Interactive Product Configurator in combination with Big Data technology for SMC maintenance units
CADENAS know-how supports users with complex product configurations
Customers of SMC, worldwide leader in the drive and control technology of pneumatic and electric systems, have had access to an air treatment configurator since the end of 2016. Modular maintenance units can thus be configured, easily and quickly, directly in the web browser and with graphic support.
Automated process saves time for the customers
At https://etools.smc.at/frl engineers can find products from the area of SMC Air Equipment, which they can configure according to their requirements: “Focus is on the benefit for our customers. Saving time, simple handling and the completeness of CAD data are the big advantages the configurator offers. The processes are fully automated in the background”, explains Daniela Sefzig, Software Development e-Tools in the SMC CEE Group. Currently, more than 9000 products are being configured and downloaded monthly worldwide.
Complex solutions by a few simple clicks
The user receives automatic solutions while processing and is shown suitable component configurations, and can generate these independently with just a few clicks. The resulting 3D data can also be transferred in an uncomplicated way in various dimensions. For example, the size of flow can be changed without creating a completely new model. A mouse click on the corresponding button generates the CAD model with the adjusted values.
The work with the configurator is integrated into the SMC processes so that the system of the generated configuration takes place in the ERP system automatically. Customers can thus be supported more quickly and will benefit from the automatic testing of the data and order. Orders are also simplified, as an automatic update of end-of-life information takes place in the files already created: Configurations that contain older CAD product data can be retrieved again after a longer period of time and include components already updated, so that the customer has no need to make a new configuration. To maintain an overview, the implemented updates are shown.
Big Data Technology at SMC
Future oriented, SMC builds on Big Data technology: Prediction anaytics and machine learning support the configuration. The anonymous configuration data is then collected and evaluated. Thus a prediction can be made how certain parts can be assembled together during the next configuration. The data also serves to optimize the service: It can be acted upon early enough before unrealistic combinations of the components occur. “SMC has been working for years now on a global basis with CADENAS. Therefore, our configurator is also adjusted to the market strategies of each SMC subsidiary. The cooperation has always proved positive, this is why the current project has been successfully implemented together”, says Daniela Sefzig.
„It’s important to us that our solutions grow with the demands of our customers. Thus, CADENAS can customize the most optimal solution for the customer“, says Jürgen Heimbach, CEO of CADENAS.
Do you already have an Electronic Product Catalog and would also like to have an Interactive Product Configurator as a service? Then contact us at Marketing@cadenas.de or call us at the number: +49 821 258 580-0.
Further information can be found at:
https://www.cadenas.de/electronic-productcatalog/product-configurator