How equipment suppliers and machine manufacturers support customers ideally
Learn how equipment suppliers, machine manufacturers, and plant producers can accelerate factory planning and increase product visibility with the supplier program and optimized 3D CAD product data.
How equipment suppliers and machine manufacturers can optimize the factory planning of their customers:
Many factory operators regard the Digital Twin an ideal for state-of-the-art location planning. The Digital Twin realistically maps the entire equipment, prevents planning errors and enables quick restructuring. The smoother this process runs, the faster a new or restructured production area can go live – delivering clear, measurable cost advantages.
Equipment suppliers, machine manufacturers and plant builders play a vital role in this process by providing the resources required for production. By providing appropriate 3D CAD product data, they enable planning that is not only more precise and efficient, but also clearer and easier to understand for everyone involved.
Why 3D models are essential for modern factory planning
Whether internal workshops, agreements with the management or involvement of departments, such as production management, logistics, fire prevention or resource scheduling – a visual, three-dimensional image of the planned factory layout makes decision-making easier for all persons involved.
In early concept phases, simple placeholder models are often sufficient. As projects move closer to realization, the need for streamlined yet instantly recognizable 3D models of machines and equipment becomes paramount. 3D models create planning reliability, foster trust, and accelerate communication within the project team.
The contribution of equipment and machine suppliers
Since machines and equipment are already designed digitally during development, manufacturers of industrial equipment automatically become important partners in the planning process. Ideally, configurable 3D models are provided directly from the process of construction – e.g. via CAD data portals or by way of STEP, DXF/DWG exchange formats.
This creates smooth collaboration between factory operators, machine manufacturers and planning software providers: The customer receives the required models, can advance his layout planning and make decisions on a solid basis.
Challenges when providing data for 3D CAD product data
In practice, this exchange does not always succeed immediately. Some 3D models are too large, too detailed or missing entirely. Protective interests regarding sensitive design data or incompatible software solutions can further complicate the data transfer.
The consequence: Either placeholder models must be used or new models have to be created in a time-consuming manner. That takes time, might make you miss details and slows down project communication.
Lean, simplified 3D models as a solution
Many machine manufacturers already use simplified 3D data internally – for example, for marketing visualizations or product configurators. If made available to customers, they can serve as envelope models in factory planning: dimensionally accurate, easy to use, and free of any sensitive technical details.
This allows factory operators to create realistic layout plans during the concept phase. In the implementation phase, the detailed configuration is carried out in close collaboration with the plant manufacturer – building on an already aligned and proven plan.
Practical example: Integration of 3D product data into visTABLE®
The visTABLE® Planning System includes a Standard Library comprising numerous 3D models, which can be extended by the customers at any time – provided that appropriate lean CAD data is available. Exchange formats, such as STEP or IGES can be imported directly, producing a 2D derivation automatically.
With models provided directly by equipment and machine suppliers, customers benefit from a seamless, end-to-end planning foundation. In this way, different suppliers can be seamlessly mapped in a single, unified system without disruptions, tedious rework or compromises in visualization.
Structured collaboration between software providers and manufacturers within the framework of the supplier program
A clearly structured process has proven essential for a seamless integration of 3D product data into factory planning – as exemplified by the visTABLE® supplier program.
This initiative calls on equipment suppliers, machinery manufacturers and plant producers to provide their 3D CAD product data for integration into the visTABLE® Model Library. This is enabled through a model usage agreement, allowing equipment suppliers to make selected machines or systems available as real-time optimized 3D planning models.
The onboarding process within the framework of the aforementioned program comprises the following steps:
- Joint coordination of the relevant products to be included in the Model Library.
- CAD data exchange in compatible formats (e.g., STEP, IGES, DXF/DWG).
- Technical coordination on simplifications, color specifications, and planning information.
- Processing and optimization for smooth real-time visualization in visTABLE®.
- Publishing of the models in the software so that customers can integrate them directly into their projects.
Benefits for all parties involved
- Factory operators benefit from ready-to-use and reliable planning models. Time is saved while reducing misunderstandings.
- Machine manufacturers and plant builders: Early visibility of their products in planning and purchasing decisions
- Software providers can offer a practical, up-to-date model library.
Suppliers who showcase their products in our model libraries can also use the free visTABLE® Viewer to explore and discuss layouts with customers during sales meetings.
Conclusion
Factory planning can achieve remarkable results when equipment suppliers, machine manufacturers and factory operators work hand in hand with 3D data. The supplier program provides a clear, proven framework: simplified, real-time optimized models create a shared foundation that makes projects faster, safer and more compelling – while delivering clear benefits to everyone involved.
