Enabling manufacturers to succeed since 2001
This year we are celebrating 25 years of DriveWorks. From a CAD automation program in 2001, DriveWorks design automation, 3D product configurator, and CPQ for manufacturing solutions now makes a difference for manufacturers all over the world.
Innovation backed by experience
25 years of experience have given DriveWorks a unique perspective on the challenges faced by manufacturers and the technology solutions that will enable them to succeed.
Our technology is designed to solve today’s manufacturing challenges. Our solutions are built with real-world understanding combined with cutting-edge technology. That understanding comes from working on thousands of projects, continually gathering feedback from customers and resellers, and having an international DriveWorks team with a diverse range of experience.
This year, we join the community in celebrating 30 years of SOLIDWORKS. As a mechanical engineer and active SOLIDWORKS user, I know how important it is in manufacturing to have the right tools and to keep on developing for the market. Signing up as a SOLIDWORKS Partner back in 2001 was the first step on DriveWorks’ continuous innovation & automation program. Now in our 25th year, it’s good to reflect on some key moments and also exciting to look at the never-ending opportunities ahead.
We have the support of an international network of resellers, enabling us to deliver DriveWorks solutions to manufacturers worldwide. Our investment in STEM students has encouraged new ways of thinking and ensures a strong future. Being honoured with double Queen’s Awards has shown us that vision, hard work, and dedication do get recognized.
My advice to anyone with a bold business idea is to keep going, it might not always be easy, but it’s always worth it.”
Glen Smith, DriveWorks Co-Founder
Empowering manufacturers through technology
Our technology has developed over the last 25 years, but our goal of empowering manufacturing through technology has remained the same.
It’s the reason we are continually developing our software to enable manufacturers to meet their evolving business needs. We understand that traditional manufacturing processes need technology solutions to enable them to deliver customized products. Our technology solutions empower manufacturers to configure, design, and sell custom products smarter.
DriveWorks technology solutions are now used by manufacturers across a range of industries to transform their processes, delivering custom products quicker and with improved accuracy.
Technology moves fast, so do we
The speed and scale of technology developments over the last 25 years have been significant. The rise of mobile and then smartphones, together with their app ecosystem, has changed the way we all communicate, work, and consume information.
Developments in mainstream cloud computing have made it easier to scale up infrastructures on demand, and AI and machine learning have transformed so many business operations. The boom of remote work technology, accelerated by COVID-19 and facilitated by the adoption of Zoom, Teams, Slack, etc, has changed the way we work, and connected business communities in a way we might never have previously imagined.
Similarly, DriveWorks technology has developed at pace. Since our first automation program in 2001, we’ve delivered 22 major releases, together with multiple Service Packs. Our award-winning range of technology now includes design automation, 3D product configurator, and CPQ for manufacturing solutions.
The DriveWorks team has also grown. From start-up to a team of over 60, we’ve seen how investing in STEM students encourages new ways of thinking and ensures a strong future. Just over half of the current DriveWorks team are colleagues who originally joined us as part of our apprentice, undergraduate, or graduate programs. 5 of those are also members of our current Senior Leadership team.
Wow, 25 years, what a journey! Although I’ve always been acutely aware that in our world, standing still has never been an option, our approach to continual development is something I’m immensely proud of. Continuous innovation and development aren’t just catch phrases, they’re what drives us forward (and sometimes keeps us awake at night!).
The manufacturing landscape changes so quickly, and our agility has enabled us to adapt, pivot, and anticipate challenges. But the last 25 years at DriveWorks have been about more than just agility. True innovation comes from asking the right questions, listening carefully to the answers, and understanding our customers on a deeper level. Often, seeing what they need before they do.
Becoming an international business with such an extensive footprint didn’t happen overnight, it has been hard work, so thanks go to our team, to our resellers in 59 countries, and the manufacturers, large and small, who use our design automation, 3D product configurator, and CPQ software day in day out.”
Maria Sarkar MBE, DriveWorks Co-Founder
International growth driven by local expertise
Since DriveWorks was founded in 2001, our software has been used by businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries, all over the world. Our export channel is built on an international network of over 100 value-added resellers across 59 countries, who work with us to sell and support our software. Our international reseller network is complemented by key DriveWorks team members positioned in strategic global locations. This localized presence enables us to understand differences in regional manufacturing and tailor our support.
We work hard to ensure our software is easy to use and can be supported no matter where you are in the world. We support a worldwide community of DriveWorks users with technical support, training, and learning materials to ensure consistent quality. Our annual technical learning event, DriveWorks World, is hosted virtually and joined by a global audience of users and resellers.
Celebrate 25 years of DriveWorks
Join us for a year of celebrations!
Whilst our official birthday is the 1st of February, with this being such a significant milestone, we’ll be celebrating our achievements all year.
Keep a look out for more blogs and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.