With tremendous advancements in technology, the ubiquity of broadband Internet, and even the growing popularity of video games, people everywhere are beginning to expect realistic 3D experiences at home and at work. Manufactures are now beginning to use 3D documentation to drive efficiencies throughout their organization with effective reuse of product design information for documentation from assembly work instructions to end-user documentation.

During assembly, 3D documentation provides users with real-time, step by step instructions and enables them to dynamically interrogate instructions to better comprehend their tasks

While using detailed 3D models to create improved explanations of procedures that help improve worker productivity, such data reuse also comes with risks. Most importantly, without the right protections in place a company can easily be exposed to the risk of intellectual property (IP) theft. When dealing with 3D information, protection of IP should be a primary concern because theft of 3D data can be easily and inexpensively achieved: if you can view it and rotate it, chances are you can steal it.

Manufacturers that are early adopters of 3D publishing and documentation tools are seeking to attain the competitive edge that comes with the successful implementation of these systems. Providing a rich, interactive, 3D experience has been proven to offer many benefits throughout an organization. However if they do not ask the right questions about data security, they could be at risk of suffering significant damages if they don’t realize that IP theft can occur from a simple display of a 3D model. However, with the proper due diligence, manufacturers -- and their customers -- can be better positioned to achieve the remarkable benefits of 3D documentation without the negative consequences of data theft.

3D Benefits
Having product information available to everyone will greatly benefit manufacturers and consumers alike. 3D CAD systems are ubiquitous: most companies that now migrate from 2D CAD to 3D modeling systems are doing so just to stay in the race. Now companies are looking towards the vision of 3D as a universal language in order to attain new competitive advantages.

Advances in desktop computing hardware and the introduction of powerful, affordable and easy to use 3D software have created opportunities for non-engineers to improve quality and accelerate time-to-market for manufactured products. Most 3D publishing tools can be operated by non-technical users and do not require CAD knowledge or training: returning an engineer’s valuable time back to what they do best: designing or improving products. Now other workers can leverage 3D data to create intelligent documentation that explains complex product procedures using more effective communication methods. In addition, this capability enables product documentation to always remain current with the latest design changes, eliminating delays and ensuring the availability of always-accurate and consistent information.

During assembly, 3D documentation provides users with real-time, step by step instructions and enables them to dynamically interrogate instructions to better comprehend their tasks. Providing improved communication allows users to “watch and then do” – effectively eliminating training requirements while also improving speed, quality, and time-to-market. Leveraging the universal language of 3D helps to improve how product design information is communicated throughout an organization, enabling manufacturers to be more competitive through improved productivity, shortened design cycles, streamlined manufacturing processes, and accelerated product introductions. Externally, an organization can improve communication with its suppliers and customers by providing clear and concise 3D documentation. Since the clear and detailed information it provides will have been originally referencing the 3D CAD designs, it can be sure that suppliers and customers are provided with “lifelike” documentation that truly depicts how their products are assembled, serviced, or used in real life.

Risks in Using 3D
There is always a risk of IP theft through reverse-engineering by third parties if they have acquired real physical parts. However, usually by that time the original designer of the data has been able to take advantage of being first-to-market with their new products. Original or native CAD data contains a wealth of information, much of which will never be made public for fear of accelerating this time between market introduction and product theft by third parties. Indeed, the loss of native CAD data can significantly expose a company to severe risk of outright copying of their designs. As such, CAD data can be regarded as one of the most valuable assets within a company.

When it comes to producing 3D representations for use outside of engineering, critical design information such as feature construction, detailed Functional Tolerancing and Annotations (FT&A), Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), and General Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) are all typically removed. When CAD files are translated into these “lightweight” files and stripped of these fine engineering details, manufacturers then fall into a false sense of security because they think they have effectively eliminated the risk of data theft. But they couldn’t be more wrong!