In the business of selling sheds, metal structures, or red iron buildings, one of the most important aspects is providing customers with an accurate representation of what they will be buying. In the past, this meant relying on 2D drawings or physical models. However, with the advent of 3D technology, it is now possible to provide customers with a fully interactive and customizable 3D configurator that allows them to visualize their building in real time. This technology not only enhances the customer experience but also improves team efficiency. When choosing a configurator provider, there are several critical elements to consider.

• The first and most important is the look and feel of the software. A good provider should be able to offer a demo or showcase URL that allows you to see the configurator in action. This will give you a sense of the software’s loading speed and responsiveness to user input, such as changes in dimensions, doors, windows, and other configuration options.
• The second key element to consider is the comprehensiveness of the offering. How many building types does the provider support, and can they accommodate a wide range of building styles and accessories? It’s important to evaluate not only the types of buildings they offer but also the range of customization options available. This may include rounded corner roofs, gambrel style buildings, and 2-story buildings.
• User-friendliness is another critical element to consider. The configurator should be easy and intuitive for customers to use, guiding them through the design steps. The software should also offer a variety of options for adjusting door and window placement. One way to evaluate user-friendliness is to ask a non-technical friend or family member to use the configurator and see how easy it is for them to design a building with little or no instructions.
• In addition to providing a 3D layout, a good configurator should also offer 2D design support. This means that the 2D plans should match and change alongside the 3D layout. For example, if you add a lean-to to the 3D version of your building, you should be able to see the proper layout of this building in the 2D version.
• Another important consideration is comparison pricing. If you work with multiple manufacturers in the metal or shed industry, your configurator should be able to compare prices accurately and include all options in the building. This can help you make informed decisions and offer customers the best possible value.
• Finally, it’s important to consider the sales workflow. A good configurator should not only provide excellent user experience but also increase your team’s efficiency and effectiveness. When customers save their designs, your sales team should automatically receive their contact information and design. Ideally, the configurator will also integrate with a customer relationship management system (“CRM”) that allows you to track your customer leads through the sales, billing, and installation process. This can help streamline your workflow and ensure that all customer interactions are properly tracked.

In conclusion, a 3D configurator can provide tremendous benefits for businesses selling sheds, metal structures, or red iron buildings. When evaluating potential providers, it’s important to consider the look and feel of the software, the comprehensiveness of the offering, user-friendliness, 2D design support, comparison pricing, and sales workflow. By carefully evaluating these critical elements, you can choose a configurator that provides excellent customer experience, improves team efficiency, and helps drive sales.