DriveWorks authorized service partners provide expertise for implementing design automation solutions that help manufacturers reduce design time, improve accuracy, and maximize ROI through specialized implementation and ongoing support.
Table of Contents
In manufacturing, engineer-to-order (ETO) companies face increasing pressure to deliver customized products faster while maintaining quality and reducing costs. Design automation has emerged as a critical solution, with DriveWorks standing out as a leading platform for automating repetitive design tasks, particularly when integrated with CAD systems like SOLIDWORKS.
DriveWorks design automation solutions have proven especially valuable for companies dealing with configured products and custom engineering requirements. However, implementing DriveWorks effectively requires specialized expertise and experience. This is where DriveWorks authorized service partners play a crucial role.
Here, we discuss the benefits, challenges and considerations of working with a DriveWorks service partner to achieve successful design automation implementation.
DriveWorks serves as a powerful design automation and sales configurator platform specifically developed for engineer-to-order (ETO) and design-to-order companies. By capturing and reusing engineering knowledge automates repetitive design tasks that would otherwise consume valuable engineering resources.
The software streamlines processes across the entire workflow, from sales quotation through to manufacturing, reducing cycle times. DriveWorks excels at automating sales quotes for complex engineered products, enabling rapid responses to customer inquiries with accurate pricing and specifications.
Its seamless integration with CAD systems, particularly SOLIDWORKS, enables the automatic generation of 3D models, 2D drawings, manufacturing data, and customized sales documents based on predefined rules and inputs.
This automation capability of DriveWorks benefit manufacturers by enabling them to handle product customization in a better way, allowing complex configured products to be designed in minutes rather than days.
A DriveWorks authorized service partner is a certified organization that has been trained, tested and authorized by DriveWorks to provide implementation support, customization and training services. These partners have demonstrated expertise in DriveWorks software and possess the skills necessary to help companies successfully implement design automation solutions.
DriveWorks partners are part of an exclusive global network of specialists who receive continuous training and support directly from DriveWorks. They maintain certification through regular assessments and must demonstrate successful customer implementations. The DriveWorks partner network ensures that companies worldwide can access specialized expertise to maximize their automation investments.
The following are some of the major DriveWorks’ implementation challenges without expert guidance:
Engaging a DriveWorks Authorized Service Partner provides organizations with access to specialized expertise and transforms DriveWorks’ implementation from a technical challenge into a strategic business advantage. Here’s how.
DriveWorks service partners bring specialized knowledge that accelerates implementation and maximizes return on investment. Their certified expertise comes from the rigorous training and certification processes required to maintain partner status. Most partners have implemented DriveWorks across multiple industries, giving them a valuable perspective on diverse applications.
This experience translates into knowledge of proven implementation methodologies and design patterns that avoid common pitfalls.
When technical challenges arise, partners’ problem-solving skills enable efficient resolution. Rather than spending hours researching solutions or using trial-and-error approaches, partners can draw on experience to quickly identify and implement appropriate solutions.
Service partners eliminate lengthy learning curves through established DriveWorks expertise. Their agile project methodology and rapid prototyping frameworks significantly accelerate deployment timelines.
Partners develop intuitive UX/UI interfaces with parameterized rule-based logic, create seamless API-driven integrations with ERP/CRM/CPQ systems, and build sophisticated algorithmic rulesets that accurately capture engineering knowledge. Their customization expertise ensures CAD automation meets exact specifications while providing actionable analytics through configurable reporting tools.
DriveWorks authorized service partners provide customized training programs for design engineers and other stakeholders, ensuring effective knowledge transfer. When technical issues arise, they offer rapid resolution support, minimizing disruptions to operations.
As DriveWorks releases software updates, partners assist with upgrades and ensure continued compatibility with connected systems. Experienced partners identify ongoing opportunities for enhancement, helping organizations continuously improve their automation capabilities as business needs develop. This long-term partnership approach transforms DriveWorks from a one-time implementation into a strategic platform for sustained competitive advantage.
Reduce manual drafting efforts with our DriveWorks automation solutions.
Talk to our experts »A structured implementation approach with a DriveWorks service partner follows these steps:
Initial assessment and discovery: The partner conducts a thorough analysis of your current design processes, identifies automation opportunities, and documents specific requirements. This phase establishes baseline metrics and determines the project scope.
Solution architecture design: Based on discovery findings, the partner develops a comprehensive technical architecture that outlines system components, integration points, and data flows. This blueprint serves as the foundation for implementation.
Project planning and resource allocation: The partner creates a detailed project plan with clear milestones, resource requirements, and timeline estimates. This plan includes risk mitigation strategies and establishes communication protocols.
For instance, when creating drawings from parts, a basic macro might automate dimension placement or view creation. To add a dimension, you can use code like View.InsertDimension.
Rule development and logic implementation: Engineering knowledge is translated into DriveWorks rules that capture design logic. The partner develops rules methodically, starting with core functionality and progressively adding complexity.
User interface design and configuration: The partner creates intuitive user interfaces tailored to different organizational roles. These interfaces implement user experience best practices while maintaining alignment with corporate standards.
SolidWorks integration and automation setup: DriveWorks-SolidWorks integration is configured for automated model and drawing generation with validation routines ensuring design accuracy throughout the automation workflow.
Testing and validation: Comprehensive testing validates automation accuracy, system performance, and user workflows. The partner conducts both technical verification and user acceptance testing to identify any issues.
This phase often includes mockup of lean manufacturing with DriveWorks processes to verify efficiency gains and workflow improvements before full deployment.
Training and knowledge transfer: The partner delivers role-specific training programs for administrators, power users, and end users. Documentation is created to support ongoing operations and future system modifications.
Production deployment: The solution transitions from development to production environments with partner support. The partner provides go-live assistance to address any issues that emerge during initial production use.
Post-implementation review and optimization: After initial deployment, the partner conducts a review to measure results against project objectives. Recommendations for system refinements and expansion opportunities are provided based on actual usage patterns.
Design automation using DriveWorks implementation for hollow metal door manufacturer
Metal Frame 3D Modeling
Panel 3D Modeling in SolidWorks
A USA-based manufacturer of hollow metal doors and frames sought to streamline its design process. The client required automation of 3D CAD modeling and manufacturing drawings to reduce engineering lead times and improve responses to customer inquiries.
Hitech CADD Services collaborated with the client’s design engineers to implement a custom door configurator using DriveWorks Solo. This solution automated the generation of 3D models and manufacturing drawings, integrating an SQL database for efficient design data management and minimizing errors associated with manual customization.
The final deliverables led to:
The timeline for DriveWorks’ implementation varies based on project complexity and scope. Experienced service partners provide realistic estimations based on their previous implementations.
A cost-effective DriveWorks implementation typically results from thorough planning and leveraging of partner expertise to avoid common pitfalls.
The table below outlines typical implementation timelines and factors influencing time to completion:
| Implementation complexity | Typical timeline | Key factors influencing duration |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (Basic automation of straightforward products) | 2-3 months |
|
| Moderate (Multiple product families with moderate variation) | 3-6 months |
|
| Complex (Highly configurable products with extensive variations) | 6-12 months |
|
Streamline your sales process with DriveWorks’ automated BOM generation.
Simplify sales »Several factors influence the cost of engaging a DriveWorks service partner. The project scope, including the number of product families and complexity of automation rules, directly impacts implementation costs. Integration requirements with existing business systems add complexity and expense. Customization needs for interfaces and reporting also affect overall investment.
Organizations achieve return on investment within 6-12 months through multiple efficiency gains. These include reduced engineering hours on repetitive tasks, faster quote-to-order processing leading to increased sales conversion, improved accuracy reducing costly rework, and higher customer satisfaction driving additional business opportunities.
When evaluating potential DriveWorks authorized service partners, consider the following seven key selection criteria:
Implementing DriveWorks for design automation is an opportunity for ETO manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction. While the software itself is powerful, achieving optimal results requires expertise and experience. DriveWorks authorized service partner expertise provides the specialized knowledge, implementation support, and ongoing guidance needed to overcome challenges and maximize return on investment.
By partnering with a certified DriveWorks service provider, companies accelerate implementation, ensure best practices and create sustainable automation solutions that grow with their business. From initial assessment through deployment and continuous improvement, these partners serve as trusted advisors in the journey toward design automation excellence.
For manufacturers seeking to remain competitive in increasingly demanding markets, the combination of DriveWorks software and expert service partner support creates a powerful foundation for engineering efficiency and business growth.
Enhance efficiency with our end-to-end design automation.
Contact Us »
Kashyap Vyas is an Engineer at Hitech and holds a Master’s degree in Thermal Engineering with several research papers to his credit. He covers CAD and CAE topics for the engineering industry. His contributions are primarily focused on encouraging manufacturers and suppliers to adopt virtual product development tools to build efficient products with reduced time-to-market.
You may also like
From 2D to 3D: Why Architects are Switching to BIM Modeling
Feb 19th, 2025 10 Essential Best Practices for BIM in MEP Engineering
Jan 1st, 2025 How 3D Scan to Revit Can Solve As-Built Modeling Challenges
Oct 16th, 2024 DXF Files in SolidWorks: How to Import and Export Them
Sep 20th, 2024 
