Introduction to SANDHELDEN

SANDHELDEN is a leading producer of 3D-printed objects made of sand, specializing in both functional and aesthetic products. Utilizing a patented process that combines binder jetting technology with specialized post-processing, the company offers customizable solutions for diverse industries like architecture, art and (interior) design, including unique collections exclusive to SANDHELDEN.

Challenge: Enhancing Part Order Management

As demand for its products surged, SANDHELDEN encountered faced a bottleneck of efficiently managing part requests. They often received unique and intricate designs, requiring expert knowledge, extensive time and multiple software tools for manufacturability and costing analysis leading to a higher quote turnaround time. The said process involved:

• Manual Assessment of Designs: Manually determining whether designs could be printed, particularly with EXONE and VOXELJET Sand-3D-Printing which was time consuming and often relied on their expert availability. 
• Cumbersome RFQ-to-quote Processes: The traditional RFQ-to-quote process involved multiple steps and tools, such as slicers and spreadsheets, taking over 30 minutes per RFQ with a win rate ranging from 5% to 80%.

With this traditional and manual RFQ-to-quotation process, SANDHELDEN was limited to the amount of RFQs they could respond to while staying competitive and agile.

This highlighted the urgent need for a streamlined solution.

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Solution: Implementation of 3D Spark Platform

To address these challenges, SANDHELDEN integrated the 3D Spark platform, which not only automated the manufacturability assurance analysis but also the costing and the quoting process. This comprehensive solution enabled SANDHELDEN to streamline their workflow significantly.

Key Advantages of the Platform:

1. Automated Design for Manufacturability (DfM) Assurance: 3D Spark’s platform automates the assessment of manufacturability, consolidating all aspects into one comprehensive solution and replacing the previous reliance on various CAD software and experts.

2. Instant Quoting: The platform enables instant quote generation based on client specifications and CAD file. This is supported by a flexible pricing configurator that allows companies like SANDHELDEN to set customized pricing strategies directly in the software.

3. 24/7 Part Request Portal with integrated checkout: 3D Spark’s platform also offers a no-code Part Request Portal (PRP) that can be embedded on websites or used as links, that enables their customers from around the world to easily upload files and receive instant quotes, ensuring a continuous source of lead generation.

Results That Matter

The implementation of the platform led to significant outcomes for SANDHELDEN:

• 70% Reduction in Request-to-Quotation Time: Enhancing response times led to improved client satisfaction.
• 4X More Quotes Sent: With the reduced quote turnaround time and with less reliance on experts for manufacturability and costing analysis, sales team could now respond to 4x more RFQs hence increasing competitiveness.
• 35% Increase in Leads: The introduction of the PRP on SANDHELDEN's website resulted in a 35% increase in leads due to its 24/7 availability and ease of use.
• 10% Revenue Growth: Sales surged by 10% within the first quarter following platform implementation thanks to faster quoting process.

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Conclusion

The integration of the 3D Spark platform has proven to be a game-changer for SANDHELDEN, transforming their order management process from a cumbersome, manual workflow into a streamlined and efficient operation. By automating design assessments and enabling instant quoting, SANDHELDEN has significantly enhanced their capacity to respond to customer demands, leading to improved client satisfaction and a notable boost in revenue. This successful collaboration illustrates the profound impact that advanced technology can have in optimizing operational efficiency and driving business growth in the competitive landscape of 3D printing.

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Testimonial

"The implementation of the 3D Spark platform has revolutionized our approach to managing part requests. We no longer face delays in the quoting process, which has allowed us to serve our clients better and respond to a greater number of requests. The automation of manufacturability assessments and instant quoting has not only increased our efficiency but also contributed to a significant boost in our revenue. We are now able to focus on delivering innovative products while 3D Spark handles the complexities of order management."