We’re Here For You
On Thursday, 5th November, England entered a second lockdown due to Coronavirus.
Just as we adjusted to the first lockdown, we’re doing the same now.
Although we love being in the office, we’ve made sure we can work from home successfully when we need to, and that we stay connected as a team.
Following the latest government guidelines, we are fully operational, selling and supporting our software across the globe.
We thought we would take this opportunity to share some of the things we’ve been up to during this time and our upcoming plans.
Working from Home and Embracing Digital
Our investments in technology and our commitment to digital transformation means we are well set up for working remotely. Our transition to home working this year has been smooth and we have remained open and operational throughout the pandemic.
All our teams have continued to work and support you as usual via email, by phone and web meeting where appropriate.
When we first made the move to home working, we reassured you that we’re here as normal for anything you need. We promised it would be business as usual.
As we’ve settled into this new way of working, it hasn’t actually been business as usual. If anything, it’s been business with a boost!
Our team have really embraced this time as an opportunity to improve, create and innovate.
Two New Software Releases
We’re proud that we’ve released not one but two software versions, rigorously tested (and used by us!) during a global pandemic whilst our team are working remotely.
In April we released our latest major version, DriveWorks 18, and presented about the new features and enhancements during Digital DriveWorks World.
Since then, we continued to work on DriveWorks 18 Service Pack 1. Less travel and more time in the office over the past few months has enabled us to dedicate a lot of time to work on adding new enhancements and updates to this service pack release.
Hosting a Digital Event
Whilst the current global situation stopped us from hosting a face to face event, we still wanted to provide an opportunity for DriveWorks users to learn and connect. So this year we made DriveWorks World a digital event.
We were joined by over 200 DriveWorks customers, resellers and partners for a week of learning, networking and sharing ideas – all online.
During the event, we revealed What’s New in DriveWorks 18 and presented digital training, hands-on learning and advanced sessions all through live webinars and downloadable content.
Using technology, we created an event that was completely online. The sessions are available to download for anyone who missed them, or for anyone who needs a recap.
We’re already working on dynamic content for the next one in April 2021 – whether it’s physical, virtual or blended.
Growing Our Team
Every year we welcome new staff and placement students across many of our teams. We’ve always valued the importance of investing in new talent and supporting the future of digital, and this year is no different.
Through the pandemic, we were excited to welcome four new placements students and three full-time staff to the DriveWorks team.
Whilst the office doesn’t have its usual friendly buzz, our new employees have still had plenty of chance to get to know each other, and the rest of the DriveWorks team.
Adding to our team’s knowledge and expertise with new people and new skills means we can be really productive during this time and continue to improve and innovate.
Education
This year, the local education community in Warrington have been really embracing digital. The Cheshire & Warrington Pledge have been running online workshops and events for students and young people in the area.
We are proud to have been involved in these events – educating young people about how to be productive during this time and using it as an opportunity to add value for their future careers.
Over the past few months, we have taken part in lots of different events as part of The Pledge Partnership.
We have been educating young people about how to be productive during this time and using it as an opportunity to add value to their future careers.
Thanks to the virtual learning platform Learn Live, we have been able to speak to thousands of students across the country – digitally of course.
Our team have invested our time and resources into helping the future and inspiring students.
For each session, we have joined we’ve also been available in the live chat facility for students to ask questions directly.
It has been great to be involved in these events and to see such a positive response from young people wanting to learn.
Part of the Community
Shortly after returning from 3DEXPERIENCE World 2020, all ‘in-person’ SWUG meetings were placed on hold indefinitely.
In true SOLIDWORKS problem-solving style, the community responded.
Shifting gears and using the technology tools they had been given. SWUG groups became virtual.
As time goes on, virtual SWUG meetings are occurring more frequently and have developed a more routine schedule.
It’s been great to see groups working together to collaborate on larger, regional meetings and be a part of it.
Attending Virtual Events
Normally during this time of year, our team would be heading out all around the world to attend our reseller’s SOLIDWORKS launch events.
Although we haven’t been able to attend events in person, technology and innovation has brought communities together and enabled us to join lots of great virtual events!
Last year we attended 53 SOLIDWORKS launch events, in 14 countries held by 22 different resellers.
This year with the help of technology we have been able to join events anywhere in the world!
Team Work
Whilst most of our team are back working from home, we have still managed to stay connected and work together to achieve!
We are continuing our normal team communications, we’re holding weekly company-wide meetings online and sharing news of what we are getting up to outside of work!
From taking up new hobbies to sharing recipes we’ve enjoyed – we love to know what everyone’s been doing!
For the past few years, members of the DriveWorks team have taken part in Movember.
Movember involves growing a moustache during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues.
This year is no different. We are pleased to say that we have 18 people taking part in Movember this year (A DriveWorks record!).
You can track their progress and support the cause via our Team page.
But that’s not all we’re up to.
The entire DriveWorks team are continuing to create great software and a wide range of resources to help sell and support our software worldwide!
Our Customers Are Innovating
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve heard from our customers who have been using this time to improve and work on projects they don’t usually have time for.
They’re making time for developing their DriveWorks projects, adding features and functionality to help them move forward and continue to work smarter.
It’s been great to learn about our customers and their continued success during this time!
Connect With Us
Read the latest updates from the DriveWorks team on our blog and connect with us on social media to stay updated on product information, events and learning opportunities available.
Let’s connect!