3D ContentCentral 2009, the newest version of the online service, includes an array of self-publishing tools that enable suppliers to build vast catalogs of 3D models by simply clicking a mouse. New social networking tools let 3D ContentCentral users build Facebook-like communities of members for sharing knowledge on components and suppliers.
More than 450,000 registered users use 3D ContentCentral to find configurable models of engineering components from hundreds of suppliers. With this upgrade, DS SolidWorks is transforming 3D ContentCentral from an online catalog to an interactive online community where product designers and suppliers can exchange information on an infinite range of design issues.
“Before 3D ContentCentral 2009, users and suppliers who communicated through online catalogs were restricted to exchanging CAD data,” said Fielder Hiss, director of product management at DS SolidWorks. “Now, with the social networking features we’ve added to 3D ContentCentral, they can have real conversations, compare their knowledge and experience, and help each other make better buying decisions. At the same time, the self-publishing options will attract more suppliers, which gives users a wider range of parts to choose from. We’ve already had 100 suppliers register to use the self-publishing options.”
Self-publishing innovations
3D ContentCentral’s new Supplier Services self-publishing section eliminates the cost and technical barriers to creating online catalogs of engineering parts models. It enables suppliers to create their product catalogs without relying on a third-party service provider. Among the key features of Supplier Services are:
- Embedded content management tools: a file upload program, content manager, supplier dashboard, and model preview and edit pages. They enable suppliers to build, update, and maintain catalogs.
- Streamlined supplier catalog templates and a check-box option for “featureless” downloads of supplier models that protect their intellectual property by hiding it from users.
John Hartnett, president of Pittsburgh-based Vacuum Research Corporation, has long recognized the value of a Web presence for his company's valves, fittings, and gauges, but balked at the time and effort required to put 3D models online. 3D ContentCentral 2009's ease of use has swayed him to start an online catalog.
"Getting the models online isn't such a huge burden on the engineering people with 3D ContentCentral 2009," he said. "It's not a lot of extra work; it's just organizing what we already have in a different way."
Social networking for design knowledge
3D ContentCentral 2009 features a revamped “My 3DCC” page that enables users to build communities for trading knowledge and experience. Among the key new features are:
- “My Updates”: Automatically keeps users up to date on everyone in their community of contacts. For example, it notifies a user when a contact uploads a new 3D model, or contributes a comment to an online discussion.
- Favorites: Lets users track specified users and parts catalogs without inviting them to become a contact.
- Rate and Comment: Enables users to collaboratively evaluate model quality and share their experiences with one another.
- Requesting: Gives users a direct channel to suppliers so they can ask for modifications and new designs.
- Maps to Suppliers: Google Maps integration in the search options helps users find the nearest component suppliers and OEMs.
- Advanced Search Tools: Helps users find content more efficiently using guided navigation.
About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, develops and markets software for design, analysis, product data management, and documentation. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site ( www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
About Dassault Systèmes
As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers
in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981,
Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and
services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of
the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to
recycling. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for
designing the virtual product – SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design –
DELMIA for virtual production – SIMULIA for virtual testing – ENOVIA for
global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D
lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes’ shares are listed on Euronext
Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) and Dassault Systèmes’ ADRs may be traded on the
US Over-The-Counter (OTC) market (DASTY). For more information, visit
http://www.3ds.com .
