Part 3: Optimizing Service and Factory Operations with 3D CAD Data

Envision a service technician arriving on-site to repair a complex piece of equipment. Instead of flipping through thick manuals or squinting at 2D diagrams, they pull out a tablet and access an interactive 3D model of the machine. This model provides step-by-step instructions, highlights problem areas, and offers detailed insights into the machine's components. This is the future of service operations, made possible by leveraging 3D CAD data.

The accessibility and usability of 3D data will greatly benefit service and factory operations. By providing detailed, interactive models, companies can improve the accuracy and efficiency of service tasks, reduce errors, and enhance overall operational performance.

Here’s what to consider:

1. Empowering Service Technicians: Detailed 3D models offer precise visual instructions that technicians can access on-site with any device. This accessibility reduces errors and downtime, improving service quality and customer satisfaction.
2. Enhancing Factory Workflows: Real-time access to 3D data on the factory floor can streamline various tasks, from assembly to quality control. This integration helps workers make better decisions faster, enhancing overall efficiency.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Companies can reduce the need for expensive hardware by using cloud-based 3D visualization tools. This cost-saving measure also makes it easier to deploy these tools across a broader range of devices, supporting a more flexible and agile workforce.

Consider this example: At Terex Utilities, technicians used to rely on 2D drawings for complex machine assembly, which often led to confusion and rework. After adopting Vertex, Terex transformed its assembly process by providing technicians with 3D models created in collaboration between their sales team and customers, allowing them to "move around" the equipment virtually. This helped reduce assembly errors and improved overall build quality. Terex says, "Customers are delighted, and the quality of the end build is better."

​CASE STUDY: Terex Drives Great Customer Experiences with Vertex.

To optimize service and factory operations, companies should implement 3D-enabled work instructions, enhance factory workflows with order-specific, real-time 3D data aligned to the PLM and ERP, and adopt cost-effective, cloud-based solutions. These steps will improve efficiency, reduce errors, and create a more agile and responsive operation.

Finally, we will conclude with a series recap of how unlocking 3D CAD data can drive innovation and enterprise-wide value.