Building a strong “digital thread” that connects different processes across the organization is a big area of focus for many companies. But when so many teams within an enterprise have their own workflows, that digital thread can weaken. For example, data stored in a traditional, decades-old 3D CAD environment might not be accessible to teams outside of engineering.

“Upgrading older tools and processes to improve workflows is where the big game is. Especially if you can bring non-engineering, non-product development users into those workflows," said Tom Gill, principal consultant at CIMData.

One way companies are solving that issue is by expanding access to 3D data and design capabilities across the organization. In a recent webinar, Tom Gill, principal consultant at global PLM consultancy CIMData, sat down with Edan Gottlib, Shapr3D’s chief revenue officer, and Marcel Waibel, technical workshop supervisor at 3M, to talk about what happens when more teams can think and work in 3D.

Here are a few takeaways from their conversation (watch the webinar on demand for even more insights).

Teams and processes that benefit from 3D access

Brainstorming, early design, reviews, testing, tooling, process planning, and maintenance often rely on 2D sketches and drawings. Introducing 3D tools into those workflows could make it easier for those teams to capture and share product information.

Not only that, access to 3D data could help cross-functional teams collaborate more efficiently. Tom noted that traditional 2D design reviews, which are typically time-intensive and include PowerPoints and screenshots, could be improved by introducing “3D data [that] enables decisions to happen faster in reviews.”

But teams don’t just need to review in 3D. The ability to create in 3D opens up even more possibilities for teams outside of product engineering to save time and make more of an impact. According to Tom, creating 3D data could be a powerful option for tooling, packaging, sales and marketing, and quality teams.

Look for a tool that’s easy to use and adopt

So, we’ve covered why businesses should expand access to 3D design. The question is, how?

Traditional 3D CAD programs are notoriously complex. The level of training needed, along with steep licensing costs, can quickly put a stop to your “3D for all” mission.

Even if you invest in training, you can’t force adoption. If a system or process is too hard to use, employees probably won’t take to it — even if it promises to make their lives easier. 

“Over the years, I’ve seen so much money spent buying the next greatest piece of software, but because it was hard to use, it didn’t get adopted,” Tom said.

That’s why Tom cites ease of use as the most important requirement for a modern CAD solution. An intuitive interface and touch/gesture controls are easy for non-CAD users to learn, which enables adoption across the entire team. And as more people adopt the solution, collaboration on one platform (as opposed to siloed programs) becomes easier and more effective.

It’s not just about 3D — it’s about using it effectively

On its own, access to 3D CAD is bound to make some processes easier, especially in early-stage concepting and design reviews. But when you effectively integrate it into your different workflows, that’s where you’ll save even more time and money.

For example, typical production layout planning might involve designing a piece of equipment and waiting for a prototype to get delivered. Using a 3D design solution like Shapr3D with augmented reality (AR) capabilities allows you to view a digital prototype of the model at scale on the shop floor, make edits, and shave weeks off getting to a final design. 

Marcel, a technical workshop supervisor at 3M’s Kempten site in Germany, shared how a more accessible CAD solution allowed them to start 3D printing.

“We were asked to implement [3D printing] in 2018 … I said we don’t have the time or experience to do this. Once we started using Shapr3d, two weeks later, I went to my manager and said, ‘Now’s the time,’” Marcel said.

He worked with one of his technicians who had adopted Shapr3d and they bought a new 3D printer to experiment. Now, they have five printers that get used frequently. “That was our big push to 3D printing. Without Shapr, I don’t think we’d have done it,” he said.

If you get it right, the impact could be huge

Marcel’s story isn’t uncommon. Around the world, teams are shifting from the old way of doing things to processes that allow them to make quicker fixes and save tons of money.

Edan shared a story about a customer’s production line that had stopped. A member of the maintenance team arrived with his iPad and found the issue: a piece that was less than a millimeter off. “Immediately, he adjusted it on the iPad on Shapr3d … printed the alternative part, and less than 45 minutes later, the production line was back on. Something that would have taken along the lines of a day or two without Shapr3D.”

A day or two doesn’t seem like much, but as Tom noted, “For any sort of volume production business, a line shutdown is catastrophic — [costing] tens of thousands of dollars an hour if not more. So being able to do something to quickly get things back online is critical.”

Get the full conversation

The webinar breaks down even more PLM trends and use cases across the product lifecycle. You’ll learn:

• How companies should evaluate a 3D design solution for cross-functional teams, and the value in finding the best tool for the job
• How Shapr3D helps companies turn design reviews into immersive 3D experiences (including how one auto manufacturer uses the Vision Pro to see car models at scale in a parking lot)
• How 3M’s maintenance department was introduced to Shapr3D, and how they use it today

‍Watch the webinar here.