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Vivid Retail is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to compete in a global economy
where the battle for retail display projects is won or lost based on time to
market, cost, and creativity. The U.K. consultancy uses SolidWorks to develop
more creative approaches faster for brands such as Virgin®, Cadbury® chocolates,
and The National Lottery®.
“The trade point of sale market is tremendously cutthroat,” said Vivid Retail
Senior Designer Phil Hinchliffe. “If you can’t be the cheapest, you have to be
the fastest. SolidWorks intuitive interface not only allows us to compete
effectively against low-price manufacturers in China, it also allows us to give
customers a variety of innovative solutions to choose from. That’s how we win
big deals.”
Vivid Retail standardized on SolidWorks software to gain a competitive advantage
by increasing concept creativity, reducing design cycles, and streamlining how
the company communicates with hundreds of customers and suppliers. SolidWorks
allows Vivid engineers to create four to five design options rather than only
one or two for each project within tight timeframes – assuring prospects that
Vivid can work with them to develop the most effective display.
SolidWorks software enabled Vivid to design, manufacture and deliver 2,300
two-tiered displays for recycled shopping bags to global retailer Tesco in 10
days. The team designed the displays in a day and used SolidWorks eDrawings®
e-mail-enabled design communication tool to share SolidWorks models with Tesco
representatives and suppliers to streamline design refinement and approval.
According to Hinchliffe, the process would have taken nearly a month to complete
using other CAD approaches.
SolidWorks’ ability to handle a variety of CAD formats, including 2D, enables
Vivid to communicate design information easily with suppliers and customers and
ensures everyone is on the same page. The software allows engineers to create 2D
DXF files for computer numerical control (CNC) machining, rather than create 2D
files manually, to streamline prototyping and manufacturing.
“Vivid Retail can boast about customers like Esso, Wonderbra, and Sainsbury’s
because it knows what its customers want from their displays,” said Simon
Booker, SolidWorks marketing manager, Europe. “SolidWorks allows the company to
quickly and imaginatively convey those ideas to win the business and continue
building out its impressive resume.” Vivid Retail relies on authorized
SolidWorks reseller Cadtek for ongoing software training, implementation, and
support.
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