In the last post, you followed up on the AVA: iLogic and Configurator 360 session and you were introduced to iLogic and its interface. So today you’re going to continue on to the second half of the session and delve into Configurator 360. The goal is that you’ll understand how to access Configurator 360, how to upload a design, and how it works together with iLogic.
What is Configurator 360?
Configurator 360 is a cloud-based product configuration tool that allows for engineers, sales reps, and customers with web and mobile capabilities to access a 3D configuration of your product.
How does using iLogic and Configurator 360 help you?
Well to answer this, lets first put it in terms we can all relate to. Most of you have seen the “build your own” feature on most car reseller websites where you can select the color, trim, interior, etc…
The way it works is similar to that. You develop a design and then you create and apply rules for all the options you want to make available (color, size, and attachments) inside of Inventor using parameters and iLogic. You can even have iLogic generate a price estimate based on your options. You then upload it to Configurator 360, where it will display a 3D rendering of your product for customers to see in more detail with all the available options. If you want to see another example click here.
Let’s start it up!
Now that those questions are out of the way lets get to the part you’ve been waiting for and go over how to access Configurator 360.
To access Configurator 360 from the web go to:
Once there you will see a Configurator 360 login where you input your Autodesk account info.
After you’ve logged in, it will bring you to the Administrator dashboard. This is where you manage all the products on your catalog, designate which users have access, as well as add new products.
Like magic, you have accessed Configurator 360. Pretty easy right? Well lets not just stop here shall we.
How do you upload a design to Configurator 360?
Now there are two ways to upload a project to Configurator 360. One way is through the Configurator 360 webpage while the other way is inside of Inventor
1) The first way is from the website.
You go to: Designs > click “New Design”
From there it brings you to a different page where you select the file you wish to upload, designate the file format ( .ipt, .iam,etc…), and then name the file as it will appear in your catalog.
Once you have input all the necessary information you are ready to upload your file. Your design is then added to the dashboard. It’s that easy.
2) The second way is by using the Configurator 360 add-in inside of Inventor 2016 .
Open the file in Inventor that you want to upload to the platform. Then you have to sign in to your Autodesk A360 account.
After you have signed in to Autodesk A360 you can then upload your file via the Configurator 360 add-in. To access the Configurator 360 add-in go to:
Autodesk 360 tab > Configurator 360 panel > click Upload to Configurator 360
Once you’ve clicked to upload your file it will show you a prompt and from there you select “New Design”, modify the name if needed, and click upload. It well then be added to your dashboard on the Configurator 360 website.
Note – To go this route you must have the Configurator 360 add-in installed and activated. The add-on is only compatible with Inventor / Inventor Pro 2014 or newer versions. You can download the Configurator 360 add-on or upgrade to its most recent version here.
The Finished Product
Once you have uploaded your model you can then configure and view it in the model space provided.
The Options dialog box is displayed with all the parameters and rules you created and can be adjusted on the spot so the customer can see for themselves and how it would look while also receiving a price total that updates automatically.
You can even export from the model space using different file types as well such as 3D DWF, STEP, and SAT.
Recap
Alright so you have covered alot of information with both the AVA iLogic post and this post that covers the topic. So lets recap!
iLogic- a tool within Inventor that enables rules-driven design, making it easy for users to reuse their work, automate their design processes, and even configure their own virtual products.
Configurator 360- cloud based product configuration tool that helps produce a 3D visual aid that your customer can see and customize your product to fit their needs.
How do they work together?
You design and model your product in Inventor using parameters and iLogic to create rules for product options. You then upload your design to the platform where it presents a 3D visual of your product for customers to see and interact with. It gives you that extra edge to seal the deal and it’s made possible by iLogic.
Try it out for yourself!
Now, you have been introduced to, not one, but TWO amazing tools that can help take your designs to the next level. All that’s left is for you to go out and try it out on your own and see how it can benefit you. The 30-day trial version of Configurator 360 is available to all users with an Autodesk Account.
That’s a wrap for me. Be sure to keep an eye out on for new blog posts and tune in to our AVA webcast each Thursday at 10am. If you have any questions or comments be sure to leave them in the comments section below.