What is a 3D product configurator?
A 3D product configurator is an interactive online platform that allows users to customize elements such as colors, materials or even components of a 3D model. The configurator allows us to see all the possible aspects of the product. It is also a tool that serves as both a selling tool for sales agents and a personalization tool for shoppers.
Its objective is to allow users to replace specific elements with other elements to create their customized product.
Here is an example of a 3D product configurator from Shearex where you can change the color of the product by clicking on the arrows:
What is the utility of a 3D product configurator?
This interactive digital platform lets buyers get an instant visualization of their unique solution, get an automatic quote, and even view realistic animations that showcase the best features, all on one screen. It is a convincing way to reveal specific features that cannot be seen well with regular images.
On the other hand, 3D products are great tools for advertising, marketing, and making any web page much more engaging. That said, we can also leverage this tool by increasing production efficiency and sales.
What are the advantages of a 3D product configurator?
Adds value to the customer experience
First of all, the presence of a 3D product configurator will provide customers with an interesting hands-on experience that will increase their productivity and activity on the website. That being said, the use of the 3D product configurator will give your shoppers ownership of the product to entice a sale while showing every potential customization in real time.
Secondly, having personalized products will set you apart from competitors and will boost your brand image. In that matter, having the option to purchase custom products via a visual product configurator will allow the consumer to meet all of their own needs, which your competitors may not offer. That way, they will have liberty when it comes to deciding the product concepts and the product features, resulting in an awesome customer experience.
Third, it also increases efficiency: the average customer spends more and conversion rates are higher, while leaving customers satisfied. It also gets rid of the need for rework or going backwards during the sales process. This is because, in real life, complex products have complex configurations and complex pricing, which makes it easier for people to make mistakes or product combination errors during their product development. This problem is solved by defining rules ahead of time that only create valid configurations and accurate pricing.
Here is an example of a 3D model that our web-based platform Visao has created:
Facilitates manufacturing activity and its selling process
The selling process, which connects your store to the manufacturing and supply chain, is also much more convenient when using a 3D product configurator because it makes communication super clear and leaves no room for errors. Having a 3D product customizer will help your company reduce its inventory quantities, as the main problem is producing extra products that are not in demand, which increases production, storage and logistics costs. With a 3D configurator, you no longer need to anticipate risky production quantities, thus avoiding unsold products. The selling process is a lot clearer with the pricing plans available and also more cost-effective knowing that the customer can directly customize the product and order it before hand with the help of a 3D customizer. They can also have more control on the price differences and real-time pricing to make their decisions accordingly.
This 3D solution reduces turnaround time for potential customers, as faster quote turnaround is a competitive advantage. By automating the quote-to-production process with a CPQ product, sales and customer service personnel can dramatically reduce both the time required to create a quote and the whole quote-to-production process.
Gives you the wow factor and sets you apart from the competitors
The configuration of highly complex products as 3D assets allows the customer to have freedom to customize the product and adapt it perfectly to their needs, which brings in a WOW factor. All in all, the customer behavior is now different because they now have ownership of the product, making them more likely to press the buy button. That being said, the experience for customers with the use of configurable products has now been elevated because of the fact that their choices are unlimited, giving them a sense of freedom. Having the option to purchase custom products via a visual product configurator will allow the consumer to meet all of their own needs. Moreover, having personalized products will set you apart from competitors and boost your brand image. They will have liberty when it comes to deciding the product concepts and the product features, resulting in an awesome customer experience.
Reduces product return
Having low return rates is important, especially for purchases made from ECommerce platforms. That being said, the custom solution that comes from using a 3D product configurator is that it eliminates a fair amount of doubt in the customer‘s behavior throughout the buying process and, therefore, accelerates the sales cycle. Knowing that the 3D configurator helps the customer better understand a product makes the decision to purchase much clearer for them and gives them more confidence because they can virtually try-out the product, which also means that the return rate would consequently be lower. That being said, their product/service understanding level is much higher because they can clearly see how the product works, the quality of materials, and how it would fit in any space while using the virtual reality tools.
Increases time spent on your website
This article from our 3D experts at Visao explains how integrating a 3D viewer into your website can impact the time spent on it. Therefore, having a 3D viewer allows users to experience the product from any angle, zoom in for a closer look, and see every detail. Additionally, they can use the augmented reality feature to test out the product in real life. By doing that, they spend more time on the website and begin to develop more curiosity.
Click here to learn more about how Visao’s 3D product viewer can help increase your sales
Where are 3D Configurators commonly used and what are their benefits?
At tradeshows
Often, today more than ever, we will see companies using product configuration with touch screens and interactive tools via a 3D viewer in which reps and attendees can try out. Those high-quality images that are also interactive ultimately encourage engagement and interaction. The product visualization is also possible through a virtual try-one system, known as Augmented Reality.
Here is an example of how having a 3D product viewer can instantly create more engagement and curiosity for the viewers during a trade show. In the picture bellow, Visao is collaborating with ALM Positioners during the Fabtech Canada Trade show!
Click here to learn more about how Visao’s 3D viewer can propel your website
In person visits by sales agents
Sales agents or sales team in general will find it very useful to use a 3D product configurator during their sales pitch because it is an amazing tool for demonstrating and adding value to sales. As a result, sales agents will use the core features of the 3D viewer because it brings the products to life.
The 3D product configurators include core visual guidelines features such as dynamic animations, annotations, augmented reality, virtual reality, hot spots, and drag and drops to assist the seller in thoroughly explaining the product. For example, the seller will have visual cues and detailed descriptions, making his job a lot easier, such as materials names and showcasing their larger textures.
Those very useful 3D product visualization functions can also be paired with a viewer API that customers can use to make informed decisions based on real-time price display, making it a strong call to action. For instance, allowing direct communication with the sales representatives.
Here is an example of the utility of Augmented Reality:
Product websites such as in E-commerce platforms and online advertisements
Shoppers can now get an instant and accurate quote for their personalized item, as well as adjust configurations and see budget variations thanks to dynamic pricing. An online shop that is using 3D product configurators is enhancing the 3D shopping experience in both B2B and B2C companies with the display of complex configurations that are now a lot easier to comprehend. Online advertising is much more enticing and attention-grabbing because of the graphic qualities, such as the rich texture layers and details showcased, which encourage the consumer to add items to their shopping cart quicker and with more assurance. Here is an article that explains how you can drive more sales with modern configuration, pricing, and quoting.
How can Visao’s experts help you?
Visao provides a web-based 3D model viewer & AR platform that allows manufacturers to use their CAD files to create interactive 3D product displays of their products for marketing, sales processes, trade shows and production. We also provide a complete list of services to accompany you in the process of creating your own engaging experience!
Ready to display your 3D product configurator with personalized animations and dynamic content? Request a virtual demo of Visao’s 3D and augmented reality platform and we will be happy to assist you in your efforts!
