The configurator has been adapted for mobile devices and a step-wise process leading through the configuration on small screens has been developed. Auto-suggestions have been developed to assist the creation process. In addition, the spatial resolution has been implemented in a 3D environment. Furthermore, the connection between product and carpenter was further developed. The carpenters now receive orders from Okinlab partially automated. For this purpose, a geolocation was implemented. New templates have been implemented allowing for a configuration process in well under 5 minutes. Okinlab developed a show-brochure with products. With a novel AR app, the brochure can be viewed in a 3D showroom effect. Even self-created 3D furniture can be visualised with rendering programs in different situations.
An entry mask was implemented to automatically convert designs into CNC production data. In addition, the real-time producibility check algorithms has been developed. Another novelty which has been developed is the availability check of carpenters in real-time. Okinlab developed an aggregation algorithm for the case, that one customer buys several pieces of furniture in one order. In these cases, the algorithm integrates these orders and optimizes material usage. With this nesting type procedure, material is saved. Savings are used to offer customers a better pricing.
The patent strategy has been adapted as already describe in the mid-term report. The new strategy is secrecy over patenting. The reason for this was that we would have to reveal too much of the programming-code. Instead we now strive for a non-disclosure strategy keeping all algorithms and software code secret. We developed a protection strategy: increasing the awareness of the form.bar brand, binding of the carpenters to the platform and the highest possible security of the software code. This has been implemented by only showing the software code encrypted as a safety measure.
Exploitation plan: A dedicated PR area was developed to continuously inform target group and stakeholders (end customers, carpenters, multipliers). In addition, contacts to further stakeholders were established. Further responsibilities in the company defined (responsibility in customer support, development of frontend backend, marketing). Procedures and tools were developed in accordance with the goals and objectives, and KPIs and tools were created to control them.
The SEM strategy has been optimised. Due to the lack of trade fairs, more means have been invested in SEM than initially planned. form.bar appeals to customers online. Therefore, it will be possible to benefit greatly from this in the future. Tracking options were implemented on page to better understand user behaviour. Based on this, the online marketing channels have been optimized and the conversion rate will improve in the long term. Due to the increased online marketing measures, the number of visitors could be increased significantly from 2018 with 50,000 visits (before project start) to 2019 (76,000 visits per month) and now reached 145,000 visits per month (visits at the end of the project).
form.bar has been awarded with several renowned prizes: Germany’s best online shop 2020 (NTV), Designer of the Year 2020 (Build 2020 Architecture Awards), Germany’s best online dealer (Handelsblatt), Product champion 2020 (Die Welt).
