The image of 3 ‘same but different’ trailers has become synonymous with DriveWorks. Therefore we have created a demo showing just how quick and easy it can be to configure new trailer variations using DriveWorks.
This example is a great demonstration of how, when a project is set-up by an engineer or designer who truly understands the technical elements to the product, countless configurations can be run through by less mechanically-minded people (like myself).
So, I am going to run through the project from a sales person point of view, who is trying to encourage a potential client to buy their trailers from my trailer manufacturing company.
Here is the quick and easy process to make any configuration of trailer using the DriveWorks Live demo site:
- Visit the www.driveworkslive.com demo site.
- Click on the ‘fixed width demo’ square.
- Choose the Trailer Demo.
- Navigate through the buttons on the left hand side to determine: the trailer build, the
tyre type, door type, feet type, rear lights, side-bars, bump bars and colour. The 3D Preview of the trailer will keep updating as changes are made, so the exact trailer that will be created is displayed.
It’s great to zoom in and out to see things in more detail, and to move the trailer around to see different views. - Then click the ‘next’ button in the top right of the form.
- Finalise the dimensions of the trailer – the image will change size as you make your choices.
- Then it’s time to enter contact details – when the company name is selected, information
about address and contact is pre-populated, as the project can link to a database. - Then just view the BOM and pricing summary, if any changes need to be made after viewing
these items, just click ‘previous’ in the top right of the form. - When the design is confirmed just click submit, the sales and manufacturing documents are
automatically generated and emailed to the user – then in theory, when everything is approved by the client, production can begin!
So, as you can see, in fewer than 10 steps (and less than 5 minutes), I have been able to create the perfect trailer for my client. I have been able to show them a 3D preview of their product, and give them a precise price for their item, along with branded and complete sales documents. Next, I can send along all drawings and a bill of materials to the manufacturing department and the build can begin. This could all be put into place in under 10 minutes – and (after the initial set-up of the project) does not require any of the engineers/designers time, freeing them up to focus on more innovative and bespoke projects.
Proof of DriveWorks benefitting a trailer company:
“The time we are gaining from freeing up the engineering team is now used proactively in research and development. The result is new designs such as our revolutionary, new articulated trailer, whose teardrop shape reduces CO2 emissions by 20%, when compared to a standard cab-trailer fleet operation.”
Time-saving metrics
- Model specification
Previous system = 1 day
DriveWorks = 5 minutes
- Trailer production
Previous system = Up to a week
DriveWorks = 4 hours
Are you visiting the Commercial Vehicle Show 2013? Stop by the NT CADCAM stand – 5C02 and see the DriveWorks Trailer demo in action.