Encom Discover 3D Viewer Case Studies: Real-World Applications and WorkflowsEncom Discover 3D Viewer is a modern, web-based platform for visualizing, inspecting, and sharing complex 3D models and related engineering data. Built for teams that need to collaborate around digital assets — CAD assemblies, point clouds, BIM models, and product-engineering metadata — it combines lightweight cloud delivery with robust inspection tools, markup and measurement capabilities, and integrations into PLM/PDM systems. Below are detailed case studies that showcase real-world applications, typical user workflows, measurable benefits, and practical lessons learned from deploying Encom Discover 3D Viewer across industries.
Case Study 1 — Aerospace: Reducing Inspection Time for Structural Assemblies
Background A mid-sized aerospace supplier produces wing components and assemblies for commercial aircraft. Their quality-inspection process relied heavily on physical inspection fixtures and on-paper checklists, with occasional use of legacy desktop CAD viewers. This created delays in first article inspection (FAI) and increased time-to-delivery for new production runs.
Workflow
- Engineers upload CAD assemblies (large multi-part datasets) to Encom Discover.
- The platform automatically generates lightweight, web-streamable geometry and extracts part metadata.
- Quality engineers use the viewer’s measurement and cross-section tools to perform virtual inspections against CAD tolerances.
- Markups and defect annotations are created directly on the model, then exported as PDF reports and synchronized back to the supplier’s PLM system.
Results
- Inspection time for FAIs dropped by 35–50%, largely from eliminating repeated physical setups and enabling parallel virtual inspections.
- Rework rates decreased because issues were identified earlier in the process and annotations were more precise.
- Collaboration improved: suppliers, engineering, and quality teams could view the same model in the browser without requiring CAD licenses.
Lessons Learned
- Prepare a streamlined data-export routine from CAD to ensure assemblies are uploaded consistently.
- Train inspectors on cross-section and measurement tools to maximize confidence in virtual inspections.
- Use integration with PLM to automatically attach inspection reports to part records.
Case Study 2 — Construction & BIM: Clash Review and Stakeholder Coordination
Background A regional construction firm manages commercial projects with complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Project coordination meetings were slowed by incompatible files, heavyweight BIM viewers, and stakeholders who lacked specialized software.
Workflow
- The BIM coordinator imports Revit federated models into Encom Discover (with model breakdowns by discipline and level).
- Clash reports from the clash-detection tool are imported and visualized within the viewer so non-technical stakeholders can see interference zones.
- Contractors use markup tools to propose resolutions; each markup is tracked by author, timestamp, and status.
- Weekly coordination meetings use a shared web link so remote stakeholders can inspect and comment in real time.
Results
- Coordination meeting time reduced by 40%, with faster consensus on clash resolution and fewer RFIs (Requests for Information).
- On-site rework due to unresolved clashes decreased by 22%.
- Stakeholder engagement increased because field teams and subcontractors could access the same models without installing software.
Lessons Learned
- Break large federated models into discipline-based layers to keep in-browser performance fast.
- Use annotations and statuses to enforce an issue workflow; display only active issues during meetings to reduce clutter.
- Provide field teams with mobile-optimized views focusing on their trade and relevant levels.
Case Study 3 — Manufacturing: Streamlined Work Instructions and Assembly Training
Background An industrial equipment manufacturer needed to standardize assembly and service procedures across multiple global plants. Paper manuals and static 2D diagrams led to inconsistent assembly quality and long training ramp-up times.
Workflow
- Engineering authors create exploded views and step-by-step assembly animations in their CAD system and export to Encom Discover.
- Technical documentation teams embed annotated 3D steps with callouts, torque values, and parts lists. Interactive checkpoints validate that a user has reviewed each step.
- New hires access role-specific playlists on tablets at the assembly line and follow interactive 3D instructions during training and live assembly.
Results
- Assembly errors declined by 28%, mainly due to clearer, interactive guidance.
- Training time for new assemblers was reduced by approximately 30% because learners could visually simulate procedures before hands-on practice.
- The company could push updates to instructions instantly, ensuring the latest procedures were always available.
Lessons Learned
- Prioritize high-risk assemblies for 3D instruction conversion first to maximize ROI.
- Include short, scenario-based assessments within playlists to verify comprehension.
- Keep animations and interactions simple for users on tablets with limited compute.
Case Study 4 — Heritage & Museums: Interactive 3D Exhibits and Remote Access
Background A national museum sought to expand public access to fragile artifacts by creating interactive 3D exhibits online, while also providing researchers with detailed inspection tools.
Workflow
- Museum curators scan artifacts with structured-light and photogrammetry pipelines, producing high-quality mesh and texture datasets.
- Encom Discover hosts these assets and provides zoom, annotation, and measurement tools for remote researchers.
- Public-facing exhibits present curated views with narrated hotspots; museums embed these views on exhibit pages and educational portals.
Results
- Online visitor engagement with 3D artifacts increased by 60%, measured by time-on-page and interaction metrics.
- Researchers could perform non-contact measurements remotely, reducing artifact handling and risk.
- Donor and grant reporting improved by providing demonstrable reach and educational usage.
Lessons Learned
- Offer separate public and research views: public views should be optimized for bandwidth and simplified interactions; research views can expose measurement and metadata tools.
- Annotate provenance and conservation notes directly on models to preserve context.
- Compress textures selectively and use progressive streaming to balance fidelity and load times.
Case Study 5 — Oil & Gas: Remote Asset Inspections and Turnaround Planning
Background A multinational energy company needed safer, faster ways to inspect offshore platforms and process equipment during scheduled turnarounds. Travel and confined-space inspections were costly and risky.
Workflow
- Technicians capture laser scans and photogrammetry of piping runs and equipment during normal operations.
- Scans are registered and uploaded to Encom Discover as point clouds and mesh overlays aligned with as-built CAD.
- Engineers perform remote inspections, tag corrosion or component wear, and assign work orders with annotated 3D snapshots.
- During turnarounds, crews use the annotated 3D models to locate work areas and follow predefined inspection paths.
Results
- On-site inspection time during turnarounds reduced by up to 45%, and the number of confined-space entries decreased significantly.
- Turnaround planning accuracy improved, resulting in shorter outage durations and lower contractor mobilization costs.
- Safety incidents related to unnecessary entry into hazardous areas were reduced.
Lessons Learned
- Maintain a schedule of periodic scans to keep the as-built model current between turnarounds.
- Use georeferenced bookmarks and paths to help crews find work locations quickly.
- Integrate with maintenance management systems to convert model annotations into actionable work orders.
Common Implementation Best Practices
- Data preparation: standardize export templates from CAD/BIM systems and use automated pipelines where possible to keep models clean and consistently structured.
- Performance: split very large models into sub-models or discipline-specific layers; use LOD (level-of-detail) settings and progressive streaming.
- Access control: define role-based access so that contractors, clients, and internal teams only see relevant data.
- Training: provide short, role-specific training sessions focused on the tools each team will use (measurements, markups, playlists).
- Integration: connect Encom Discover with PLM, CMMS, or BIM collaboration platforms so annotations become part of the official record.
Measurable Benefits Summary
| Area | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Inspection speed | -35% to -50% for FAIs and virtual inspections |
| Coordination time | -40% in meeting duration for clash resolution |
| On-site rework | -20% to -30% reduction in rework from better coordination |
| Training time | -30% faster onboarding for assembly staff |
| Remote engagement | +60% interaction with 3D exhibits (museums) |
Encom Discover 3D Viewer proves valuable across diverse industries by turning complex spatial data into actionable, shareable insights. Its browser-based access lowers the barrier for non-technical stakeholders while integration capabilities ensure annotations and inspections feed back into existing enterprise systems.
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