Most people have experienced the aggravation associated with trying to follow instruction manuals to assemble, for example, furniture. Often, deciphering the directions takes longer than performing the actions. It is so much easier to complete an unfamiliar task when we are shown how to do it.
Psychologist Steven Pinker, who has written extensively about the human brain, explains this by saying, “We are visual creatures, with a third of our brains devoted to vision.” One of the most powerful applications of 3D visual technology is its ability to create detailed, easy-to-follow visual work instructions for companies in the manufacturing industry.
Whether it is building, maintaining or repairing products, converting paper step-by-step instructions into realistic graphics increases productivity and eliminates headaches often encountered by frustrated workers. Arming workers with 3-D videos and graphics that walk them through a complex repair job or product installation is clearly a better solution than distributing a 300-page manual. However, some companies are skeptical about how much time and man-power is required to complete the conversion from paper to visuals. The answer is that it is surprisingly easy – and fast!
Using the 3D Visual Enterprise Planner by SAP®, users can easily visualize the product model and associated bill of materials created by engineering. From there, the user can isolate the items pertaining to specific manufacturing operation and creates subsets BOM's as instructed. For example, one data set could focus on the items needed to build the nose of an aircraft, while another set could deal with the materials for the landing gear. Each subset is then used to author visual, 3D animated steps of the operations, allowing workers to virtually walk through the manufacturing processes. On average, a 15 -20 step assembly process can be created visually in about 1½ hours.
Need more proof of how easy and fast it is to create visual work instructions for manufacturing? Then stop by SAP’s “3D Visual Business Experience” at the Logistics and SCM 2013 event in Las Vegas. Visual Enterprise Solution Manager, Mark Landrosh, will be creating virtual content in real-time during the “3D Visual Enterprise in Manufacturing” lab taking place on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
See you there!
