| 19 July 2010 | |
ANALYSIS: CAD |
Back |
In all the debate in the past few issues of kbbreview over whether retailers can charge for design, the use of computer- aided design (CAD) has come in for some criticism. Purists say true designers should use hand-drawn designs to justify charging, while others dismiss CAD as an easy way to let salesmen masquerade as designers. We asked some leading industry suppliers to put forward the case for CAD...
Jim Raeside, Virtual Worlds
The most obvious reason for the importance of CAD is to enable the buying public to see and understand what their redesign will look like.Less obvious reasons for its use are to assist retailers and designers in their understanding of what they can achieve aesthetically for a client; what the requirements will be in terms of what items they can order and supply; and what the implications of the design will be on extra plumbing and electrical work. But it's not just about layout. Often CAD systems will also produce pricing calculations within the program itself or by automatically linking to specialist pricing and job management packages.Thus CAD helps to gain orders at an aesthetic level, and to then plan the implementation and practical pricing of those orders.Retailers need to know what the strengths of specific CAD software packages are relative to their own business needs. Are detailed, relevant, manufacturer-specific catalogues available? Do users want their CAD software to link to other packages they already have or are considering investing in? Will they require detailed tiling layouts and quantities? Do they need technical as well as 2D plan and elevation outputs for installers?Once a retailer has answered these headline questions, then decisions must be made on what performance they need. How does rendering vary? How easy is it to use? Are there flexible finance options available? Getting the package that is right for you and your needs is the best way to really harness the possibilities.
VIRTUAL WORLDS
Tel: (01908) 663848
Craig Rothwell, 20-20 Fusion
Asking why CAD is important is a bit like asking why a tap is important when you have a sink - it isn't just important, it's invaluable. Granted, 20 years ago CAD might have been a gimmick, but now consumers have come to expect it. It can help clinch that all-important sale by capturing the consumer's imagination.And top-end retailers have realised that, with the right training, they can offer really high-quality, beautiful renderings that can surpass even a hand-drawn plan.Many customers think they just need a program that can draw. But they soon find the limitations of such software. Customers soon want a program that can do beautiful photo-realistic drawings as well as handling pricing and ordering.
20-20 FUSION
Tel: (01233) 635566
CAD undoubtedly helps KBB businesses to sell, while also drawing together the different strands of the supply chain. It enhances professionalism, which is increasingly important in a competitive and very price-conscious environment, and consumers expect realistic 3D visualisations and detailed transparent costings of their proposed new rooms - only CAD systems can meet these demands.What retailers want to know is how easy it is to use and how quick it is to learn, the initial cost and the ongoing cost of ownership? In many cases, retailers are already using some form of design software and in this case the primary criteria will be the comparative advantages in changing, and the ease of implementing, a new alternative.They need it to facilitate their business objectives - whether that is to help them to sell or improve operational efficiencies. They need their staff to be able to use the program easily and without difficulty, so that it fits into the way they conduct their business and they need access to effective support from the CAD vendor. Individual businesses may require customised solutions that integrate easily with existing business process systems.
ARTICAD
Tel: (01923) 888101
Patrick Green, M'n'G Designs
In the current unpredictable KBB market, versatility is the key and the right CAD package helps provide that. CAD allows focus on what the particular client regards as the important details whether that be design, flexible service, or affordability.One of the great strengths of CAD is its presentation of design ideas in an engaging and understandable manner. Our quick and easy system allows potential clients to fully appreciate the design while allowing for those changes that inevitably occur. It also provides the flexibility to deal with the one-off special or the unique signature feature that makes the retailer and designer stand out from the rest.
M'N'G DESIGNS
Tel: 0161 4770700
Jonpaul Walker, Autokitchen
CAD is important to the KBB market as it creates an efficient working environment. Designs can be changed quickly, whether it is a simple change to the colour of the finish or the cabinets included with the design.Design packages are crucial in showing the customer what they can expect from their KBB supplier and this has been proved throughout the years and will remain vital to all designers to gain their clients' confidence.Retailers truly require a complete solution, not only the ability to create designs to show their customers, but also accurate plans for fitters, worktops, etc, to ensure that the job is carried out without mistakes. Manufacturers should also know if the information in the design can be exported to production software.Because of the hard times that the industry has been going through, the market is exceptionally competitive. Users are aware that there are other options out in the market and they should request demonstrations from all software companies so they can really compare and see if some offer more than others.
AUTOKITCHEN
Tel: 0845 6340168
Peter Leonard, Saninet
Demands placed on design software vary enormously. There are some packages designed for use online by the surfing public, which need to be quick and undemanding enough for the untrained user and it must grab their interest.Independent dealers, however, require far superior design capability, yet it is crucial staff do not waste days, or sometimes weeks, learning how to use it.Despite these diverse requirements, sight of the primary objective - to improve and expedite presentation-seems to have been lost and most CAD programs require a high level of proficiency to operate. The principal aim is to sell, so software must be fast. Nothing is more likely to deter a prospective client than a designer who is struggling with a computer - a long wait for the image may be the last straw.Our underlying technology offers unparalleled speed and training is minimal.
SANINET
Tel: (01704) 833466
