Requirements and needs for 3D visualizations

Product development within the automotive industry is progressing towards using more 3D models and less conventional 2D drawings. When development is done in a parallel cooperative way, demands for availability of relevant and current data are high. Engineering design in a 3D environment requires visualization that incorporates wide spread sharing and simple access, which after implementation would support demands for shorter lead times and reduced development costs. In this master thesis a focus to compile and present requirements for 3D visualizations, from different groups within Scania, has been at hand. These requirements will be featured in both text and with a graphical form conceptual. Moreover has the framing of questions within the area of information sharing been treated in respect to 3D visualizations and their impact on lead times for iterations for the product development process. Spreading of information could be made easier if more people would gain access to 3D visualizations. According to our results from conducted interviews would problems be detected earlier and in that way shorter lead times would be achieved. Knowledge, ideas and experience have been collected partly from interviews with employees at Scania (mostly R&D, but also from purchase, production and aftermarket), and partly from reference visits at Volvo Cars, White architects and SAAB Aeronautics. The reference visits have been a valuable source with their experience from implementing solutions for 3D visualizations. Conclusions that can be drawn from this master thesis are among others the importance of using one common and updated database. Furthermore it can be said that spreading and using 3D visualizations could imply shorter lead times