In customer meetings, Enigma is frequently asked, “do you support 3D models?” The answer is unequivocally, yes.

For manufacturers, many new products are designed using 3D models and assemblies; delivering that detailed data to mechanics and field engineers seems like a cool piece of functionality for any modern parts catalog. However, the goal for manufacturers should be more than just impressing the guys on the front lines (mechanics, dealers and customers); the goal should be to grow the bottom line.

3D models look nice but they don’t provide all the data that service reps need. A technician needs to do more than spin a part on the screen, they also need the most up-to-date service bulletins, manuals, and schematics, and then they need to order the necessary parts. In other words, mechanics need to know how to fix the machine and how to place an order. If a parts catalog doesn’t include service manuals, bulletins, shopping carts and other collateral such as training videos and brochures, then 3D models provide limited value to the customer.

Most OEMs want to make it easy to maintain their machines and order their parts. This drives customer satisfaction and aftermarket sales. Enigma electronic parts catalog (EPC) solutions do four things: 1) make it easy to package all service and parts information (not just the models or parts lists) into a single integrated parts catalog; 2) publish that catalog to the web, to DVD or to the cloud; 3) make it easy for dealers, mechanics and customers to find parts and service information according to equipment serial number, type, configuration/trim package or other criteria; 4) automate the parts ordering and procurement process.  Enigma helps OEMs create and update a fully integrated parts catalog that improves customer and dealer support.

That’s why Enigma EPC’s do more than display 3D models; they integrate seamlessly with all aftermarket support solutions (ERP, CRM, SCM, PLM, ECM, etc.). OEMs can leverage their 3D models beyond engineering and manufacturing…all the way to the service bay. Enigma supports 3D viewing solutions, like Oracle AutoVue and Right Hemisphere. (To learn more about the Enigma-Oracle joint solution for parts ordering, click here.)

OEMs can now reuse 3D models in their interactive EPCs, tying them into back-office order management systems to provide a one-stop shop for identifying, locating and ordering OEM branded parts. Integrating Enigma with 3D models results in a complete parts and service solution that improves dealer, technician and customer support, and drives OEM parts revenue.