A web based product configuration and CAD tool to support integrative data usage throughout the supply chain (CAD2WEB)

Motivation

Web based individual configuration of industrial goods and products in B2B processes is state of the art. The problem is that web-based visualizations are indeed quickly and quite appealing (shades, textures, lighting effects), but they do not provide “true” interactivity and suitable geometry data for further processing in CAD systems. CAD systems, however, deliver geometry data for further processing, but CAD models are not directly representable browser-based (only batch mode). Consequently, CAD data and web visualization data has to be considered as separate processes from the viewpoint of component suppliers. This leads to high costs of multiple data maintenance.

Project goal

The goal of the project is to develop a software solution to simplify supply-chain-wide processes for the production of customized kitchen furniture. The aim is to ensure a consistent management of all relevant data (3D-CAD, web visualization, configuration rules, BOM etc.) about the different and interlocking processes throughout the complete value chain. This covers the complete range of phases, i.e. product development, sales, and production on the side of the components producers as well as engineering design, operations planning and production.
The desired project result, especially a unified data representation and a performing web presentation, provides for the component manufacturer the opportunity to simplify the processes of product development, quote generation, and media production. For the further downstream processes the processes of engineering design including selection of the required components, operations planning, and CNC-based manufacturing is optimized.

Project partner

Julius Blum GmbH, Industriestrasse 1 6973, Höchst, Austria

Funding

The project is funded within the programme ICT for Future, opens an external URL in a new window by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology, opens an external URL in a new window.

Homepage Blum, opens an external URL in a new window

Homepage ICT of the future, opens an external URL in a new window