Product Configurator Software 101
By Katie Foley
Today, we are going to take a deep dive into the world of Product Configurator Software. What is it, who is it for, what functionality does it offer, and more!
Introduction
In the most general terms, Product Configurator (PC) Software is a tool to present complex product options to customers in a straightforward and user friendly way. PC is designed for dynamic-configuration intensive businesses that offer extensive product options and features.
A Product Configurator, like the one offered through the Visibility suite of software, is essential for the custom manufacturing companies. It contains features, options, rules and formulas, and is perfect for the make to order company that has some standardization to their product offerings.
Product Configurator Functionality
Now that we know what PC software is, let's review the range of functionality it can offer. If you are a custom manufacturer in the market for a PC solution, be sure the software you choose includes the following:
| Replicate the knowledge of your best sales rep. | This makes quoting and order entry quicker and easier for your current and future sales reps and captures and preserves their expertise for years to come. |
| Ensure end items are valid, buildable, deliverable products. | As part of the quoting and selling process, you may wish to ensure your end item is a valid, buildable, and deliverable product, then rules are the perfect solution. |
| Simple user experience. |
Improved user experience by dynamically altering the colors of options and features to provide a visual clue there is a rule that has been violated or that a feature is in fact valid. Can also see price calculated based on dimensions. |
| Enable customers to do self-service configurations. | Allow customers to create their own custom quotes and orders for configured models that you have defined and released to sales. |
| Create bills of materials and shop floor routings. | As users navigate through the configuration, the rules add parts and quantities to the BOM while also adding operations and run times to the routings. |
Product Configurator Benefits
PC Software is beneficial to many custom manufacturers, including the following industries: Industrial Machinery, Transportation, Systems Integrators, Electronics, Custom Equipment, Furniture, and Windows and Doors. The benefits of this software are extensive:
- Automates Complex Decisions
- Improves Accuracy of Quotes and Orders
- Can Create Re-Usable Smart Part Numbers
- Improves Customer Collaboration
- Solves Dimensional Product Needs
- Offers a Guided Selling Experience
- Validates Choices
- Calculates Costs, Prices and Margins
- Delivers Faster Sales Cycles
For companies with a high variety of product options and features where the creation of BOMs and Routings for each iteration is simply not practical, the Product Configurator is an ideal solution. It minimizes cycle times, reduces order entry errors, and improves the transition from sales to the shop floor.
Interested in learning more about Visibility's Product Configurator? Get in touch with us for a more in-depth rundown. You can reach us online or give us a call at 978-269-6500.
