Wooden Camera Implements Cloud-Based SOLIDWORKS and PDM
SOLIDWORKS Challenge
Wooden Camera designs and builds innovative camera accessories aimed at improving the filmmaking experience. Partnering with industry-favorite brands, they offer accessories designed for a number of camera companies, including everything from ARRI to Canon. Wooden Camera prides itself on providing unique camera accessories for high-end Hollywood cinema cameras. Their highly talented engineers and designers sought better remote access for collaboration, PDM for workflow optimization, and CAD management in the ever-changing workplace environment of 2020.
"We needed something to be able to collaborate over the Internet at the end of 2020. I'm a SOLIDWORKS guy, and Wooden Camera had used SOLIDWORKS for 10-12 years at that point, so SOLIDWORKS was going to be what I needed to figure out how to form kind of a remote collaboration solution for us", said Tolar.
In his past work experience, Michael was familiar with PDM. and knew the structure a PDM would bring. Michael knew the control he had using a PDM would allow him to manage access, minimize mistakes, and lead to the cohesiveness of a team. He needed to find a way to incorporate this technology for workflow optimization.
Converge Actions & Recommendations
In 2021, Wooden found Converge, and we were able to meet their specific needs by providing a fully managed EpiGrid hosting solution. Additionally, Converge led the team to SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management (PDM) to provide necessary assistance with Wooden's collaboration requirements and workflow optimization. Converge implemented their Axis PDM Vault to quickly overcome typical implementation challenges and further leveraged ongoing SOLIDWORKS CAD Administration Services to support the environment entirely.
Here’s an overview of the services implemented to support Wooden Camera’s growth:
- Implemented EpiGrid's Cloud-hosted server services solution
- Upgraded to SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
- SQL Standard upgrade for PDM Professional
- Implemented oncoming CAD Managed Services for environmental management
- Facilitated introduction to Flatter Files to streamline drawing distribution and improve supply chain management.
Wooden Camera’s Results
The ability to provide version upgrades, appropriately done and tested over a weekend to prevent loss of work or downtime, is “invaluable,” noted Tolar. “I just wanted to find a solution that I don’t have to mess with it. It works all the time, 24/7, and if it ever doesn’t work, then you guys are a five-minute email away. And, every time I’ve reached out to Philip for an issue, he’s responded within like three to four minutes every single time.”
Converge asked Tolar what obvious advantage he saw when discussing upgrading Wooden Camera's SOLIDWORKS to PDM Professional during the sales process, he stated, "Well, the most obvious solution was, you guys provide cloud-hosted PDM. But I think the secondary layer of that solution really is you guys provide reliable cloud-hosted PDM, and I'd rather just have a pro do it for me rather than try and figure it out myself.
Wooden Camera’s Long Term Vision
So, what’s next for Wooden Camera? An upgrade to PDM 2023 will start the next phase at Wooden.In addition, the design team at Wooden Camera, led by industry leader Dominick Aiello, has extensive plans to continue to provide accessory solutions to the cinema industry as it continues to evolve. As new cinema cameras are released into the market, there is a constant need for accessory support. Over the next few years, Wooden Camera will focus on making our designs more modular and aesthetic. In addition to continuing to provide accessory support for popular cameras as they are released, they aim to update and improve their legacy accessories, as well as invent accessory products that are unique and brand new to the market.
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