3DViewStation: the Visionary, the Team and Customer Success

CAD visualization software development led by vision and team spirit for customer success

The success of KISTERS 3DViewStation is inextricably linked with Germar Nikol. With a passion for technology, he created conditions and became the driving force behind its initial development. He took time to listen to customer requirements. Then he’d boldly explore new paths to focus on those user needs. Today the 2D and 3D visualization application continues to be enhanced in response to manufacturing companies’ needs and preferences.

The Curious Visionary

Germar Nikol, Director of Visualization Technologies, has been with KISTERS AG for 34 years. In school, he experimented with programmable calculators alongside classmate Klaus Kisters, who now heads the KISTERS Group. After studying Electrical Engineering with a focus on Technical Informatics, he consistently pursued this path. “Even as a student, I wanted to develop practical solutions. This curiosity and desire to simplify complexity still drive me today,” explains Nikol.

After his early years as a software developer, he began to explore new technologies. Then he accepted a new challenge within the company. As a software reseller with a portfolio of various IT solutions, he and his sales team engaged with customers from a many industries. As customers used the software, they returned with new demands the existing portfolio could no longer meet. Finally in a meeting, Nikol and his colleagues — including today’s development manager Christian Rousselle — decided in 2010: “We’ll develop (the software) ourselves.”

Designed for Customer Success

By 2011 the team released the first version of 3DViewStation. The application was distinguished by its clear focus on user needs. It wouldn’t replace CAD software but it quickly and affordably helped viewers of CAD data. At that time, the software was equipped with very basic functions. Soon developers quickly adapted it to growing requirements from customers who appreciated its benefits. To this day, the approach to serve and closely collaborate with end-users, regardless of their location worldwide, remains the key to the software’s success. Over time, 3DViewStation has evolved into a comprehensive software solution for 3D CAD data, whether end-users use web version or the desktop.

“I’ve always said, ‘Guys, it has to be easy to use.’ The developers often protested, saying (ease) was harder to implement. But I still insist that software is designed to make the user’s life easier, not ours as developers,” says Nikol.

Real-world Manufacturing Produces the Best Ideas

Close collaboration and communication with users and integrators has revealed new opportunities to enhance 3DViewStation and its extensive features. Today, it is an indispensable tool in numerous manufacturing companies. After more than a decade, Nikol remains convinced that continuous development brings success. “Functionally speaking, we’re ‘feature complete’ today. However, we’re working to further user-friendliness and develop new technologies like the new JT (Jupiter Tessellation) importer. Customers are also asking for Linux-based web systems. We’ll see what the future holds,” he teases regarding the product roadmap.

Beyond Tinkering to Strategy

Nikol has not remained the classic engineer. He gradually developed into his current role as Director of Visualization Technologies. What began as a university fascination with programming has become a success due to a pragmatic approach and bold decisions. “I don’t have formal business training. I’ve relied on common sense. Decisions like entering the licensing business or developing our own software product were made through reflection and learning by doing,” he reflects. Carefully weighing risks and seizing opportunities at the right time have made 3DViewStation profitable from the start. This philosophy has given KISTERS Visualization business unit a foundation for sustainable success.

Esprit de Corps and Sustainable IT Development

Team spirit is also central to the success of 3DViewStation. “We all know where our strengths lie, and I make an effort to place colleagues where they can best leverage their skills and interests,” says Nikol. This principle maximizes employee motivation and satisfaction as well as exceptional results.

In particular, the director appreciates the positive atmosphere. “I really enjoy working with the team, and I know the colleagues like spending time together outside of work. We’re more than just a workplace.”

More than half of his team has been with KISTERS for over 10 years, reflecting an extraordinary level of commitment and stability. This culture of trust and personal responsibility fuels the team’s dedication to tackles challenges together and help their customers excel.