The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the planet like nothing else in living memory. Lockdowns and restrictions imposed globally to stem the flow of the virus has seen society shift and adapt in many ways – most notably – we were all forced to communicate virtually.
Whether having conversations with family via Zoom, work meetings on Microsoft Teams or shopping for groceries, this necessity to operate online has accelerated digital transformation for businesses in every sector.
Long-term effects on business
According to research by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co in its McKinsey Global Survey of executives, “companies have accelerated the digitization of their customer and supply-chain interactions and of their internal operations by three to four years. And the share of digital or digitally-enabled products in their portfolios has accelerated by a shocking seven years.”
Respondents said they expected most of these changes to be long lasting and were “already making the kinds of investments that all but ensure they will stick.”
Across all sectors of retail, businesses have been investing heavily in their online channels, with a high percentage of physical stores closing.
This is now possible because, although the digital can’t replace physical, it is now possible with 3D online configuration tools such as 3CAD, to offer the consumer a highly sophisticated and seamless shopping experience, where even the most complex orders can be easily communicated to the retailer or direct to manufacturer.
The benefits of an online configuration tool
The past five to ten years has seen a significant growing trend for personalisation when it comes to interiors and furniture. Consumers are more demanding, want value for money, and want items they purchase to be exactly as they want them. 3D online configuration empowers the consumer or retailer to be able to do this.
A 3D online configuration tool also streamlines the process from order to production as there is no need for a middle man where a plan from the purchaser can get lost in translation or misunderstood by the manufacturer.
The 3CAD software links directly to the manufacturer so the design submitted by the customer is exactly what the customer gets. There is no room for error and there are also features in-built into the software which ensure that the customer can only configure designs which can be manufactured.
As well as streamlining the sales to production process, pricing can be done in seconds, further speeding up the sales process, while orders can be validated in an instant with accurate BOMs automatically created.
What our customers say
Fami Storage Systems – high-quality industrial and workshop furniture producer – using 3CAD 3d online configuration tool since 2010
“A key factor in the success of this project has been the autonomy in implementing the solution to new products. Training of key staff within Fami means that they can use 3CAD for new products, with little assistance. Secondly, but not least, the ability to create an accurate bill of materials ready for the production teams has dramatically shortened production times.”
For more information on how 3CAD can help streamline your business, click here.
