Just Like Netflix: 3D Streaming for Spare Parts Catalogs
Netflix has made streaming the standard in the entertainment sector and now it’s starting to catch on among industrial enterprises too. 3D streaming offers users a multidimensional view of machines and components in spare parts catalogs, helping them find the right parts much faster—while boosting data security and performance. Here’s how it works.
Did you know that you’re sitting on a valuable treasure trove of data? Your CAD systems are chock full of 3D data that are indispensable for design engineers—and there’s a wealth of use cases for this data in aftersales as well. A realistic view of assemblies and components makes it easier for service employees, technicians, and customers to identify spare parts—which saves time and reduces errors when ordering spare parts. That being said, not many machine and plant manufacturers are tapping the benefits of 3D streaming so far. Many companies are reluctant to use their CAD data outside the confines of the design department. They are concerned that displaying data in 3D in their spare parts catalog could lead to issues such as:
- Messy formatting
- Long loading times
- Extra work when creating catalogs
Some are also worried about security and think that switching from 2D to 3D will be too expensive. But these concerns are unfounded if you use design data for 3D streaming.
What does 3D data streaming mean?
3D streaming gives you a fast and secure way of presenting even complex 3D models without delay—for example, to visualize components and spare parts in a 3D spare parts catalog.
But what makes it different is that it’s “just like Netflix”, because there’s no need to download and save any data on the user’s computer. Instead, catalog users simply “stream” high-detail images of the 3D models in their browser. The original CAD model stays on the manufacturer’s server, but the delivery is so smooth that it feels like the content is being played back directly.
How does 3D streaming work
In order to stream 3D data in the spare parts catalog, the following three steps need to happen:
- The CAD data is converted into a lightweight 3D format, either automatically or manually, resulting in streamlined 3D data that is pared down to the essentials. Parameters that aren’t relevant in representing content in a purely visual form are removed.
- During the editing step, the color and appearance of the 3D model can be adjusted. This includes breaking assemblies down into their individual parts, for example, and positioning these parts as needed.
- The third step is publishing in the 3D catalog, which involves using the multidimensional data to create images without geometric information. The user never sees the original 3D files, which means the data cannot be re-engineered.
What advantages does 3D streaming offer machine manufacturers?
3D streaming offers users more ways of viewing content and flexible interactive options with spare parts graphics, which means more advantages for both you and your customers. Read on for an overview of the key reasons why you’ll want to stream 3D data when creating catalogs.
- Keep your data secure: When you use 3D streaming, your 3D data stays on your servers where it is protected against unauthorized access. This guarantees that your sensitive design data and intellectual property are kept secure.
- Save viewers’ time: Top performance and speed are the key features of 3D data streaming. Even complex assemblies and entire plants are loaded within seconds. Just click or zoom, and the content is displayed and ready to explore with no delay.
- Reduced workload when creating catalogs: With the right tools, it only takes a few minutes rather than days to create a 3D catalog.
- Simple use of 3D data: Users can view the streamed 3D models online at any time, on any device. Plus, you can even create offline catalogs.
- Boost sales: When it comes to identifying spare parts, 3D data is the future. It makes it easy for users to quickly find the components they need and order the right part on the spot. And in terms of your business, it is a driver for higher spare parts sales.
What technology can you use to stream your 3D data?
If you’re looking to boost your aftersales turnover and customer satisfaction by offering a 3D spare parts catalog, you need the right tools for the job:
- A catalog software solution that makes it easy to automatically create spare parts catalogs
- A 3D viewer for streaming
We’ve paired Quanos SIS.one with KISTERS 3DViewStation to offer you the full scope of technologies needed for 3D streaming. The KISTERS 3D viewer supports over 70 data formats from CAD systems such as Inventor, CATIA, SolidWorks, and NX.
And the unique advantage of the system is that it’s multi-CAD capable—so you can combine any data formats you need from different CAD systems without having to convert them first.
Users can access the 3D viewer online directly in their browser and can explore spare parts in all dimensions without needing any specific knowledge or special additional software.
Thanks to the integration of the KISTERS solution in Quanos SIS.one, you can even work with large 3D models without having to sit and wait for the content to load. Metadata that is not needed in the spare parts catalog is removed to increase efficiency.
Just like Netflix: Put 3D streaming to work for your spare parts catalog
Many machine and plant manufacturers are putting off switching from 2D to 3D data. Grab the chance to be a pioneer in 3D data streaming. Create 3D spare parts catalogs in no time and use multidimensional models consistently, efficiently, and securely.
Learn more today about how the KISTERS and Quanos SIS.one online 3D viewer will simplify the use of 3D data for you. If you already have any questions for us, contact our experts and find out more about what 3D streaming can do for your company.
