3D configurator transforms work table customisation

BK Resources is an American manufacturer of stainless steel restaurant, bar and plumbing equipment. Their premium product is customized work tables, but configuring them manually from the extensive PDF catalogue is a laborious process. BK Resources asked us to create an online configurator that greatly simplifies this process – saving time and effort for both customers and sales staff.

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Discovery phase

The starting point for this project was a fixed-rate, low-risk discovery phase, together with BK Resources, to determine their wishes, create a functional design and estimate the development time and costs. Their vision was to create an easy-to-use online configurator, allowing customers to build their own designs intuitively, when and where they want. After the go-ahead, we embarked on this awesome project to create the Easymod 3D configurator.  Our team included 3D developer Klaas Nienhuis, designer Frodo Schering and developer Jeffrey Moerman from ionizedmedia.nl.

Technical challenges

Our main challenge was making the overwhelming number of accessories, custom options and possible modifications from the PDF catalogue more manageable. We used smart filters and logics to display only relevant options at any given point in the configuration process. As users make their choices, the configurator automatically hides options that aren’t compatible. This avoids conflicting situations, such as casters on a cabinet, a large sink on a tiny table or a condiment pump above a drawer. It keeps the list of available options limited and organised, and avoids technical issues during construction.

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Versatile 3D engine

Babylon.js was our 3D engine of choice because of its ability to handle complex interactions and the transformation of 3D objects. This made interactive design possible and easy to use without big menu structures. Users can simply change table dimensions on the fly, raise or lower table legs, and add and position accessories and modifications via drag & drop. Required cut-outs in the work surface are automatically generated in the corresponding position.

Easy 3-step configurator

The Easymod 3D configurator, which first went online in 2021, places the design process in the hands of the prospective customer. It is fully functional on all devices, including smartphones and tablets, and many customers use it on location. They first opt to assemble either an open work table or an enclosed chef table and are then guided through the design process in three easy steps.

Step 1

In the first menu, the user can easily configure their basic table by making a few design choices. These include selecting the overall table size, working height and adding hinged or sliding doors, front/rear risers, and the base and legs. Dozens of PDF catalogue pages are condensed into an orderly menu. The table selected comes with a stock-keeping unit (SKU) number and is used for further customisation.

Step 2

Menu step 2 offers a wide choice of modifications. These are clearly arranged in several drop-down menus, including bumpers & kicks, cut outs & inserts, dispensers, drawers & shelves, and drop-in sinks. These can simply be dragged and dropped into place, as the configurator shows placement dimensions and safeguards the minimum required distance from the borders and edges.

Step 3

Menu step 3 is the finalisation request. The build list is displayed, including the table options and modifications. Changes can be made easily by going back one or two menu steps. If the customer is satisfied with the design, they can send the configuration and contact details to the BK Resources sales team for a quote. Both parties receive a PDF of the design, including views of the assembly with dimensions.

Updates

In 2023, an important update was made that enables table configurations to be automatically saved in an online database. At any given time, either the customer or a sales representative can go directly to the assembly in the database by scanning a QR code on the PDF. Sales can do this to perform any checks required before the order is handed over to production. Future plans include creating a kiosk with an offline configurator for placement at dealers – making the configurator the perfect starting point for the sales process both on- and offline.

Testimonial

“Klaas Nienhuis designed and developed a solution which enables users to become their own designer. The results are better than we had hoped. Traditionally requiring multiple exchanges via email or phone, we have reduced the timeline to final design by more than 90% on average. While our competitors are still engaging in discussions about a design, we’ve secured the sale and have released the unit to production. With the deployment of this 3D configurator, requests for custom product quotes have increased tenfold.”

Mike Haman, CEO of BK Resources