A specialist security products manufacturer is future proofing its production line with the help of online platform Cadasio.
Technocover manufactures a range of high-quality steel security products, such as enclosures, cages and covers, for clients including telecoms and utility providers.
With much of its manufacturing knowledge gained over the last 28 years residing within the production line workforce, the business recently embarked on a major programme to collate and share key processes.
Technocover design engineer, Nick Beddoes, explained: "We quickly realised that reams of vital information such as complex fabrication and welding processes, cutting specifications and assembly techniques were being passed on from experienced employees to new starters but weren’t always being officially documented anywhere. The challenge for us was to capture this information and make it not only available to a wider audience but also accessible to anyone learning the job."
"Cadasio is a great example of how agile, cloud-based software can take design applications that extra mile."
Having modelled the assembly in SolidWorks, the CAD data was exported to Cadasio to create an immersive 3D experience, giving users the ability to pan, rotate and zoom around individual steps.
Nick said: “The concept of ‘show don’t tell’ is crucial when it comes to training on the production line and the beauty of Cadasio is that it brings techniques and processes to life in a way that written instructions and drawings will never be able to achieve."
"The animations are also available to anyone with access to an internet connection, wherever they may be. Also key is that the software does not require high-spec powerful CAD spec PC’s – it will run on any PC, laptop, tablet or phone. "
" Businesses invest significant amounts on CAD technology but often fail to maximise all of its potential benefits. Cadasio is a great example of how agile, cloud-based software can take design applications that extra mile."
Nick and his team have initially completed 10 projects around assembly processes but, with the company being frequently called upon to handle one off and bespoke jobs, he expects the final number to be around 100. They will then look at rolling out Cadasio to other areas of the business such as the fast-growing modular building market.
Nick added: “Modular buildings are a relatively new area of work for us, but we can already see that Cadasio will have a number of applications when it comes to developing practical assembly guides both in the factory as well as out in the field, for such things as toolbox talk images or Installation guides for example.”
Cadasio director, Timothy Claridge, said: “It’s a real pleasure working with Nicholas and the team at Technocover and it’s great they have recognised the potential of our software and what it’s capable of.”
