‘Subscribe’ to the Model of the Future, Autodesk
A prominent leader in 3D engineering, design and entertainment software, Autodesk is placing huge bets on the subscription-based model and is moving its entire portfolio to subscription.
Speaking to MTW about the driving forces for moving to the subscription-based model, the company asserted it has clear reasons to make the shift. “Subscription-based model offers flexibility, lowers upfront investment and gives the option to pay-as-you go. As the entry cost to use the software is low in this model, it resonates well in today’s environment where everyone is facing cost pressures. No wonder, everything around us from telecom to cable connection is moving towards a subscription-based model,” said Pankaj Gauba, Head Digital Manufacturing Group – India & Middle East, Autodesk.
Elaborating further, Jesse Ervin, Director of Sales, Europe, Advanced Manufacturing Delcam Ltd (Autodesk) said, “The subscription model helps us meet our customer expectations at an affordable price. Also, the model provides customers immediate access to the latest software updates and product enhancements as and when they happen.”
Focusing on Long-Term Customer Relationships Autodesk is expecting the model to see significant traction in the days to come as soon as the advantages become noticeable. “We have seen a good start and once we get past this initial phase and people understand the business model, the adoption will happen at a rapid pace. We are very positive that this shift to subscription model will help us build long-term customer relationships,” stated Gauba.
Aiding CAM Tools to improve efficiency
Being a leader in the industry, Autodesk has to its credit several customer success stories. Recently, the company demonstrated how one of its customers, CAM Tools, is benefitting by using Autodesk software.
With over 20 years of wide-ranging expertise in the tool and die industry, CAM Tools is a leading name in the precision mould making plastics and supply of injection moulded parts. CAM Tools has solid capabilities in all aspects of the tooling industry from engineering to new builds, modifications, troubleshooting of tooling issues, and engineering concerns.
The company constantly incorporates the latest technologies in CAD/CAM and CNC to reduce shop wait times and enhance efficiency. In line with this philosophy, CAM Tools adopted Autodesk software solutions: PowerShape and PowerMill. The move resulted in significant advantages in terms of reduced time and effort and improved production.
Elaborating on the experience of working with Autodesk, Paresh Panchal, CEO, CAM Tools shared, “We have been using Autodesk software for more than 15 years. One of the biggest advantages of using Autodesk software is that it is user friendly and gets continually updated with new features in line with changing user expectations.”
CAM Tools is finding Autodesk PowerShape extremely useful while working on the mould designs, initial concept drawing and feasibility studies. “Core/Cavity wizard of PowerShape is definitely a handy feature as it has the ability to spilt a complex model into cavity and core pieces that can then be separated dynamically using a simple slider. It also gives a clear visibility into potential moulding issues with clear graphical feedback,” asserted Panchal.
Similarly, CAM Tools has accrued significant benefits by using PowerMill. One noteworthy advantage is that as the machine is Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) programmed it can work safely in un-manned machining environment. Thus, CAM Tools has now gained the ability to leave the programmed machine unattended for 36 to 40 hours on weekend.
The company is making sure that existing users of perpetual licenses are not impacted by the transition. “Existing or new perpetual licenses purchased up to January 31, 2017, will remain valid. Customers retain their perpetual software license and can continue to use it in accordance with their perpetual license agreement. All software products covered by a maintenance plan will continue to receive benefits such as technical support, latest software release, and product updates,” informed Gauba.
Looking ahead, Autodesk is committed to continually innovate and improve its products and supporting services in line with evolving customer expectations.
