KISTERS 3DViewStation: Germar Nikol – The Visionary Behind the Success Story

A Man with Vision

Germar Nikol, Director of Visualization Technologies, has been with KISTERS AG for 34 years. During his school days, he began experimenting with programmable calculators alongside his classmate Klaus Kisters, who is now the CEO of KISTERS AG. After studying electrical engineering with a focus on technical informatics, he consistently pursued this path. “Even as a student, I programmed to develop practical solutions. This curiosity and desire to simplify complexity still drive me today,” Nikol explains. After his early years as a software developer at KISTERS, it was primarily his drive for innovation that led him to explore new technologies. As a software reseller with a portfolio of various solutions, he took a new step with KISTERS. His team offered software for various requirements, but customers increasingly came with new demands that the current portfolio could no longer meet. In a small meeting, Nikol and his colleagues, including today’s development manager Christian Rousselle, decided in 2010: “We’ll develop it ourselves.”

From Idea to Success

By 2011, the first version of 3DViewStation was released – a fast tool distinguished by its clear focus on user needs. Initially equipped with very basic functions, the software quickly adapted to customers‘ growing requirements. This approach – staying closely connected to users – remains the key to its success today. Over the years, KISTERS 3DViewStation has evolved into a comprehensive software solution for 3D CAD data, used worldwide as both a desktop and web-based solution. “I’ve always been the one saying, ‘Guys, it has to be easy to use.’ The developers often protested, saying it was harder to implement. But I always insisted that software is designed to make the user’s life easier, not ours as developers,” says Germar Nikol. This philosophy continues to define 3DViewStation today.

The Best Ideas Often Come from Practice

Through close collaboration with users and integrators, 3DViewStation has been continuously enhanced and enriched with essential features. Today, it is an indispensable tool in numerous manufacturing companies. Even after more than a decade of 3DViewStation, Nikol remains convinced that success lies in continuous development. “Functionally speaking, we’re ‘feature complete’ today. However, we are working to further optimize user-friendliness and develop new technologies like the new JT importer. Customers are also asking for Linux-based web systems – we’ll see what the future holds,” he explains, describing the current focus areas.

From Tinkerer to Strategist

Germar Nikol has not remained the classic engineer but has gradually developed into his current role. What began as a fascination with programmable calculators turned into a success story through a pragmatic approach and the courage to make bold decisions. “I don’t have formal business training; I’ve always relied on my common sense. Decisions like entering the licensing business or developing our own software product were made through reflection and learning by doing,” he explains. This approach – carefully weighing risks and seizing opportunities at the right time – has proven successful: 3DViewStation has been profitable from the start. “Success is the sum of the right decisions made at the right time. Timing makes all the difference,” Nikol emphasizes. With this philosophy, he not only built 3DViewStation but also laid the foundation for sustainable success.

Synergy and Team Spirit at the Core

Team spirit is a central factor in 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 not only ensures high motivation and satisfaction but also exceptional results. He particularly appreciates the positive atmosphere: “I really enjoy working with the team, and I know the colleagues like spending time together outside of work. That shows we’re more than just a workplace.” More than half of the team members have been with the company for over 10 years, reflecting an extraordinary level of commitment and stability. Through this culture of trust and personal responsibility, KISTERS has built a strong, dedicated team that tackles challenges together.

KISTERS 3DViewStation is continuously enhanced in response to customer needs and requirements. It is available as a Desktop, HTML5 WebViewer and VR Edition product versions plus the online collaboration tool VisShare. All product offerings can be integrated with a PLM, ERP or other leading management system as well as service and spare part applications. KISTERS 3DViewStation provides all necessary APIs for your development team. For cloud, portal and web solutions, there is a HTML5-based WebViewer solution available, which does not require client installation. All file formats can be used in combination with the intelligent navigation and hyperlinking features to address the needs of complex integration scenarios.