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Phil Gilbanks, DriveWorks Tech Team manager is coming to Australia!

He’ll be there at the end of September and well into October. He’ll be based at InterCAD offices across Australia.

Phil will be visiting Resellers, Customers and User Groups in Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne.

If you’re based in Australia, look out for an email from us with details of how you can get involved and attend some of his seminars.

There’s just over a week until the CADDedge Concept2Design SolidWorks training event at Foxwoods, Connecticut.

Chris and Gemma from the DriveWorks Sales and Marketing team will be there for both days of the event.

Pop over to the DriveWorks booth and say hello!

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. CADDEdge have provided a handy justification to help you convince your boss!

DriveWorks Service Pack 11.1.1 is out and available to download. As ever we have listened to our customers to enhance your user experience and performance.All DriveWorks Customers with an active Subscription Support Contract and all Authorized DriveWorks Resellers can download the latest release now.

DriveWorks Pro is available from theDriveWorks Pro User Communityand / or theDriveWorks Reseller Community.

For DriveWorks Solo log in to your account atwww.driveworkssolo.com

As with any upgrade, remember to take a back up of your data!

If you are working in a multi-user environment make sure you upgrade all the DriveWorks Modules e.g. DriveWorks Administrator, Autopilot, any DriveWorks User licenses, DriveWorks Live AND of course DriveWorks Pro Server.

If you are upgrading from DriveWorks 10 to DriveWorks 11 make sure you have your DriveWorks 11 license keys to hand.

You will find Release Notes in PDF format in each of the communities. There is guidance on upgrading in the online help files, links for these are below.

We are always looking to improve our software and value feedback from our customers.
Do let us know how you are getting on.

You can also send suggestions for future product enhancements.

Yesterday, this month’s DEVELOP3D landed on my desk. Reading through the magazine as I do every month, I couldn’t help but notice that the Social Media article on page 40 (after our advert on page 13!) described perfectly the benefits and major purposes of DriveWorks.

Just read the extracts below and you’ll notice it’s very hard not to make the connection!

“Competition is relentlessly increasing and customers are more demanding; they want the latest innovations in their new products now.”

“It’s almost as if everyone wants their own unique product to suit their specific needs. And with global internet access, individuals can search with a wider net”

This part is so relevant to DriveWorks, it’s almost as if it was written for us: “All of this can provide manufacturers with huge commercial opportunities if only they can address the wide diversity of customer needs and build global products around them.”

“Manufacturers have previously published impressive claims, such as halving product development time and cost through continuous improvements to their development process” (e.g. using DriveWorks!)

“Manufacturers need to address global markets… they must capture the immense potential differences that exist globally”

The article also contains some impressive social media usage stats and some tools that can help you make the most of social media. You can read it in full in the July/August DEVELOP3D magazine.

Check out the DriveWorks Live Integration Module.

DriveWorks Pro is made up of different license types: DriveWorks Administrator, DriveWorks Autopilot and DriveWorks Live. Companies that want to integrate DriveWorks as a configurator in to an external website, can use the integration module functionality in DriveWorks Pro Live to do this.

This webinar will show you how to use the integration functionality to pass values into a specification from the URL itself, or by embedding your DriveWorks forms using DriveWorks Live in a frame or iframe, on your existing website. We will cover how to start using the integration module to pass data to the specification through the URL as well as more advanced options such as how to Auto Login to your DriveWorks Group and even how to automatically start a specification.

If you are taking your forms and putting them inside your own website then you will want to think about using the functionality of the integration module and the features it brings.

This is a value add event for DriveWorks Customers with an active subscription support contract and all Authorized Value Added DriveWorks Resellers.

You can register here

Customers

Resellers

10666010-bridging-the-gap-between-mediocrity-and-reaching-your-goals

That New Years glow is well and truly over, and after the chaos of December it is a relief to settle in to the New Year.

If only things were so easy.

Picture this.

Your company did particularly well last year and you hit all your sales targets! Awesome. Now what happens next?

Well, I cant speak on your behalf, but exceeding last years sales targets is the usual order for the day. No rest for the wicked! Or should that be no rest for the inefficient?

That is where DriveWorks comes in.

Using DriveWorks and its powerful rules engine, its possible to increase your sales productivity and turn more prospects in to customers.

Want to learn more? Then read on to see our top 4 reasons for implementing a Sales Configurator.

1. Sending out quotes early in the Sales Process

Anyone in sales knows that receiving a Request for Quotation from a lead doesnt guarantee that you will actually be selling any products. The problem is, your potential customer has probably been looking at other companies and can even use your quote to leverage an offer from a company they would prefer to do their business with. That is why speed, detail and differentiation are so important.

With a Sales Configurator like DriveWorks, your prospect will be greeted by an absorbing and dynamic experience, building their products and receiving detailed quotes quickly. This means you aren’t wasting time with dead end RFQs. Instead DriveWorks helps you win more business and save you time.

2. Simplify complex quotes

Selling configurable products can mean considerable complexity in knowing what product combinations are viable. Custom or configurable products will often require calculations of size, tolerances, and costs. This means the complexity rises with each variation and responding to customer requests in an accurate and timely manner becomes unfeasible. This problem can be intensified in larger companies where information may not be as easily accessible.

If you are tired of searching endlessly through pricing and specification lists to find the conditions to apply then you might consider using a rules based Sales Configurator. Using DriveWorks Pro, the rules in the background allow companies can connect their pricing, with product specifications, allowing customers to configure new variations, with pricing, detailed product information and even 3D visualisations.

3. No pressure – No errors

In any sales environment, pressure can be high. This pressure combined with product complexity can lead to mistakes. Without some sort of filter, orders can be submitted with impossible product combinations. This can incur significant costs for the error and delays in delivery. With Sales Configuration this problem is eliminated. Creating rules for each product and its possible variation ensures that only what can be made is sold.

4. Save Time – Save Money

Any salesperson spending time working with ad hoc documentation, searching for proposal lines to copy and paste, and wondering whether their order is currently in the ERP system is wasting time that they could be spending selling. With a Sales Configurator, all this documentation can be automatically generated, so there is no time wasted. This way time can be spent building strong customer relations and selling products.

To find out more about DriveWorks Pro, just visit www.driveworkspro.com and to try out our example product configurator just visit www.configuremyproduct.com

Xp Sinking

When Windows XP first launched in 2001, 12 years ago, the DriveWorks journey was just beginning. Since then DriveWorks, and the world of computing, has come a long way.

In 2001, the recommended requirements for running Windows XP were a measly 300 MHz processor and 128mb of ram. Today, mostphoneshave specifications that can easily outpace these specifications. DriveWorks is now on version 10, having added 3D previews, custom form designer and online integration along the way.Despite the release of 5 versions of Windows since 2001, Windows XP still remains the second most used operating system globally.

In April this year, Windows will officially stop supporting the Windows XP platform, even for critical security issues.

For anyone still running Windows XP, here are a few reasons why it really is nowtime to upgrade.

Security

As mentioned above, support for XP will end in April. This should be particularly worrying given that in December 2013 alone, three “critical” security flaws, which allowed attackers to remotely run malicious software on the machines,were patched in XP. From April Microsoft will no longer do this.

Some companies will no doubt attempt to paper over the cracks by disconnecting those machines that are running XP from the external network, this still however leaves these machines vulnerable to viruses that are found in the company intranet or even on a USB Stick.

What this all means, is that after April, any web connected Windows XP machine is like an open door, ready to warmly welcome any malicious code.

Data Protection

Related to the first point, decreased security makes data increasingly vulnerable. This poses a problem for businesses financially (as important customer data can be stolen) and also legally, as sensitive data must be protected by law. Simply put, any data that is stolen from your network comes under your legal jurisdiction and must be protected as such.

Latest Technology

Perhaps the most important reason for any business to upgrade their machines besides security, are the latest features that are found on newer versions of Windows and other programs too such as SolidWorks and DriveWorks. These new versions not only run at higher speeds, they also offer more functionalityand improvedusability.

For example the inbuilt support for 3D printing found in Windows 8.1 might be attractive to some companies and its worth noting that only Windows 7 and above can run the latest versions of SolidWorks and DriveWorks.

Speed and Reliability

Windows 8, Microsofts latest offering, not only offers a graphical overhaul, but also gives users a faster smoother and more reliable operating system. While it might seem that a smooth operating system is not a necessity, the improved productivity afforded by a fully functional operating system is surely worth the investment.

Conclusion: Increase Productivity and Stay Safe

Installing a new version of Windows across your business might seem like a daunting and costly task, but the time lost in the installation process will be made back ten times over with the security, usability and speed increases afforded to you by new versions of Windows, SolidWorks and DriveWorks.

So dont hold back, take the plunge.

You wont regret it.

Can I use DriveWorks with our company’s CRM system?

Yes!

This is a question that comes up quite often and the good news is that DriveWorks Pro Configurator projects can be integrated with many other company systems, including CRM systems.

The architecture of DriveWorks software is very open and this means that DriveWorks Pro can take inputs from many data sources, use it, perform operations and calculations, and then pass information on to other systems.

In the case of CRM, this means that your DriveWorks Configurator can use data directly queried from your CRM records. This information can then be displayed in your configurator interface (DriveWorks forms), perhaps as a customer list with billing and delivery addresses or other business relevant options. And because DriveWorks is a rules-based system, you can then set the rules that are to be applied to the information entered and decide what happens to it.

This type of integration is a great time and money saver. Information does not need to be manually re-entered on the form and this in turn helps to cut down the potential for costly errors caused by mis-typing.

As well as using data from CRM programs such as Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce, DriveWorks Pro can also pass data directly in to other company systems such as Product Data Management Systems (PDM). There is an out of the box integration for DriveWorks Pro to SolidWorks Enterprise PDM which is also used by many companies using DriveWorks for Design Automation.

These are just a few examples of what can be done with DriveWorks through the flexiblity of the underlying rules engine and form design capability. Such customizablity means that you can impelement DriveWorks to work alongside almost any company system.

To find out more about DriveWorks integration email us at info@driveworks.co.uk

 

Here at DriveWorks we cant get enough of 3D printing.

Anything that can turn your meticulously made models in to a real 3D product without great big machines is certainly cool in our book. We love the idea that it is possible to use DriveWorks to automate the design of new parts printed by a 3D printer.

It seems though, that 3D printing may not be just for prototypes.

A Wohler Associates Report has recently shown that 28.3% of all printed 3D parts are made for producing final products not for prototyping. This signals a growth of almost 25% in only 10 years. Although often known as rapid prototyping, the market seems to be expanding for 3D printing as a manufacturing tool.

Wohlers Report Final Part Growth

As with any piece of new technology, the wider the spread of the technology the cheaper its price will be. Which is perhaps why, as well as a growth in commercial production of 3D printed parts, there is also a move towards cheaper home printing.

Gartner are predicting that by 2016 we will see Enterprise-Class 3D printers available for under $2000 (贈1300). This price brings 3D printing in to an affordable price range.

Most excitingly, the lowered price will see a greater adoption rate by the general public, hopefully further expanding the uses that we might see.

Have you seen any great 3D printed designs? If so dont be afraid to leave your comments below.

One
of our resellers’ 3D vision has sent us a fantastic customer success story,
once again showing us how DriveWorks can be used to streamline your business,
through saving time and freeing up your creative juices for innovation.

Custom
coach manufacturer Farber create speciality vehicles for a wide range of clients
in industries such as Home Land Security, Dental, Medical and communications.

With such
a varied portfolio of customers comes the challenge of creating custom designs
for each one, in the past this would mean expensive and time consuming
redesigns for each new vehicle.

Farber Speciality Vehicles began their experience with DriveWorks like many of our customers do, by tryingDriveWorks Solo in a 30 day trial. After seeing what DriveWorks Solo could do for their business they decided it was time to upgrade to DriveWorks Pro and expand their capabilities.

Now, using DriveWorks Pro, SolidWorks Models are produced in the
background permitting the engineers to spend more time working on other
elements of design.

Farber
Speciality Vehicles have automated the design of custom cabinetry for all their
vehicles, which means they can quickly create high quality custom designs that
meet the specifications of their customer.

To
find out more about Farber Speciality Vehiclesclick here.

3DVisioncoverOhio, Kentucky and Indiana.


Try
DriveWorks Solo for free athttp://bit.ly/15l2nhP

 


3DVision DriveWorks Case Study_Farber Specialty Vehicles

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Tabluka is a UK based company that sells configurable and customisable furniture and other home accessories that can be designed and personalize to the customersown tasteover the web.

Tabluka Creative Director Daniel Knox says that The Tabluka concept is different in many ways. Different because it uses the latest digital design technologies. Different because it uses modern, stylish materials. Different because it puts you in control.

He says that Tabluka has been developed out of understanding consumer needs and thegowing desire forpersonalised, long lasting and sustainably sourced furniture.

Tabluka furniture is assembled by slotting together the flat packed pieces without the need for any screws, nails or tools – therefore no need for DIY experience. Anyone who watched The Apprentice and the flat pack furniture challenge, will understand the appeal of this when it is done well.
Product

Tabluka are currently using DriveWorks Pro Administrator, DriveWorks Pro Autopilot and DriveWorks Pro Live to allow their consumers to directly configure their own table and accessories online.

The site has all been createdusing DriveWorks form technology and lets you choose: the tableheight, width, depth, cormer radius andthe wood type and finish. There are evenoptions for cable management, for people who want to bring electricity or internet conenctions to their table!

And one of the most popular features is the ability to personalize the table by engraving family names, dates and special messages.

Tabluka

Benefitscited by Tabluka forusing DriveWorks are:

You can visit Tabluka here or follow the Tabluka concept on Twitter at @tabluka

 

DriveWorks Funk up your Forms Challenge Results

Winner of Funk up Your Forms

We are proud to announce that the winner of the DriveWorks Funk up Your Forms Challenge with 38% of the vote is David Braxton from Camfil Farr

We had a fantastic number of people voting and literally thousands of people viewing the DriveWorks Forms Gallery. Thank you for your entries and votes.

Congratulations to David who has a Formula 1 jacket on the way to him!

This DriveWorks Live demo is a great example of DriveWorks being used as a Sales Configurator. It allows the user to specify the size of their frame, the style the colour and the mount. It even lets the user change the picture in the frame.

Changes can be made to theframe sizes and optionsand DriveWorks quickly provides graphical feedback to help you see what the configured frame and mount will look like. Supportingsales documents are also quickly created by DriveWorks: Quotation, Cutting List, Frame Image, 3D Model, 2D Drawing

Thisexample projectis very simple to run through, here are the short few steps:

  1. Visit the www.driveworkslive.comdemo site.
  2. Select the black square that says ‘fixed width example’ and log in
  3. Select the picture frame option.
  4. Nowenter somecustomer information, select a currencyfor your frame to be priced in.
  5. Then its time to configure your frame.
  6. Choose: size of frame, mount style/colour, frame style/colour, extras. You can even change the image in the frame by using the slider on the right hand side of the frame.
  7. Be sure to enter your email address and you will be sent a link to view the sales and manufacturing documents.

When I configured my perfect frame:

Picture frame

Lorries

 

 

 

 

 

Using DriveWorksXpress, but you’re wondering what more DriveWorks can do for you and your company? Here’s the answer:

In addition to automating repetitive design engineering tasks, DriveWorks Solo has the capability of generating the outputs and documentation you need to manufacture and sell variations of your products automatically.

This is all accomplished with the same time saving, quality control you experienced in DriveWorksXpress, with the additional benefits of:

What about those rules though?The DriveWorks Rules Wizard is built with a logical and intuitive
interface. Rule Building uses Excel-style syntax so custom code or programming knowledge is not required. There’s also the DriveWorks Little Book of

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Rules, which covers everything you need to know about writing rules!

Sound like something you would like to try? Then try it! Sign up now for a 30 day free trial!

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ThisDriveWorks Liveproject shows the different ways of configuring 3D on the web using DriveWorks.

DriveWorks has its own 3D file format, which is an export from SolidWorks. Slide4

Once exported DriveWorks 3D Workshop can be used to prepare the model for configuration on the web. DriveWorks 3D Workshop is free and included with DriveWorks Pro.

DriveWorks 3D Files have been created to work in most modern browsers and on most devices. In this walkthrough example, the user can see how easy it is to manipulate DriveWorks 3D files to be able to see various views and zoom in and out.

Slide5The example includes information text, explaining how the project is working. Using DriveWorks rules technology the user can choose whether or not this information is displayed. The demo illustrates that appearances can be changed without having to create thousands of exported models. It also demonstrates how DriveWorks can even create and view 3D models that have not been created before.Slide3

For this, SolidWorks is running in the background. If the file does not exist, DriveWorks Autopilot will create it and export the DriveWorks 3D file, before previewing it in the browser.

So head on over to the DriveWorks Live demo site now to see different ways to create and manipulate 3D on the web and on your device.