic

Although it may not seem like it – digital transformation is nothing new.

Pre COVID-19 lots of companies were seeing the many benefits of going digital.

COVID-19 has dramatically sped up digital transformation, and not just in the manufacturing industry.

For those who were already embracing digital we have seen that the pandemic has accelerated their digital journey and they are already reaping the benefits.

As we moved further into the pandemic, it seemed a gap was forming between those that had introduced and invested in digital and those that had not.

Businesses who had not embraced digital found themselves less prepared to adapt to the sudden changes the crisis brought and therefore exposed to greater weaknesses.

Companies are now responding to the pandemic and are seeing the importance of being able to pivot quickly, to control processes remotely and have the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

Businesses are looking for ways to move on from COVID-19 and come out of this stronger.

Digitalisation will be key to enabling industries to meet changing customers needs and adjust to changing markets as we move forward.

Adjusting to the New Way of Working

The global pandemic has changed the way we work.

Forcing customers, employees, and supply chains into digital channels and new ways of working.

As the UK and many other countries entered lockdown, our daily routine of commuting and working from the office was rapidly shifted and we found ourselves adjusting to working remotely.

Some companies were forced to put projects on hold and uncertainty for the future was on their minds.

However fast forward to now, its clear that for numerous organisations who had already begun to adopt digital techniques, working remotely has not only been achievable but actually a huge success.

Through the pandemic, we have learnt that remote workforces, automation, transparent flexible supply chains and data security are all key elements to digital transformation not just in manufacturing – but across all sectors.

We are seeing that organisations who embrace new ways of working are improving competitiveness and productivity through the better use of technology and digital skills.

Driving Agility

Whilst agility has always been a key driver of successful business operations, now more than ever we are seeing the importance of businesses being able to pivot and respond quickly to changing factors.

Markets and trends are constantly moving and evolving. It is important that businesses can adapt to these changes quickly and effectively, otherwise they are at risk of falling behind.

Coronavirus is the perfect example of how rapid these changes can happen. No one could have foreseen the damage it has done to the economy.

For some, the lack of agility and the ability to respond has sadly meant their business won’t recover from this hard time.

However, for others, the pandemic has been an opportunity to shine.

We have seen an incredible response from manufacturers, businesses and individuals who have acted quickly. Switching and upscaling production from their usual business todesigning, producing and delivering the urgently needed equipmentto meet the growing demand.

Moving forward, digitalisation will be key to enabling industries to meet changing customers needs as we move forward.

Businesses without a strong digital strategy are likely to struggle to be as agile as their competitors making them slow to adapt to rapid changes in the market.

Increasing Efficiency

We have seen that businesses who already had digital transformation plans in place accelerated their plans throughout the pandemic, while many with no digital transformation plans saw the need to develop some in order to keep up with others.

Through the implementation of new technologies, business processes are becoming more efficient.

The idea of digital transformation is to use technology not just to replicate an existing service in a digital format, but to use new technologies to transform that process into something significantly better.

Businesses implementing a digital-first approach to processes, operations, and customer engagement are achieving a more streamlined and efficient way of working.

Take automation, for example, a necessary step towards digital transformation.

Automated processes are a key driver of productivity – resulting in flexible, transparent, and stable supply chains.

Through automation, systems, workflows and processes can all be enhanced to become faster, more efficient and much more valuable to the organisation.

Sustainability in the Future

As companies begin to explore new technologies, they are looking for investments that not only allow the business to be flexible and agile right now but continue to be in the future.

Business are looking for solutions that will continue to grow and develop alongside the businesses needs and overall strategy as it evolves in the future.

The world will continue to change, and as we enter the ‘new normal’ it is important that businesses consider longer-term strategies and re-prioritise digital plans to reflect the evolving markets.

Changes are happening for the better

More and more businesses are looking for ways that can move on from COVID-19 and come out of this stronger.

Throughout the pandemic, people have relied more on technology than ever before, whether it being internet access, video calling, mobile phone apps or video streaming sites such as Netflix and Disney+.

Consumers are adjusting to this new tech-dependent world where technology and devices are establishing themselves in our daily lives.

As that happens, performance and user experience will become crucial to meeting consumers’ expectations and driving brand growth.

Digitalisation will be key to enabling industries to meet changing customers needs and expectations, allowing businesses to rapidly adjust to evolving markets as we move forward.

Those who dont and continue to look at it as business as usual will fall behind.

Embracing Digital Transformation with DriveWorks

Throughout the pandemic, weve been hearing from our customers who have been embracing change and thriving as a result.

Whether theyre 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.

Implementing an online configurator with DriveWorks can help you to stay ahead of the competition, reduce costs, and win more business.

Our productconfigurator examplesare a great way tosee whats possible with DriveWorks.

Head to driveworkslive.com to learn how versatile and customizable DriveWorks is and get some inspiration for your own products.

Try DriveWorks Powerful Design Automation For Free

Take a look at how you can get started on your Digital Transformation journey with DriveWorks for free.

Activate DriveWorksXpress

Start automating with DriveWorksXpress free inside every seat of SOLIDWORKS.

Trial DriveWorks Solo

Try out DriveWorks Solo for free with the DriveWorks Solo 30 Day Free Trial.