Behind a custom product, there are often hundreds, or even thousands, of different product configuration options. As products become more customized, configuration complexity increases. Complex configurations are difficult to manage with traditional manufacturing processes where product options, designs, and quotes are handled manually.

DriveWorks simplifies complex configuration by capturing product rules, automating processes, and enabling consistency between sales, engineering, and production. DriveWorks design automation, 3D product configurator, and CPQ solutions enable manufacturers to streamline configuration, automate repetitive tasks, and scale the production of custom products efficiently.

Why do complex configurations become difficult to manage?

Manufacturers of custom products often need to manage:

• Hundreds or thousands of product variations
• Configuration rules
• Design requirements and approvals
• Complex price lists
• Inconsistency between sales, engineering, and production teams

As complexity increases, so does the risk of delays, bottlenecks, errors, and rework.

How DriveWorks simplifies complex configuration

DriveWorks enables manufacturers to simplify complex configurations by capturing product rules, engineering know-how, and design logic. The captured knowledge is applied automatically to guide users through configuration decisions, validate selections, and generate sales and manufacturing documents, including quotes, SOLIDWORKS drawings, BOMs, cut lists, etc.

Capture product rules and logic

DriveWorks stores product and design rules, compliance requirements, and engineering logic in a central location, so that knowledge is available business-wide, rather than relying on individual employees.

Guide users through configuration

Rules-based technology, often described as guided selling, guides users through configuration choices, ensuring only valid options and combinations are selected. This simplifies configuration of even the most complex products and reduces the risk of errors.

Automate repetitive processes

DriveWorks automates repetitive tasks, creating designs, generating sales and manufacturing documents, and streamlining approvals and workflows. This reduces manual effort and streamlines processes.

Connect Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams

DriveWorks connects teams by ensuring everyone works from the same product rules and follows the same processes. Instead of passing data manually between teams, DriveWorks automates and connects the different stages of the sales, design, and manufacturing processes.

The benefits of simplified configuration

Accelerate response times

DriveWorks enables sales teams to easily configure products, calculate accurate pricing, and generate proposals in real time. Faster response times lead to improved customer experience and increased sales.

Reduce errors and improve accuracy

DriveWorks uses rules-based design logic to configure custom products and automatically generates designs, removing the reliance on checklists and spreadsheets. This reduces the risk of human error and rework associated with inaccurate designs.

Improve efficiency across teams

DriveWorks removes bottlenecks in sales and engineering teams by simplifying and accelerating the configuration and design processes. Automated workflows reduce dependency on manual intervention and enable teams to work together more efficiently.

Scale without adding complexity

DriveWorks rules-based technology enables businesses to scale effectively without additional complexity. Teams can handle increased inquiries and order volumes without creating bottlenecks.

To learn how DriveWorks can support your design process, explore DriveWorks with MECAD Systems.

Content adapted from the original blog post published by DriveWorks.