Digital transformation is reshaping the manufacturing sector, particularly for companies engineering configurable or bespoke products. As operational complexity increases, the integration of intelligent digital systems becomes crucial, not just for efficiency but for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

At Visiativ, we work with manufacturers to implement robust digital strategies that optimise engineering workflows, automate repetitive tasks and enhance data-driven decision-making. In particular, let’s explore how digital transformation is being practically applied in manufacturing environments.

Defining Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Digital transformation refers to the systematic integration of digital technologies across the product lifecycle, from initial design and configuration through to production and delivery. Specifically, this includes:

• Automating engineering workflows using rule-based design automation
• Digitising sales and quoting processes with CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) systems
• Integrating enterprise systems to ensure seamless data flow and real-time visibility

As a result, businesses can eliminate manual bottlenecks, reduce error rates and enable scalable, repeatable processes that support mass customisation.

Key Advantages of Going Digital

1. Engineering Automation with Design Rules

For manufacturers of configurable products, automating CAD generation is a game-changer. Tools like DriveWorks enable:

• Parametric model generation in SOLIDWORKS, based on user-defined rules
• Automated creation of manufacturing documents (e.g. BOMs, drawings, STEP/DWG/PDF exports)
• Reduction in engineering lead time, freeing up design teams to focus on innovation rather than repetitive tasks

2. CPQ Systems for Complex Product Sales

In particular, Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solutions simplify the sales process for bespoke products:

• Configuration: Guided selling interfaces ensure accurate product specification, even for non-technical users
• Pricing: Real-time pricing logic reflects current cost structures, discounts and margin targets
• Quotation: Automated generation of quotes, drawings and supporting documents reduces turnaround time and improves customer experience

3. Workflow Automation Across Departments

Routine tasks can be streamlined to improve agility:

• Sales teams spend less time on approvals and admin
• Automated workflows enhance communication between departments, improving responsiveness

Data Integration and System Interoperability

A successful digital transformation strategy hinges on system integration:

• ERP, CRM, and PLM systems must be connected to ensure consistent, real-time data across the organisation
• Automated data exchange reduces manual entry errors and ensures that all stakeholders are working from the same source of truth
• Analytics and reporting become more reliable, enabling better forecasting, performance monitoring and strategic planning

Customer Success: Wozair’s Digital Engineering Transformation

Wozair Ltd, a UK-based manufacturer specialising in high-integrity HVAC systems for the renewables sector, has significantly enhanced its engineering and manufacturing workflows through DriveWorks Pro – implemented in partnership with Visiativ UK. Before adopting DriveWorks, Wozair relied on a legacy Excel-based system to generate .DXF files and BOMs, which was time-consuming and prone to manual errors.

By integrating DriveWorks, they have:

• Automated the generation of SOLIDWORKS models and manufacturing documents, drastically reducing design cycle times
• Streamlined communication between design and production teams, ensuring faster and more accurate data transfer
• Reduced manual input, enabling quicker project setup and improved material traceability – critical in regulated industries
• Captured and reused engineering knowledge, allowing engineers to add new product configurations every 2-3 months

DriveWorks has empowered Wozair to deliver faster turnaround times, improve quality assurance and maintain a competitive edge in a demanding market.

“DriveWorks allows us to get from the design stage to a finished product in the shortest possible time-giving our clients the best delivery program and distinguishing our performance from our competitors.”
– Alistair Brooks, Principal Engineer at Wozair Ltd

Read the full Wozair case study

Start Your Journey with DriveWorks Solo

DriveWorks Solo is an ideal entry point for manufacturers looking to automate SOLIDWORKS-based design and sales processes. Moreover, with a 30-day free trial and no credit card required, it’s a low risk way to explore the benefits of design automation and CPQ integration.

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Learn More with DriveWorks’ Monthly Webinars:

DriveWorks hosts free monthly webinars to help you get the most out of the software, covering everything from the basics to building advanced CPQ solutions. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to deepen your knowledge, join a live session on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of every month for practical tips and expert advice.

• 2nd Tuesday of the month: Introduction to DriveWorks
• 3rd Tuesday of the month: Using DriveWorks as a 3D Sales Configurator
• 4th Tuesday of the month: Creating a CPQ Solution Using DriveWorks