Modular Homes

3D Mobile Space Configurator: Sankyo Frontier

This case study will explore how Sankyo Frontier successfully implemented the VividWorks 3D configurator for its modular building construction works, in turn improving efficiency and accuracy of the process, leading to greater customer satisfaction.

Modular buildings are known for their flexibility in design. When conceptualizing a modular building, a 3D configurator can provide customers with a personalized and interactive experience.

The configurator can help them to visualize, build, and customize their modular building based on their preferences.

This software can significantly streamline the decision-making process and drive higher levels of sales and satisfaction 

Sankyo Frontier is a leading modular space provider in Japan. In their efforts to advance the modular building industry, they saw the importance of leveraging 3D configuration software to streamline manufacturing processes and enhance the customer experience.

Sankyo Frontier - Modular Buildings from Japan

Sankyo Frontier, a Japanese company founded in 1969, is recognized as a leading modular space provider and manufacturer in Japan.

They offer modular solutions catered for a variety of industries.

Since their earliest days, they have pioneered industrial modular solutions, such as container bathtubs for construction sites and two-story parking systems.

Image from the official website www.sankyofrontier-global.com

Their modular units are constructed with lightweight steel, colored steel plate walls, and plywood. They are designed to be weatherproof, easily transported, and quickly  assembled. 

The company has over 200 sales offices across Japan and strategic ASEAN markets, including Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia. 

The Product - Mobile Space Solutions 

Sankyo Frontier’s Mobile Space units are building units manufactured in a factory, transported to the construction site by truck, and assembled on-site using a crane.

Image from the official website www.sankyofrontier-global.com

-> About 80% of the construction process is conducted within the factory, resulting in a completion time of roughly half that of traditional construction methods.

-> Mobile Space buildings can be easily relocated, where units can be added or removed to change the size of the building, reconfigured to fit different floor plans, and reused for a different purpose, making it a versatile building solution.

-> Sankyo Frontier aims to develop a system where all the physical components of the unit, including air conditioning, water supply,  drainage, and other infrastructure, are modular.

-> It is an eco-conscious product engineered for repeated use, minimizing construction waste.

The Challenge

Sankyo Frontier has previously offered a 3D configurator on their website to enable customers to customize their modular buildings.

However, as their products have diversified over the years to make it possible to design more complex buildings , they noticed a growing demand for configurators  capable of generating multistory building designs. 

The previous configurator lacked the versatility to include various models of Mobile Space units and was unable to accommodate multistory building designs.

These limitations of the sales tool restricted Sankyo Frontier’s capacity to grow the business in overseas markets and offer a greater variety of building options. Hence, they decided to develop a new simulator.

The Solution

Considering these limitations, Sankyo Frontier searched for a more advanced 3D configuration software that could meet their evolving requirements.

Recognizing the need for expert guidance, Sankyo Frontier enlisted the support of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC), a comprehensive IT services company in Japan.

The decision to implement VividWorks' 3D Product Configurator was made as part of a collaborative effort led by CTC. They engaged VividWorks as their subcontractor for this project.

This powerful configurator has enabled Sankyo Frontier to connect with their customers through an immersive and customizable experience, setting a new standard in the industry.

The Mobile Space Simulator is a Visual Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software that allows users to effortlessly design floor plans by enabling the horizontally combining units for spacious layouts, and vertically stacking units to create up to a three-story building.

How The Mobile Space Simulator Works

Step 1: Connect frames of desired sizes

Once users have chosen their preferred product, they can proceed to select the desired frame size. Available options will be shown in gray on the 3D screen, allowing users to connect frames as needed.

Step 2: Customize your mobile space 

With a simple click, users can select options such as walls, windows, and stairs, and the changes are immediately reflected in the 3D model, tailored to the type and purpose of the MobileSpace configuration.

Step 3: Design your mobile space

It is also possible to create small rooms by customizing lighting, flooring materials, and partition walls. By moving the camera angle indoors, you can feel the size and atmosphere of the room.

Step 4: Experience the mobile space you created!

Offering a 360-degree view of exterior and interior spaces, users can experiment with various configurations to bring their vision to life.

Moreover, the platform supports Virtual Reality (VR)/ Augmented Reality (AR) functionality, enabling users to experience the created 3D model in VR and simulate installations in real-life settings in AR (AR feature requires an iPad application).

Step 5: Sales Consultation

Beyond visualizing the 3D model, users can delve into the details of their selected products, aiding informed decision-making before reaching out for inquiries.

Plans created can be saved for future reference, and users can also submit consultation requests based on their designs.

3D Modular Space Simulator: Key Features and Benefits 

Tailored specifically to meet the needs of Sankyo Frontier, the 3D product configurator simplifies sales and orders by offering diverse module types and multistory configurations, there by enhancing customer satisfaction and optimizing the entire process.

Here are some of the key benefits: 

Rule-based Configurator

The VividWorks 3D configurator effortlessly handles complex product rules and modular building logic. The tool offers diverse module types and multistory configurations and allows them to make a draft quotation for their sales people. 

Comprehensive Customization

The configurator supports various customization options, including module types, chassis variations, and multistory buildings. Customers can effectively personalize their modular mobile spaces to suit their preferences. 

Effective Visualization

The tool offers realistic virtual representations of Sankyo's modular buildings allowing customers to visualize their designs accurately. This immersive experience enhances engagement and facilitates informed decision-making.

Improved Scalability

Collaboration with VividWorks and CTC, Sankyo Frontier can efficiently expand into new markets. Its flexibility and diverse options cater to various customer needs, ensuring a seamless expansion into new geographies.

Maximized Efficiency 

The intuitive interface and streamlined workflow of the VividWorks 3D mobile space configurator improve Sankyo Frontier's design and sales processes. This efficiency boost allows for handling a higher volume of design projects simultaneously, increasing overall productivity.

If you're selling modular houses and searching for a solution to optimize your sales and order processes, we invite you to book a call with us.

Our 3D experts will provide you with a comprehensive overview of our innovative technology and tailor our solution to meet your specific needs.

Here are some of the benefits

Want to see how it works?

You can try the Vividworks implementation straight from their website.