Completely taken apart, outdated parts discarded, proven features retained, many improvements, new features added: Peter Obermaier is primarily responsible for the overall coordination of 4.1. He summarizes the background and objectives in the first interview in our series on 4.1. What you’ll learn:

• How the parametric/associative Tebis system base differs from other parametric systems and paves the way for a complete end-to-end system
• Why the new user guidance is especially user-friendly
• How customer processes can be better automated and digitalized with 4.1
• How you can use the modular technology kit to flexibly close efficiency gaps in your company

Mr. Obermaier, you’ve been coordinating everything at Tebis that pertains to 4.1. Now the new version is ready. What do you have to tell us about it?

First of all: We’re generally organized in independent teams at Tebis. My task is to bring everyone together who’s working on and with the new version across the different departments – from software development, product management and technology teams to marketing and support. So back to your question: Project partners from our customer base have thoroughly tested the first release of the new version. The response was very positive. To tell you the truth, it's a tremendous relief. And I'm looking forward to our customers now being able to work with the new version.

Very specifically, what are your customers expecting?

With the new version, we’ve pursued three major goals. The first goal is to establish an end-to-end platform with the new CAD system base. This lays the groundwork for ongoing developments: Over the medium term, we want to offer our customers in all sectors and industries a complete system they can use to create models, molds and dies – no matter what manufacturing tasks are involved. The second goal is to logically and intelligently structure the software with clear and simple user guidance. Third, we’re taking the next step toward automation and digitalization with the CAD system base, and also with the integrated virtual clamping device library and the improved connection to ProLeiS MES.

Let's go on to the next goal. What do you have to say about clear and simple operation?

By nature, software evolves functionally with each new version and release. As a service-oriented company, it’s extremely important for us not only to provide all the necessary functions, but also to design the software so that the user can interact smoothly with it. Before we even started modifying the software, we therefore asked key users among our customers what we could do better.

And what was the result?

I'll be honest with you, all the feedback from our customers boiled down to one main response: There’s not much to complain about from a functional standpoint. But searching for some settings takes too long, and it takes too many clicks to complete a task.

So you analyzed this more closely.

Of course. We took the software apart and worked with our project partners to scrutinize it for usability and user-friendliness. With Version 4.1, we’re pursuing the goal of making its operation more straightforward and understandable.

So to put it plainly?

Let us surprise you. My colleague Dr. Wolfgang Schinke will tell you more about this. I’ll tell you this in advance: Our users told us how they usually work in NC programming. The user guidance reflects the logical sequence of the individual work steps. 

There are a lot more new features in 4.1, like the new product structure. Can you please give us a few words about that?

The new product structure is designed as a modular technology toolkit. These modules are designed for special technical requirements. This allows companies to close specific gaps in efficiency – whether they already use Tebis or not. For example, if you only want to use a workstation for roughing, go ahead. Theoretically, a company that only wants to do deep drilling with Tebis but is otherwise using a different CAD/CAM software can now use our automated solution for deep drilling. Our users will also find the restructuring of our products in technologies reflected in the user interface.

Mr. Obermaier, you’ve actually turned some things upside down. Isn't that a big change for your users?

Absolutely. We made many changes, from the new object tree to the Job Manager, and a number of parameters and functions have been "moved." But Tebis is still Tebis. Users will quickly get their bearings. Overall, operation is much simpler and more logical. And we won't leave anyone standing out in the cold. Of course, we offer comprehensive update training courses. I especially want to highlight our customer support. Because that’s also an important strategic goal for Tebis! Partnership: We place great value on personal contact and on quickly and directly supporting our users. Of course, we’re also actively supporting our customers in the transition to version 4.1.

And then there’s also the new Tebis Community….

Exactly. All of our customers with a maintenance contract can access our new Tebis Community. That’s where they can find lots of useful tips and tricks for using the software. Our customers can also exchange information there. The site currently provides more background information on version 4.1 as well as many videos explaining the differences between version 4.0 and version 4.1 in detail.