Engineering Survey: What engineers really want

Engineers today face numerous challenges, including shorter production times and an increasing demand for customized solutions. These factors increase the workload and put pressure on them to reduce costs in the design process and significantly shorten time-to-market. To succeed in this environment, manufacturers need to understand their customers' problems and offer digital solutions that reduce the workload.

The key result of the survey shows that engineers and planners prefer to do business with suppliers who provide them with the best possible support for their planning and design processes. Manufacturers who provide their customers with easy digital access to all necessary product information and downloads are rewarded with higher sales.

From online presence, marketing processes to sales: digital transformation is no longer an option, but a necessary key strategy. Manufacturers who offer digital access to product information and downloads increase their sales.

One of the key messages of the survey: engineers and architects are decisive for the purchase of components. Their decisions are already made during the planning and design phase. Once components have been downloaded, they flow directly into the CAD or PLM system and influence procurement in the ERP system. Purchasing rarely questions these decisions, as the exchange is time-consuming and involves risks.

To be successful, manufacturers must tailor their digital services and product data specifically to engineers and architects. Companies should therefore ensure that they implement the findings from the Engineering Survey 2024.

• Digital product data is crucial: Engineers and architects prefer suppliers who offer them easy access to high-quality digital product data.
• Customers look for alternatives when data is insufficient: 79% of engineers prefer to choose another supplier if sufficient CAD/BIM data is not available
• High conversion rate from downloads to purchases: 91% of CAD/BIM downloads lead to actual product sales, underlining the importance of online data.

This is a small excerpt. It illustrates how relevant the information is for companies.

The CADENAS survey provides clear insights into how component manufacturers can adapt their marketing strategies to meet the needs of engineers and architects. By focusing on digital solutions and optimizing their outreach to engineers, companies not only increase their visibility, but also sustainably increase their sales.

Download the full survey as a PDF, learn more about the specific requirements of your target group and receive practical recommendations. Start your digital transformation now!