Paper explains merits of free CAD model downloads
A new free-to-download white paper details a new opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to drive revenue growth, lower costs and increase customer loyalty.
Catalog Data Solutions (CDS), a leading provider of online product selection tools for industrial suppliers and distributors, has published a new white paper entitled "Convergence of market trends creates new online opportunity for manufacturers and distributors".
The white paper, available from the company's website, details five key trends in the manufactured products market that have converged to create a new opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to drive revenue growth, lower costs and increase customer loyalty.
By now most manufacturers design products with CAD - probably in 3D - and with more than 90% of design engineers searching online for parts and assemblies the web has become a key component of the designer's toolbox.
Manufacturers and distributors need to "fish where the fish are" with online downloadable 3D CAD models or online searchable catalogues that include downloadable 3D CAD models.
Instead of hiding their CAD models away on engineering department computers, some manufacturers are giving them away (or at least giving away an IP protected version of them) to customers.
In the case of Stock Drive/Sterling Products, Herb Arum, Marketing Manager said: "Overall this online marketing strategy has been so successful in increasing product sales that we have largely stopped attending tradeshows".
"We are delighted to publicly share this white paper on the 'state of the market' for CAD download solutions", said John Major, Chief Executive Officer, Catalog Data Solutions.
"Online 3D models are an important sales and marketing tool for all industrial suppliers and distributors".
"With many customers moving from 2D to 3D CAD systems, providing online 3D CAD model downloads often 'locks' products into a design so suppliers later benefit from the sales success of that design".
"Suppliers without 3D models on their website are at risk of losing customers to their competition who do offer 3D models".
Studies show that over 90% of designers and engineers now use the Internet to locate components for their new designs.
Catalog Data Solutions helps industrial suppliers and distributors grow sales and strengthen customer loyalty through interactive online catalogues, e-commerce, 3D CAD model delivery and product configurator solutions.
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