In just 5 minutes a lifelike visualization of an awning on the object

What is the ultimate desire of the consumer or end customer who is willing to invest in a beautiful awning system, say an awning? Well, the end customer - if possible - wants to see the end result before the purchase is made at all. Logical. It is ultimately a product for which hard earned euros have to be paid. Dennis Schoormans, director/owner at awning manufacturer Schlappi in Tilburg, recognizes this need of the end customer like no other. He now has the answer: The Schlappi Awning Designer.

Last year a lot of testing was done in cooperation with some Select dealers, this year the introduction is broader. According to Dennis, the Schlappi Awning Designer can best be seen as a pioneering tool to visualize awnings on homes, cafes, stores, monumental buildings and office buildings. From now on, the end customer sees the literal end result when the awnings are mounted. 

"For example, the fabric color is essential when choosing an awning. With the smart software developed especially for us, we can now create an animation. Our dealers can work with that tool and thus show the customer even better what everything will look like. Previously, this was also possible, we did it through a DTP person who, however, had to tinker in Photoshop and other editing programs. Now everything is cleverly automated. Within 5 minutes, the picture is ready. Moreover, the dealers who will work with this tool will experience a higher conversion rate. And, not unimportantly, I think a latent need will also be triggered in the end user. Even if they wouldn't think of awnings yet, this is how you can generate interest through visualization."

User-friendly

The software is very user-friendly. Dennis explains that all the dealer has to do is log into the system. "You then load a picture of the property for which awnings are being considered. This can be your own photo, but you can also use GoogleMaps to look up the address and load the photo from the browser into the system. You then choose a type of awning, then the color and design and the tool does the rest. This removes the biggest barrier to purchasing an awning."

These objects without and with awnings.

Monkey eats banana

"How nice is it to convince your client with a beautiful mood impression of awnings on the property?" is how Dennis asks the rhetorical question. "Very nice it is. The use of this tool is offered free of charge to Schlappi Select dealers. The starting point for developing this smart software was the credo 'Monkey Eat Banana,'" Dennis laughs. "And by that I mean: everyone is able to actually use the system without explanation. Convenience serves man, or if you will: the dealer."

When Dennis is asked the question "What's Next?" he has to think for a moment. "I see this tool now as a revolutionary development. But at the same time, I know that this is just the beginning. The unprecedented rise of Artificial Intelligence will also influence how this tool will continue to grow. I therefore foresee great times for the awning industry and the role we will play in it with the Schlappi Awning Designer."