In the fast-paced world of engineering, where customization is king, the ability to design and deliver bespoke solutions quickly is not just a competitive advantage; it's a necessity. Enter DriveWorks, a game-changer in the realm of design automation, particularly when integrated with SOLIDWORKS. Today, let's explore how DriveWorks can revolutionize your engineering processes, saving significant time for engineers.
What is Design Automation?
Design automation involves using software to eliminate repetitive tasks, allowing engineers to focus on innovation rather than the minutiae of design variations. DriveWorks, a SOLIDWORKS Gold Partner Product, offers a suite of tools that automate the creation of custom products, from simple variations to complex configurations. By capturing the design intelligence of seasoned engineers, DriveWorks ensures this knowledge is reused, preventing it from being lost or needing to be reinvented with each new design.
Time-Savings of DriveWorks & Real-World Impact
- Automation of Repetitive Tasks:
- Before DriveWorks, engineers at HW Ventilation spent considerable time drawing each new product or variation from scratch. With DriveWorks Solo, their design process is now 10 times faster, turning what was once a lengthy task into a swift, automated process. This means engineers can focus on more innovative and rewarding projects.
- Speedy Proposals and Quotations:
- For companies like BKW Instruments, DriveWorks has meant entering sales inquiries in under 30 minutes and creating quotes twice as fast as before - a 100% increase in productivity. The transition from design to despatch, which used to span weeks, is now achieved in days, dramatically improving lead times.
- Error Reduction:
- Manual design processes are rife with potential for human error. DriveWorks uses rules-based logic to ensure design accuracy, reducing the risk of costly mistakes. This not only saves time but also protects profit margins and company reputation by ensuring consistent quality.
- Empowering Sales Teams:
- Design automation with DriveWorks extends beyond the engineering department. Sales teams can now configure products directly with customers, using intuitive interfaces that understand and apply design rules in real-time. This speeds up the sales cycle and reduces the back-and-forth with engineering, allowing for quicker responses to customer needs.
- Increased Throughput and Innovation:
- By automating the drudgery, DriveWorks allows your design engineers to pivot towards innovation. The time saved from not having to manually adjust every design detail can be invested in improving product quality, exploring new ideas, or refining existing designs. This shift not only boosts productivity but also enhances the creative output of your team.
[Video] What makes DriveWorks software so scalable and easy to use?
Getting Started with DriveWorks
For those new to design automation, DriveWorks offers scalable solutions:
- DriveWorksXpress: Included free with every SOLIDWORKS license, perfect for dipping your toes into automation.
- DriveWorks Solo: For more advanced users, offering dynamic forms and document generation.
- DriveWorks Pro: For enterprises needing comprehensive automation with web-based configurations.
Each version of DriveWorks is designed to grow with your business, allowing you to automate at your own pace without overwhelming your team.
Transforming How Engineers Work
DriveWorks isn't just about saving time; it's about transforming how engineers work. By automating the mundane, it empowers engineers to spend time where it matters most - on innovation, quality improvement, and strategic design. Whether you're in manufacturing, HVAC, or any industry requiring custom solutions, DriveWorks could be the key to not just keeping up with the competition but leading it.
So, if you're ready to unlock this level of efficiency in your engineering team, consider how CADimensions and DriveWorks can redefine your design and production workflows. Your engineers will thank you for the time they save, and your bottom line will reflect the efficiency gained.