Software builds 3D on-line catalogs.
Press Release Summary:
PartStream.NET v3.0 helps manufacturers create on-line catalogs, integrated with 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models, in days. Catalogs let customers view products from all angles, configure models based on specific requirements, and download models in variety of formats for use in product designs. Manufacturers can use software to build site from scratch, or link existing on-line catalog to 3D CAD images that customers can configure, view, and download.
Original Press Release:
Component Manufacturers Build 3D Online Catalogs In Days Instead Of Months With SolidWorks 3D PartStream.NETSM 3.0
Latest version gives component manufacturers a template-based tool for publishing online catalogs in six easy steps
CONCORD, Mass., Jan. 15, 2002 - SolidWorks Corp. today unveiled the latest version of its 3D PartStream.NET service, which lets component manufacturers publish 3D-enabled Web-based catalogs using an easy, step-by-step process. 3D PartStream.NET version 3.0 arrives out of the box and ready to use so manufacturers can create online catalogs integrated with 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models in days rather than months. 3D PartStream.NET allows customers to download 3D CAD models of manufacturers' products and instantly incorporate those models into their own product designs.
3D PartStream.NET's technology allows manufacturers to build 3D-powered catalogs for selling their products more effectively than with paper catalogs. With a 3D-powered catalog, customers can view products from all angles and configure models based on their specific requirements. Customers can then download models in a wide variety of formats for use in their own product designs, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with finding parts and components from outdated paper-based catalogs and re-modeling them from scratch. This capability ensures that customers "design in" (check compatibility and subsequently purchase) these parts and components, giving manufacturers the competitive advantage they need to win customer business.
Customers such as APW Zero Cases is harnessing that 3D online catalog development capability to increase its products' exposure. APW Zero Cases is a subsidiary of APW Ltd. (NYSE: APW) and a leader in producing aluminum enclosures such as carrying cases, equipment racks and aluminum casings used to protect electronic equipment outdoors. It is using 3D PartStream.NET to provide its customers with access to downloadable CAD models for its more than 100,000 different product variations.
"With 3D PartStream.NET we are able to enhance our existing online catalog with 3D and allow our customers to interactively view our enclosures with different dimensions such as width, height, and thickness," said Sid Magill, international sales leader for APW Ltd. "The new features in 3D PartStream.NET will allow us to add new product lines and product configurations instantly without any programming."
Building 3D-enabled online catalogs on the fly 3D PartStream.NET version 3.0's new Web authoring tool, 3D ProductPage, lets component manufacturers launch 3D-enabled catalogs through an easy step-by-step process. Manufacturers can use 3D ProductPage to either build a site from scratch, or link an existing online catalog to 3D CAD images that customers can then configure, view, and download. 3D ProductPage creates a template-driven online catalog that allows manufacturers to:
* create, deploy, and maintain an online 3D-powered catalog;
* brand the online catalog by using a company header and logo;
* change the online catalog look and feel with numerous style and layout options;
* allow customers to search by product name, product description, and part number;
* easily incorporate configuration, viewing, and downloading capabilities into the site; and
* enable customers to submit a RFQ (request for quotation) to check pricing.
New streamlined capabilities SolidWorks has enhanced 3D PartStream.NET's content management tools to give manufacturers more control over their online catalog content. A new user interface allows manufacturers to upload and manage new product lines faster with features such as the model upload wizard (simplifies model uploading into a database), model previews, and model sorting options. Manufacturers can use new configuration rules to help customers select the proper product configuration based on dimensions, features, colors, and accessories specific to each product line. New product categorization enables users to categorize products into a natural product hierarchy. Search criteria tools allow manufacturers to determine how customers search for products based on product names, part numbers, and product attributes. This helps manufacturers streamline customers' product searches.
"Manufacturers who want to reach the broadest audience want to piggyback on the Internet," said Jim Giebutowski, director of content publishing for SolidWorks. "3D PartStream.NET 3.0 gives manufacturers the ability to affordably deploy an interactive 3D-powered catalog in days instead of months. Once they can offer downloadable 3D models over the Internet, they dramatically increase the chance that they'll get their products designed into their customers' designs - ultimately resulting in more competitive wins and strengthened customer relationships."
Availability 3D PartStream.NET 3.0 is available now for purchase. To order 3D PartStream.NET 3.0, or for more information about becoming a 3D Publishing Partner, contact SolidWorks at +1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America +1-978-371-5000) or go to 3dpartstream.net. Information on 3D PartStream.NET is also available on the SolidWorks Web site at www.solidworks.com.
About APW Zero Cases
APW Zero Cases (http://www.zerocases.com) is a subsidiary of APW Ltd. (NYSE: APW) and a leader in producing aluminum enclosures such as carrying cases, equipment racks and aluminum casings used to protect electronic equipment outdoors. APW Ltd. is a Technically Enabled Manufacturing Services (TEMS) company that designs and manufactures infrastructure products for OEMs in the communications, large enterprise hardware and Internet markets. APW Ltd. has particular skills in the areas of manufacturing enclosures, thermal management, power supplies and backplanes; as well as core competencies in product and system design, integration, and supply chain management. APW Ltd. operates in more than 30 locations throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets mechanical design software solutions. Founded in 1993, SolidWorks' mission is to unleash the power of 3D for everyone in product development. In over five years of shipping product, SolidWorks has shipped more than 160,000 total seats of software worldwide. SolidWorks has offices around the globe and distributes its products through a worldwide network of resellers. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000). SolidWorks unveils 3D PartStream.NET 2.0 3/4 2/3
